ASAD BUTT

you & me

Not every actor enters the industry with a clear blueprint. Some learn on the job, take what comes their way and slowly figure out what suits them. Asad Butt falls into that category. Since his debut in ‘Mohabbatain Chahatain’ in 2016, he has worked across a mix of projects, picking up roles in dramas like ‘Darr Khuda Say’, ‘Laapata’, ‘Guddi’, ‘Muthi Bhar Chahat’, ‘Ilzam e Ishq’ and ‘Aik Bhool’. There’s been no fixed pattern to his choices; some intense, some lighter, some experimental.

He has played negative characters, supporting roles and eventually moved into more prominent parts, including ‘Pakeeza Phuppo’. Along the way, he has also tried his hand at comedy with ‘Aik Se Barh Kar Aik’, showing a willingness to step out of familiar territory. His upcoming project, ‘Rehaai’, continues that streak, set in a prison environment rather than the usual family setup.

In a candid interview, this heartthrob shares his likes and dislikes with our readers…

How did acting happen for you?

I always had an interest in acting but I didn’t have a clear plan like “I’m going to be an actor.” When the opportunity came, I just took it. Then one project led to another and here I am.

Your first role was negative, was it a deliberate move?

At that time, I just wanted to work. But looking back, I think it helped. People didn’t put me in a ‘hero’ box from day one, which gave me more freedom in doing versatile characters later.

Is there one role that changed things for you?

My role in ‘Pakeeza Phuppo’ definitely helped. It gave me visibility. More people started recognising me after that. But I still feel like I’m building towards something bigger.

Are you someone who memorises lines perfectly or just wings it on set?

I do my homework, but I’m not robotic about it. I like to understand the scene and then let it flow naturally. Sometimes the best moments aren’t planned.

Your dream co-stars for different genres?

For something intense, I’d pick Yumna Zaidi. For romance, Sajal Aly. For comedy, Dananeer Mobeen would be fun. And for a strong negative role opposite me, definitely Saba Qamar.

Directors you’d say yes to without even reading the script?

That’s risky but I’d definitely be excited to work with Nadeem Baig. I also really like the work of Mussadiq Malik and Ali Hassan.

If you could steal one role from a recent drama, what would it be?

The one played by Danish Taimoor in ‘Deewangi’. It had a lot going on emotionally, which makes it interesting to perform.

You played a full desi Punjabi guy in ‘Filhal’. How did that happen?

That role needed a completely different vibe, accent, body language, everything. I had to really work on it so it didn’t feel fake.

What’s one role that really challenged you?

My character in ‘Guddi’ was tough. Playing someone so dark wasn’t easy. You have to go into a mindset that’s very uncomfortable.

What’s a typical day on set like for you?

Very chaotic. Long hours, a lot of waiting, then suddenly everything happens at once. You have to be ready all the time.

And then you did comedy too. Any funny on-set disaster?

There were moments where we just couldn’t stop laughing and had to redo scenes multiple times. Comedy looks easy on screen, but it’s actually very tricky.

Have you ever cringed watching your own scene?

All the time. I think every actor does. You always feel like you could’ve done something better.

What are you working on right now?

I’m doing ‘Rehaai’. It’s set in a prison, which is different from the usual stories. I play a police officer who’s trying to do the right thing in a complicated situation. It has some serious moments, but it’s also very emotional. It’s more about people and their situations than just the setting.

What kind of roles do you want to do next?

Something with range. A character that lets me show different sides. That’s always more exciting than playing just one note. There’s no attempt here to position myself as something I’m not. I’m still learning, still experimenting what works and what doesn’t.