Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan, renowned for his poignant performances in both Pakistani television dramas and Bollywood films, recently engaged in a candid conversation about his experience in the Indian film industry. The actor, who made his Bollywood debut with the 2014 movie ‘Khoobsurat’ opposite Sonam Kapoor, has since been a topic of interest for fans and industry insiders alike regarding his impact on the Bollywood landscape.
In a revealing session on Ahmad Ali Butt’s YouTube channel, Fawad Khan was asked to weigh in on the speculation about his presence causing unease among Bollywood’s established names. The actor admitted to having quite a few discussions with his public relations team about the amount of exposure he was getting. “You’ve made a lot of friends in India, but it came to the point where you were being compared to the big names,” the host inquired. “Did it upset a lot of the big dogs? You, along with contemporaries like Ali Zafar and Mahira Khan, were being offered lead roles in one of the biggest film industries in the world. Do you think this occurred too quickly for you to be considered a threat?”
With a modest shrug, Fawad responded, “How do I know, man?” He elaborated on the tricky question, stating the love he received from India was immense but pointing out that politics exist in every industry, including back home in Pakistan. While acknowledging such scenarios are probable, he confessed that it’s easier to handle within one’s own industry. In a surprising revelation about his public relations strategy, Fawad disclosed his unconventional approach. “I had PRs, and they used to get angry at this. I was like, ‘I need you to take out my name, not put it in there’. I would tell my PR to remove me from places, not put me. My manager would say, ‘You don’t understand how the world works’”, he confided.
Within his narrative, he challenged the conventional wisdom of ‘more visibility, more success’. He quoted a common saying, “Woh kehte hain jo dikhta hai woh bikta hai”, which translates to ‘What is seen is sold’, and countered it with his philosophy, “mujhe lagta hai jo kam dikhta hai woh zyada bikta hai”, meaning ‘What is seen less sells more’. Fawad firmly believed that overexposure could diminish the allure and mystery of a movie star, perhaps diluting their appeal.
The actor’s journey in Bollywood has been noteworthy, not just for his entrancing roles but also for the grace with which he has navigated the complex waters of another country’s film industry. Starting with ‘Khoobsurat’, his charm and acting prowess quickly made a mark and garnered him a recurring spot in the conversations of Bollywood enthusiasts. His performance in ‘Kapoor and Sons’ further cemented his standing as a gifted actor capable of nuanced portrayals.
Despite the acclaim, Fawad faced the unique challenges of an outsider aspiring to become a mainstay in Bollywood. His perspective on visibility deviates from the norm, opting for a certain reticence in lieu of constant limelight. Although his stance on publicity might diverge from what many consider as the golden path to enduring stardom, it reveals a strategic understanding of how to preserve the mystique central to a movie star’s persona. Evading overexposure, Fawad Khan has undeniably carved a niche for himself and in the process has left many wondering about the depth and potential longevity of his glimmering career in one of the world’s largest film industries.
