“We as actors can play different characters every day. I can’t do desk jobs sitting all day and doing the same work again and again. I love creativity.”

It didn’t take long for Usama Khan to become the industry’s new favourite. Who knew that an actor with a career span of just four years, amongst the presence of such phenomenal actors would not only make his mark in the entertainment industry, but will also be able to land into playing pivotal roles in some of the major projects with his strong acting abilities. Having interest into becoming an actor since the beginning, Khan still preferred to complete his studies first. He right after completing his ACCA stepped into the glitzy world of entertainment, where he successfully made his name through his versatility and strong on-screen presence. Currently, he’s impacting the audience with his on-air drama serial Uraan. He is aiming high to do a role that can make him stand out on television. The actor is also starring in the recent star-studded web series, Meray Dost Meray Yaar 2, which has an ensemble cast including Hania Amir, Asim Azhar, Ali Hamza, Asad Siddiqui, Mariyam Nafees and more in significant roles. Haris, a new character introduced in the second season of the series, is considered to be a completely different version from the roles that he’s done before. He’s also especially worked on his appearance; and we can’t agree more that this series will be a total game changer for his career. Khan sits with MAG for an exclusive chat where he talks about films, his passion for acting and much more. Excerpts:

Who is Usama Khan off-the-screen?

Well, off the screen I am an introvert, I don’t talk much and I have a very limited social circle.

What sparked your interest in acting? When did you decide to take it as a profession, switching over from an established corporate career?

I always wanted to become an actor but with that I also wanted to complete my studies first. So, I got done with my education and then, tried my luck in acting.

Do you recall the moment when you faced the camera for the first time?

Yes, I was zoned out and I couldn’t feel anything in that moment. I was completely numb, and I was just reciting my lines because I was very conscious.

Do you have any plans of working in films?

Yes definitely, I do plan on doing films in the future. And I do have options lined up as well but I am not considering them as of yet. Waiting till I make a strong statement on television.

Which project of yours do you consider to be a game-changing project for you?

They would be Sanwari and Uraan for sure.

The audiences enjoyed your on-screen chemistry with Zainab Shabbir. How was the experience of working with her?

I had an amazing experience with her, and on top of that we are great friends.

Who is your favourite actor who inspires you the most?

Fahad Mustafa and Ali Zafar.

What do you enjoy the most about the acting profession?

We as actors can play different characters every day. I can’t do desk jobs sitting all day and doing the same work again and again. I love creativity.

What kind of roles fulfills you as an actor?

I would say energetic characters. I recently did Uraan and Nooriyan and that was quite a game changing experience for me as I am playing a college boy and then transitioned to a married man all of a sudden. So, I felt I did quite a transition of roles in the terms of expressing my emotions relevant to the character. Also, got to learn a lot from Rubina Aapa. And then playing a role in Meray Dost Meray Yaar 2, I did a completely different character compared to my previous ones. So, yes definitely a long way to go but learnt quite a lot from my recent projects.

What can the audience expect from your new drama serial Uraan opposite Kinza Hashmi and Adeel Chaudhry?

I had a great learning experience from Uraan. Again, working with Rubina Aapa is nothing more than a learning experience and she brings out the best in you in terms of acting. I developed a great understanding with her in term of our roles as mother and son. So, I am glad the way drama portrayed our relationship as a learning curve for the audience that no matter how old you get, always listen to your parents and give consideration to their advice and opinions. For me, Uraan was more about me and Rubina Aapa rather than me and Kinza.