“Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” quips Fawad Khan, Pakistan’s ever-popular actor, as he addresses his prolonged absence from Indian screens. But with equal wit, he reminds everyone that “out of sight, out of mind” is a reality too. In a recent interview over Zoom, the versatile actor opened up about his hiatus and the excitement surrounding his latest project, the supernatural drama series, “Barzakh.”
A beloved figure ever since his striking performances in Pakistani dramas, Fawad’s last significant appearance in a Hindi film was in 2016’s “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.” Reflecting on this long gap, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to his steadfast fans. “I have always been very thankful to fans who have waited for me and I apologize for making them wait for so long. But it was not in my hands,” he shared, adding that he firmly believes timing is everything.
The much-anticipated “Barzakh,” which pairs him once again with his “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” co-star Sanam Saeed, released recently on Zindagi’s YouTube channel and ZEE5. The show has stirred quite a buzz with its intriguing trailers and the high expectations from fans who fondly remember the duo’s past collaboration.
Fawad’s rise to stardom began with his roles in iconic Pakistani series like “Dastaan” (2010), “Humsafar” (2011), and “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” (2012). His foray into Bollywood with hits like “Khubsoorat,” “Kapoor & Sons,” and “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” had set the stage for what could have been a flourishing career in Indian cinema. However, geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan curtailed this journey. Nevertheless, Fawad remained a prominent figure back home and even explored international projects, further cementing his status as one of Pakistan’s most recognized actors.
Despite the glamour, Fawad admits that maintaining his position in the entertainment industry is increasingly challenging, especially in the age of social media. “To be able to hold on to your position of being a renowned actor has become more difficult… There are performers and talented people everywhere,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Fawad hinted at an exciting lineup of projects in the coming years. “I can only say that the coming time is going to be very interesting. If you are waiting for my work, there is a lot that’s going to come out next year. I feel that everything should happen at its own pace and in a good environment… Hopefully, 2025 will have a lot more content coming from my end,” he assured.
The 42-year-old actor also made a notable appearance in Marvel Studios’ series “Ms.
. Marvel,” where he had a brief but memorable encounter with actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. “It was very nice to be in touch again. We had earlier met briefly during my time in India,” he recounted.
His new series “Barzakh,” produced by India’s Shailja Kejriwal and directed by Asim Abbasi, known for his acclaimed film “Cake” and series “Churails,” has been a refreshing project for Fawad. He revealed that he was drawn to the show’s blend of family drama and magical surrealism. “I’m always up for a good narrative. I had seen Asim Abbasi’s work in the past and he is a talented writer and director. I read the script and I have to say this: it was love at first sight,” he said.
A significant driver of the show’s buzz is the reunion of Fawad and Sanam Saeed, a pairing that fans have cherished since “Zindagi Gulzar Hai.” Reflecting on this, Fawad said, “Fans liked the pairings so much that it stuck with them for a long time and the shows became, amongst many things, modern classics. Whenever there is such a pairing that leaves such a lasting impact for such a long time, people start to wait for your next work together. I am aware of that.”
Fawad plans to continue working with Sanam in future projects and also has collaborations lined up with another popular co-star, Mahira Khan. “I hope the audiences enjoy them as well. Obviously, the nature of the characters will be different in these projects but I think it will be a new era of our reunion,” he said.
On his selectiveness with projects, Fawad confided that he never felt the need to rush into numerous roles. However, the preparation for his 2022 film “Maula Jatt,” Pakistan’s highest-grossing film, required him to take a hiatus. The pandemic also slowed down some of his projects, but he is now resuming work with renewed vigor. “I am selective but to the extent that I get involved with stuff that I understand,” he explained.
In terms of recent viewing, Fawad enjoyed the Indian series “The Family Man,” starring Manoj Bajpayee, and caught up on popular Pakistani dramas “Meray Paas Tum Ho” and “Khaie.” With the growing opportunities for cross-cultural collaborations in the streaming space, Fawad remains enthusiastic about the future. “These are exciting times for artists. I have always been open to collaborations wherever they may come from. I have a hunger as an artist,” he said, emphasizing the enriching experience of working with diverse talents and cultures.
As he continues to navigate his career, Fawad Khan remains grateful for the unwavering support of his fans and looks forward to creating more memorable performances on both sides of the border.
