Umer Aalam

you & me

Actors often begin in one space and gradually move into others as their work grows. For many performers in Pakistan, theatre remains the first real test of discipline, timing and stage presence. For actor Umer Aalam, those early years on stage laid the groundwork for everything that followed. He began in stage productions like ‘Siachen’, ‘Bananistan’ and ‘Monkey Business’, experiences that honed his timing, discipline and improvisational skills. His win in the 2022 reality show ‘Tamasha’ was a turning point, bringing national recognition and a path to lead roles in dramas like ‘Khaas’, ‘Mohabbat Reza Reza’, ‘Pehli Si Mohabbat’, ‘Raqs-e-Bismil’ and ‘Diyar-e-Yaar’. He has also worked in films such as such as ‘Parchi’, ‘Chhalawa’ and the thriller ‘Carma’.

His new project, ‘Jahannum Ba’raasta Jannat’ explores the psychological depths of its characters. This week Umer Aalam shares his journey and experiences with our readers…

You began your career in theatre while studying in Islamabad. How did those early years influence you as an actor?

Theatre was where I really learned how acting works. I started in 2012 while studying at COMSATS and spent several years performing in plays. On stage, there are no retakes. If something goes wrong, you have to recover in the moment. That experience taught me discipline and confidence. It also improved my timing, especially for comedy.

Many actors describe theatre as the toughest training ground. Do you agree?

Yes, because theatre demands consistency. A performance has to work every night in front of a live audience. That pressure prepares you for other mediums like television or film. It also helps you develop patience because growth in theatre takes time.

You later moved into television with supporting roles. What was that transition like?

I always believed that every role has potential if you approach it seriously. My aim was to make the character believable. Even a small role can leave an impression if it is performed well.

In 2022, you joined the reality show ‘Tamasha’ and eventually won the season with a large public vote. What convinced you to participate?

At first, I was unsure because reality shows are unpredictable. But I saw it as an opportunity to show a different side of myself. Instead of playing a character, the audience saw my real personality.

How did winning that show affect your professional life?

It introduced me to a much wider audience. People who had never watched my dramas before started recognising me. That visibility opened doors to new opportunities.

How has been your experience working in films?

Film sets usually involve longer schedules and a different level of preparation. Scenes are planned carefully and sometimes shot multiple times from different angles. It requires patience but it is also rewarding to see the final result on the big screen.

Film acting often allows more time to build a character because the story is contained within a limited duration. Television, on the other hand, develops characters over many episodes.

After working in television and film, you returned to the stage with the commercial play ‘Monkey Business’. Why go back to theatre?

Theatre has always been important to me. When the opportunity for Monkey Business came up, it felt like the right time to reconnect with that space. Live performance gives immediate feedback from the audience, which is something you cannot experience in other mediums.

You share the stage with Yasir Hussain in the play. How would you describe that collaboration?

Yasir Bhai has a lot of experience in theatre and comedy. Working with him helped me learn how to pace a scene and respond to audience reactions. On stage, you depend on your co-actors to maintain the flow.

What is your role in ‘Jahannum Ba’raasta Jannat’?

It is very different. In this drama, the story focuses on emotional struggles and difficult choices. The character goes through a personal journey that involves guilt, redemption and complicated relationships.

Looking ahead, what kind of roles would you like to pursue?

I am interested in characters that feel real and layered. Whether the role is dramatic or comic, it should offer something meaningful to explore.

As your career continues to evolve, what keeps you motivated?

The desire to improve. Every project teaches something new, whether it is about acting, storytelling, or collaboration. That process of learning keeps the work interesting.