STARBUZZ; READY FOR HIS CLOSE-UP

Hashaam Khan belongs to a league of dynamic youngsters who are on the brink of stardom and fame. As a producer and now an actor, he has made a success of himself through sheer hard work and fortitude.
He is poised for even bigger things to come but, for the time being, he is content to take things one project at a time, secure in the belief that his time under the spotlight and superstardom is inevitable.
Q. Acting and production, you seem to have a finger in every pie. How did the journey start?
Hashaam Khan: Well, acting always has been, and remains, my first love. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do, even before I could muster up the courage to speak about it out loud. But for most of the last decade, when I had no work as an actor, production was something that helped me stay afloat, busy and sane enough to survive.
Q. This year was Mehmaan and last year you had Yeh Tou 2 Much Ho Gaya and Aap Ke Aa Jaanay Se to your credit. What’s next on the cards?
HK: Yes, God has been very kind to me, and last year turned out to be a massive stepping stone in my journey. Right now, I’m working on two more projects as an actor, which will be releasing soon. So, fingers crossed!
Q. Given choice and time, what else would you like to do?
HK: It took me eight years to reach a point where I could finally embark on this wonderful journey, something which I wanted the most in my life. I don’t think I would trade it for anything else right now.
Q. You have worked with some of the most well-respected names in the industry. How has the experience been?

HK: Well, it’s been a great learning curve. It has been extremely fulfilling, and I hope I can keep on working with all the amazing talent we have in Pakistan. I always want to work with people who know more than I do, so that I can continue working on myself and elevate my game.
Q. Do you think our television dramas have a bright future ahead of them?
HK: Absolutely! I believe we’re here to stay. Every industry has their own set of problems, but we should collectively take them as a challenge and make our country proud.
Q. As a producer, what do you find lacking in the industry?

HK: It’s very hard to answer this question in a few lines, but what I can assure you is that we have a lot of talent in every department of filmmaking. But I believe that investing in proper universities and institutions could really help us up our game.
Q. Who inspires you? Who do you watch and listen to?
HK: Well, I think inspiration is all around us, every single day of our lives. It just depends on how willing you are to keep an open mind. I definitely try to be an ardent observer of life.
Q. Words of advice for newcomers in the field?
HK: Firstly, I think it’s very important to believe in yourself. Secondly, only when you see it in your mind and feel it in your bones can you muster the patience and perseverance required to hone this craft. If I can do it, so can you. Good luck!
Published in Dawn, ICON, September 1st, 2024