Yasir Hussain is a Pakistani actor, screenwriter, playwright and host from Islamabad who is best known for his comic roles. Hussain made his debut in the 2015 film Karachi Se Lahore, which he wrote himself. OK! Pakistan gets up close and personal with this talented star.
Walk us through your professional journey upto this point.
Yasir Hussain: It’ll take an interview of six months for me to walk you through that. But in summary it was theatre, talk shows, more theatre, films, commercials and eventually back to theatre!
What excites you the most about acting?
YH: I can play a friend, a boyfriend, a son, and a brother… I’ve done that all my life but with acting I get to live so many different lives in this one life and that’s kind of exciting.
We love your spunky sense of style. How do you plan your looks?
YH: I don’t; I guess I’m naturally stylish (Laughs).
Which actors do you look up to, and why?
YH: Salim Nasir, Shafi Mohammad, Bushra Ansari, and Sajid Hasan – after I take these names do you still want to know why?
How did you discover theatre and acting?
YH: It was discovered 3000 years before I was born. I just played a part in it!
If you had a choice between theatre, films or TV shows, which one would you pick, and why?
YH: Theatre if it has a good script! Film if it has a good director! TV if I’m bored!
Your character Tahawar in Baandi has antagonistic shades to it. How was it to act in a role that is the opposite of your personality in real life?
YH: Isn’t that the purpose of acting? To play something out of your comfort zone? If I get cast in a part, which is close to my personality why would I get excited about it? It’s just me on the set and I’ve been playing my part since the last 32 years… what’s there to be excited about then?
The After Moon Show has garnered a huge audience and appreciation in a short span of time. How did it come about?
YH: Hum TV thought I did a good job at the awards show… so that’s that.
How is it different from other TV shows?
YH: It’s got me in it.
Returning to the world of Aangan Tehra after seven years, the play Naach Na Jaane was yet another hit. How was the experience of working in it and the reception it got?
YH: I hate re-takes and I hate waiting for feedback; I just want to do something there and then and improvise if I’ve made a mistake… just like in real life… it doesn’t stop when you make a blunder, and theatre helps me do that. As far as the reception is concerned, I can’t be more grateful to Allah Mian but it’s not something I’ve experienced for the first time in theatre plus with this kind of script, how can anyone go wrong?
What advice do you have for young people who are just starting their career in theatre/acting?
YH: Respect your elders and seniors.
What is the next thing on your bucket list?
YH: Marriage.
Who is your favourite super hero? / Who do you admire the most?
YH: Sultan Rahi.
If a movie was made on your life, what genre would it be and who would play you?
YH: Romantic comedy and I’d play myself.
Are you a morning or a night person?
YH: Depends on my schedule.
Current crush?
YH: As if you don’t know that…
What is the one thing that annoys you the most?
YH: The previous question about my “current crush”.
Describe yourself in three words.
YH: Witty, funny, and loyal.
TEXT: MEHR KASSIM
PHOTOGRAPHs: courtesy yasir hussain
