KARACHI:
Aashir Wajahat has quite literally grown up in front of the camera. From delivering memorable performances as a child actor in Mai Kukkoo Aur Woh and Karachi Se Lahore, to producing musical hits like Sadqay and Peetal, the actor-musician has steadily carved out a space for himself in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
In a recent appearance on Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt, Wajahat opened up about navigating his career amid the pressures of media visibility and family legacy.
Reflecting on the course his life has taken, Wajahat shared, “I was born into acting. I really enjoyed my time on set as a kid and learned a lot. If I were given a choice now, I would still choose acting – but maybe start much later in adulthood.”
Carving his film career
His foray into acting began almost intuitively. “I would memorise my lines very quickly and never got nervous in front of the camera,” he recalled. “That became a sign for my parents that I might be good at this, so I started taking on roles that came my way.”
Wajahat described his early experiences in the industry positively. “I did my first film at the age of 13. Being on set was always fascinating. That, combined with the attention I received, really deepened my interest in this world.”
However, the pressures of being part of a well-known showbiz family eventually led him to take a break. “There was a lot of pressure. My father is a famous director-screenwriter and my mother produces films. Stepping away helped me reassess the direction I wanted to take in life.”
Making a comeback
Wajahat made his return to the big screen with the critically acclaimed film John in 2023. “When I came back, I knew I had to win the audience over. If I could pull this off, I’d be able to prove my worth as an actor,” he said. “The experience really humbled me, and I don’t find other shoots as difficult anymore.”
Laughing, he added, “It was also the only movie I was offered on my return, so I had to take it.”
For now, the actor is taking things slow, “John was very well received by the fraternity but it didn’t make me the overnight hero I was hoping to be.”
The process taught Wajahat to patiently approach projects.“The film took a long time to make. That was quite draining for me and I saw how much work goes into one project. I sort of took a step back then and I am more mindful of what projects are offered to me.”
Media pressure
Wajahat expressed his feelings about his presence in the online realm, “I have had a bittersweet relationship with social media. I have seen online hate up-close and people stitch nepotism to my name as well. In the present, I only use social media as a billboard for my work. I don’t really like showing my personal life on social media.”
Reflecting on earlier media interaction, the actor said, “I used to be very naive and would post every song cover or picture I took. With time I realised that while it’s good to stay connected with fans and exhibit your work, it opens the floor to a fair deal of criticism.”
The actor doesn’t blame the audience for this, “If you are putting your life out there then it becomes public property. People have a right to comment on it and you can’t complain.”
The actor has made headlines for getting trolled often, to this he responded, “When my music came out, people trolled me a lot. Our people can get a bit aggressive with it too. At first I was upset but then I reflected on it.”
“I realised I was also doing some things wrong and really worked on myself.”
The host of the podcast mentioned Wajahat’s recent controversial videos with Hania Aamir that surfaced the internet. Rumours of an alleged affair between the two spread and the two were under fire for promoting indecency on social media.
“Did that occurrence make you hold back from social media afterwards?” asked the host.
Wajahat responded, “Yes, I think so. After this backlash, an actor said something very wise to me. ‘As long as you will be seen with famous people, you will be known for being in other people’s stories. Never for your own work. Focus on your work so that it is highlighted more.”
He has learned a great deal from his media mishaps, “I realised this is not what I want to be known for. If I am hanging out with my friends then why should that become news? I am still friends with these people but I don’t publicise it. It can be too much.”
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