Bilal Ashraf is among few actors of Pakistan presently, who can be called real film stars. Unlike the current crops of artistes who first won fame from television and then came into films, Ashraf is the only one who enjoys the status of a film actor and that too in lead roles.
Besides acting, he also carries a distinct style whether it is a humble attitude that attracts others towards him or his physique about which he is always very concerned. Recently he won the Hum Style award for ‘Most Stylish Actor film – Male’.
Before coming into acting, Bilal Ashraf worked as visual effects director for ten years. He studied visual effects direction at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania, United States.
His acting career started with a brief appearance in the 2014 thriller O21. He then starred as lead in the commercially successful romantic drama Janaan (2016), the war eulogy Yalghaar (2017), and the blockbuster musical romance Superstar (2019).
The Truth International (TTI) got up close and personal with this unique artiste to know more about him as a person and actor and his passion for acting and filmmaking.
TTI: Did you have any idea of getting this award?
BA: No. I didn’t have any idea. In fact I was a bit anxious if I didn’t get the award. I am truly thankful and humbled for all those who voted for me and made it possible.
TTI: How do you define style?
BA: I think it is one’s personal statement. It is whatever you are comfortable with or in and carry it off. Some people like dressing up a lot while some want to look very casual and natural.
TTI: What would you say about the controversy that was created after the Hum Style Awards?
BA: I think social media created a lot of controversy around the event. I believe that everyone has a right to comment on anything but it should always be thoughtful enough. Some people are very strong mentally while others we don’t know are going through a lot of problems. They get adverse effects from these comments which can lead to mental disorders. So please next time criticize constructively like on their work and professional being, and do positive comments as well – not always negative.
TTI: The way some female actors and models dressed was criticized very negatively. What would you say?
BA: In style awards, everyone carries their own style statements. The same people who are criticizing our celebrities’ clothing, when they watch Hollywood or Bollywood stars as the same, in a movie or show, they appreciate them. We should not take anything personally and if someone is wearing something by their will, then please have some courage to accept it.
TTI: You are among the few actors who won fame only in films but entered a bit late. Why?
BA: I never wanted to become an actor. Actually, filmmaking was a dream of my late sister Sadia but at that time, the film industry was very limited in Pakistan. Unfortunately she lost her life battling cancer. So I am here to fulfil the dream of my sister. Whenever I am acting, I feel her around me.
TTI: Right now, where do you find yourself standing in the industry?
BA: I think we already have big names as heroes in our industry. I feel honoured if I have been successful to make some name and fame among them. From now on, I will constantly remain standing here to accomplish the dream of my sister.
TTI: The cinema industry is suffering all over the world because of Covid. So in this case, what alternatives do you find?
BA: I am among few actors in Pakistan who have just worked in films so I think it’s time to move towards television dramas. I believe that television is a great platform to improve my skills and to learn more about the trade from the masters. So, yes, television is next.
TTI: How was the journey from Janaan to Superstar?
BA: I have actually enjoyed this journey so far. As far as my journey is concerned, I did Janaan as a fun experience. I had never thought it would be a hit. The second one, Rangreza, was a flop though but it actually was an eye opener, as after Rangreza, I revisited my approach to acting.
I went to the UK and inducted myself in some acting courses there. I became more careful in choosing scripts. Finally I was lucky to have found the ideal producer Momina Duraid, best director Muhammad Ehteshamuddin, and wonderful co-star Mahira Khan for Superstar.
Moreover, Momina Bhabi and Ehtesham Bhai also asked me to have some acting courses in NAPA, where I really learned a lot.
TTI: You have been lucky to work with almost all female film actors in Pakistan. Who do you wish to work with in Holly- wood or Bollywood?
BA: I really admire Sophia Loren, though she is much senior and not working in films anymore. I also have a dream to work with Meryl Streep.
TTI: What are your future plans?
BA: I think films, television and web series are all in the pipeline. Moreover, I have launched a production house ‘Beehive Transmedia’ with my mentor Muhammad Ehteshamuddin, for which I am really thankful to him. We work on commercials and feature films, concepts and scripts. It is a one-stop creative shop.
