Actor talks internet trolls, film career and what he has learned
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.”
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