Beauty can be both a blessing and a curse, especially for those in the limelight. Many celebrities find it hard to escape the pressure of being judged solely on their looks. Icons like Richard Gere, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Hrithik Roshan have all faced the challenge of proving they are more than just their stunning appearances.
Gere’s layered performance in Chicago, Rai’s powerful role in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Roshan’s range in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara remind us that real talent lies beneath the surface.
Emad Irfani understands this struggle well; for him, moving beyond the focus on looks is a personal journey that highlights the importance of depth and authenticity in his craft.
In the Pakistani entertainment world, where audiences deeply connect with their dramas, achieving lasting fame can be tough. Viewers often form strong attachments to their favorite characters, making it crucial for new projects to strike a chord.
Emad has felt this impact with the success of Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum, a drama that has not only won hearts but also sparked genuine concern and admiration among its viewers. This newfound acceptance allows Emad and his fellow actors to shine in ways that go beyond their physical appearance.
In a chat with City Times, Emad shared his thoughts on navigating the fine line between looks and talent in the entertainment industry.
Money or Love: What’s Your Take?
You’ve taken me back to my childhood with that Zohaib Hasan song Paisa Bara Ya Pyar. It’s a million-dollar question!
In my view, choosing between money and love is a personal choice that depends on what each individual values more. Some people find comfort in love, while others seek security in financial stability. It varies from person to person.
How Do You Handle Devoted Fans?
Pakistani viewers can be very passionate about certain dramas, like Humsafar or Dhoop Kinare, and about actors like FK or MK. It can take years for new projects to gain the same admiration that shows like Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum have earned. How do you manage such strong audience feelings?
The love and appreciation from fans are what every performer dreams of. The overwhelming response from the audience has been energizing for me. After a break from TV to work on a film with Shoaib Mansoor, I see Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum as my comeback, and I’m grateful for the warm reception from both audiences and critics.
Has Turning 40 Changed Your View on Life?
Absolutely, my perspective has changed. Now that I’m older and hopefully wiser, I carry the weapon of experience. We’re all learning and growing as we move through life. My personal philosophy is to strive to be the best version of myself.
Working with Shoaib Mansoor: Trust or Interpretation?
Your upcoming film with Shoaib Mansoor is highly anticipated. Do you prefer to fully trust the director’s vision or add your own interpretation to your role? Considering Shoaib’s reputation, how do you manage creative differences?
Working with a legend like Shoaib Mansoor is intimidating given his impressive body of work, many of which have defined my life. You must trust him completely as he is a creative genius. That said, I also bring my interpretation to the role, shaping the character through how I express myself.
Is It Frustrating to Have Limited Opportunities?
With so many actors vying for attention and cinema struggling to draw crowds, do you ever feel discouraged despite having much to offer as an actor?
In life, you must work with the resources you have. Each phase brings its own challenges. Global cinema is evolving, becoming like Test Match cricket—the purest form, yet it’s fading. Fortunately, our drama industry is thriving, giving us plenty of opportunities to just act.
Managing Social Media: What’s Too Much?
How do you deal with social media demands? Is there a limit to how much you share? Can revealing too much make a star less appealing?
I grew up when actors were seen as enigmas. Today, social media is huge, and audience perceptions have changed. I see its value in promoting my work and connecting with supporters on my journey.
Thoughts on Fame and Its Effects?
Fame has its downsides, yet there’s also pressure to maintain it. What are your thoughts on this?
I view fame as a byproduct of what I do it can be hit or miss. While it feels great to be appreciated, humility and respect for the craft that has given me this opportunity are far more important. Using fame to inspire others positively is truly powerful.
Views on Supporting Cast Recognition?
A veteran actor mentioned that supporting cast members are often seen as “less important.” Do you agree? As a leading figure, do you feel responsible for changing this view?
Yes, I believe it’s essential to respect my seniors. Their years of experience are invaluable, and I learn so much just by being around them. Everyone deserves equal respect, and it’s unfortunate that these feelings exist in the industry.
Do Artists Need to Experience Sadness for Great Performances?
Many believe that sadness can enhance an actor’s performance. Do you think artists must experience sorrow to excel?
Those emotions often resonate strongly with audiences, especially in the performing arts. Like anyone, artists experience grief. Whether or not it leads to the best work, we are all just pushing through the ‘pain barriers.’
If You Could Choose Co-Stars for a Movie, Who Would They Be?
If you had all the money and could pick any stars for a film, who would you choose, and what would it be about?
I would select Amitabh Bachchan, Tom Cruise, and Mahira Khan for an epic period drama about Partition, inspired by some of Manto’s powerful stories.
