TV has been a great medium to introduce Pak talent: Sami

Sami Khan is a Pakistani actor and model of substance. Hailing from Lahore, he has acted in both films and television, winning the Best Actor award for the drama serial Ghar Ki Khatir at the prestigious Pakistan Television Awards in 2011 and Best Actor award for the film Devar Bhabhi in 2013. Community caught up with Sami to have a word on what keeps him busy at the moment, his career and thoughts on acting.   

What is your latest project?
Right now, I’m working on a project Tou Dil Ka Kya Hua (working title) written by Khalilur Rehman Qamar and directed by Shahid Shafaat.  It’s for (Pakistan’s premier entertainment channel) Hum TV and being produced by Next Level Entertainment and MD productions. I will be sharing screen with Aiza Khan after three years. Other actors are Muhammad Zahid, Mansha Pasha, Rehan Sheikh, Usman Peerzada, Farah Shah, Noor Khan, Imran Ashraf, Hira Hussain, Seemi Pasha and Behroz Sabzwari.

Pakistani serials are considered to be more popular all over the world but films haven’t been able to reach that level. Why?
Yes, and there is a reason for that. Our TV has grown and flourished with time whereas the films went in the wrong direction and the film industry was almost finished unfortunately. But now the revival of Pakistani film has begun since the last few years and it’s still in the process of becoming a full blown film industry. It will take some time, but films like Na Maloom Afraad, Actor-in-Law, Waar, Janaan and many more to come are showing the potential in this industry. Sooner or later we will get there In Shaa Allah but we just need to stay the course.

You have worked in over two dozen dramas and also films. Which medium do you feel more comfortable with?
An actor is an actor. Whether stage, TV or film, s/he does what s/he does and that is acting. All three mediums are different and require different energies. All I can say is that I’m learning with each and every project. As long as I’m learning I will be comfortable. Whatever I’m learning from TV, I will apply that knowledge and experience to create magic in a film or small screen.

Your career has been a rollercoaster ride, but now you are internationally known, especially in India thanks to Zindagi TV…
I don’t know the exact number of serials being shown in India, but honestly our television has been a great medium to introduce our talent to the world and, especially Indian audience. Feedback has been amazing for all the projects like Do Qadam Door Thay, Ishqaway and currently, Be Inteha, Dhaani and Rasme Duniya is getting good feedback from all across the globe. There is one project which will come on ARY Zindagi (TV channel) soon and it’s called Teri Meri Jodi. It has been made while keeping the Indian audience in mind.

Pakistani talent is back in India. Some actors and composers are back to working in Indian films. Do you intend to take a chance now?
I am always focused on quality work. As long it’s something really nice and worth doing, I would love to do it. It all depends upon the team and the script.

Have you visited India recently and worked with any Indian artiste?
I visited India last year and worked along with the late Om Puri. He was not only a great actor but a great human being as well. I met Subhash Ghai, my favourite director, as well. India was very nice and welcoming.

Which Indian actor do you look up to?
I look up to the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and my favourite actors are Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar.

Which Indian actresses you would like to romance onscreen?
Any day, I would like to romance Katrina Kaif or Deepika Padukone —onscreen!