Fawad Khan is a name the youth of Pakistan have grown to associate well with. Lead vocalist of the alternative rock band Entity Paradigm (EP) that started a nationwide revolution in music and now with the experience of a world renowned film Khuda Kay Liye (KKL) to his name, he’s still young and rearing to go leaps and bounds towards more success. Asma Berjees of Partylicious catches up with the man of the moment.
A.B: You walked on the ramp at the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week for Munib Nawaz, How was the experience like?
F.K: I am in the modeling field so it is not the first time I’ve walked the ramp, but yes it was a great experience. Munib’s a good friend and I completely trust and admire his outfits. I believed that if Munib is coming out with something new then it must really be good stuff. Overall, I must say that it was a wonderful experience and like everybody i loved it too.
A.B: Do you think events such as the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week and their success amount to progress for the fashion industry?
F.K: Well, any part that promotes our fashion industry is good provided that there is a good outcome. Although, it is a healthy platform because it is giving a chance to Pakistani Fashion Industry to prove itself in the international arena since we had the International media covering the event as well. While I do support such events, I am unable to see any result or outcome as yet. As long as they provide an outcome, such events are great.
A.B: How did you decide to become part of the showbiz world? Did your family support your decision?
F.K: Actually my entrance to the field of showbiz was quite planned, I was always interested in acting but it was my friend Zain Ahmed and director Shahzad Anjum who actually introduced me to this world. At the age of 17, I performed in one of my school’s sitcoms directed by my friend Zain. After that, another important incident was the emergence of our band EP (Entity Paradigm) through which I got to be known as a musician. And yes, my family fully supported me when I opted for this field because I took it as a full time profession from day 1.
A.B: It has been said that Bilal Lashari introduced you to Shoaib Mansoor that resulted in your part in KKL. Is this true?
F.K: (Smiling), yes that’s true, because Bilal Lashari is one of my good friends at school. He was assisting Shoaib Mansoor for KKL at that time, and one day he called me up and suggested I audition for one of the main roles in the movie. So I went along and initially, I wasn’t selected for the role. Later on, after 6 months I got a call from Shoaib Mansoor and was finally selected.
A.B: Hadn’t your role been offered to Ali Zafar before you that he rejected for some reasons?
F.K: Yes, that’s correct. There have been various controversies regarding this movie, as it is based on a complicated issue. Ali Zafar was offered the same role that I did of course. When they auditioned for the role the first time around, it was Ali who got selected instead of me. Later on, when he refused the role for his own reasons, it came to me. Junaid Jamshed also refused to work in the movie and therefore Shan was selected for the elder brother’s role.
A.B: Of course working with such a big director like Shoaib Mansoor must have been a great experience?
F.K: It sure was a great experience; people really appreciated the film and its concept. But yes, there were few controversies regarding the movie which caused some misunderstandings amongst the viewers. Overall though, the movie did pretty good business in Pakistan and abroad. Interestingly, KKL was released in UK around the same time when the Bollywood flick “Om Shanti Om” got released, and it’s great to know that KKL bagged five stars where as Om Shanti Om got only four in UK ranking! After working in KKL, I can proudly say that I was an important part of that film.
A.B: Khuda Kay Liye has no doubt been a landmark in Pakistan’s film industry. How do you see the industry in particular flourishing (or has flourished to this date)?
F.K: Yes immensely. You see people who haven’t yet explored the cinemas to view Pakistani movies now are moving towards this medium to watch KKL. In fact, it’s a big change in our film industry, and I hope that if they keep continuing the same style and standard of producing quality movies, our industry will flourish. You can see that various new people are taking this field as a profession but there is still room for improvement for better productions and directions.
A.B: It has become a trend in our industry that if you want to achieve high standards of fame you have to work for (or work in) Bollywood. What if Indian film industry offers you any role in one of their movies?
F.K: India is a big market but I believe that, first and foremost, if you are nothing in your country you are nothing in the world. If I will be offered any role in any Indian movie I will only go for it if it is based on a quality project. Otherwise, Pakistan is my first priority, and I love working for my country.
A.B: Let’s talk a bit about the band Entity Paradigm. No denying that it was one of the most prominent bands in Pakistan and gave us some superb quality music. Few years back it literally vanished. Why was that?
F.K: EP was based on many talented people who have their own concepts about music. Sometimes, it is so difficult to manage the objectives of every other person who has his own perception of music (EP consisted of 7 people). Another visible reason you can see is the involvement of all band members in their personal projects such as Ahmed Butt starting his own production and he was occupied in that sense. I myself was committed with projects regarding my acting and Xulfi with his band Call.
A.B: However, now that EP is again performing, how does it feel to be in front of your fans again?
F.K: It’s a great feeling because I just loved performing with EP. We’ve always enjoy performing together as a team which has been a great experience on its own. It provides qualitative outcome to the audience and that matters.
A.B: Being a musician, how do you rank Pakistan’s music industry in light of the influx of so many in to this field in recent years?
F.K: Hmm… I wouldn’t have any preference for any particular singer. Whether it’s Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, Jal or any new entrant, they all are representing Pakistan and taking music to higher standards. Jal’s composition is really good as compared to its previous albums and at the same time, no doubt Atif’s voice is the reason of his fame and he has a standing of his own for this very talent.
A.B: What about the media? How effective is it in promoting our local music and film industries?
F.K: Not very good I must say. For KKL and its soundtrack promotion, it was huge and brilliantly planned operation. I think there is massive potential that can be tapped if the media giants in this country want to.
A.B: Fawad, you have experienced both fields (acting and singing) now. Where do you rank higher; as a good actor or a good musician?
F.K: (Smiling) Well it’s quite a tricky question but I would like to say that it’s actually the audience who rank the artist. It’s my fans who can judge me well as to whether I am a better singer or a better actor. But in my opinion, I just love performing arts be it acting or singing. So for me they both are an equal preference.
A.B: Who has been your source of inspiration in the field of acting or singing?
F.K: I have worked with many senior actors, and there are a couple of them who are my source of inspiration. Among them Firdous Jamal has the best acting skills I have ever seen and I really admire him.
A.B: What are your future plans and on how many projects you are working currently?
F.K: As I mentioned before, I consider showbiz my full time profession. I am committed on many projects right now actually.
A.B: There has been hot news around town that you are coming up with your solo album too?
F.K: Yes, that true. I am currently working on my album as a solo artist. I have written its first song and also composed it and it is still work in the pipeline.
Q: Any message to the people who are interested in the field of showbiz?
F.K: Like other professions, showbiz is also a full time profession and a big responsibility. So those who feel like that they have enough interest and courage to get committed with their work must come and join this field. Whatever you do, do it with full consideration and commitment.
A.B: Any words of wisdom for Partylicious and what we do?
F.K: Keep up the good work & keep rocking.
