Actor Ahsan Khan speaks about rejecting the image of the ideal hero — Dawn
In Pakistan, British-Pakistani actor, producer and TV host Ahsan Khan said he is no longer interested in playing typical positive heroes. After more than two decades in the entertainment industry, he prefers controversial characters who combine vulnerability, cruelty, care and selfishness, Dawn reports.
Khan’s latest such role was Tabish in the drama Aap Ki Izzat, written by Umera Ahmed and directed by Saife Hassan. The plot centers on the marriage of Tabish and Bina, played by Urwa Hocane: their relationship begins with love but gradually falls apart. According to the actor, the series shows what often remains outside traditional marriage storylines — the gradual deterioration of a relationship due to minor problems.
An ambiguous villain
Khan does not consider Tabish an unequivocal villain. His character disregards his wife’s feelings, cheats on her and takes her presence in his life for granted. At the same time, he is attached to his children and mother and regrets his own actions. The actor explained that such ambiguous roles allow him to show a character’s depth, unlike formulaic heroes and villains.
In Khan’s view, Tabish is convinced that providing financial support for the family is enough to fulfill a husband’s duties. The character seeks a political career and a new life in which, he believes, his wife no longer matches his ambitions. The actor believes Tabish’s biggest mistake is that he developed himself without supporting his wife’s development.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Roles that change the actor
Khan said that working on Aap Ki Izzat prompted him to reflect on his own behavior in marriage and on widespread offensive jokes about appearance. He also links the characters’ problems to rigid gender roles, which, in his opinion, do not guarantee that people can be good partners.
Khan called his role as Imtiaz in the 2016 drama Udaari, which addressed child sexual abuse, one of the key turning points in his career. At the time, some people believed that portraying a predator could harm his career as a romantic lead, but the actor himself calls the work a watershed moment. He also included the spiritual drama Alif and Aap Ki Izzat among his important projects.
The actor added that he still feels anxious before every new role and fears most of all performing a character poorly. He urged young actors to focus on professional skills, have backup plans and not compare themselves with others.
