Faysal Quraishi believes the only way he’ll get a civil award for his services to the entertainment industry is by going to his nearest Imtiaz and asking for a sitara (star).

The veteran actor was speaking with his friend Shahzad Nawaz on an episode of the latter’s podcast Koi Reh Tu Nahi Gaya, when Nawaz teased the actor about the high award potential of his drama Case No.9 and how he had earlier derided the industry for not recognising his work as an artist.

The host also asked if he felt he was in the running for state recognition for his work, perhaps an award like the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz or even the coveted Sitara-i-Imtiaz. The actor joked his best shot was going to the grocery store chain Imtiaz and asking them for a sitara, which he hoped they would have in stock. Quraishi shared he didn’t know what else to do after the authorities had rejected his name for a civil award twice.

Quraishi proudly shared though that he knew his fans are behind him. “People have written lengthy emails [to the government], they’ve sent me screenshots of them.” He said he didn’t know why this was the case.

When asked whether he would accept a national award if he was nominated, the actor said, “I’d have to, I can’t say no to that. How could I not accept?”