This realisation prompted Ahsan to adopt television as his beat, although the transition from the big to small screen proved rather difficult. “There were no good scripts for films. TV can help satisfy one’s appetite for good roles, with a greater scope for growth. But things are now changing fast and I am involved with films once again.”
Ahsan’s return to the big screen could not have been timed more perfectly, seeing as how the Pakistani film industry has revived itself over the past couple of years. “Filmmaking has become international here and grown from the old, 80’s vibes it had previously,” he says. According to Ahsan, the industry has traces of Hollywood more than Bollywood as the latter is either too realistic or too fantastical in its storytelling. “Pakistani actors are not just lucky but also trained in theatre and TV with a natural flare for dialogue-delivery. Thanks to local television, the era of Star Plus has ended; our original serials are what people want and enjoy.”
Ever the people’s person, this Pakistani heartthrob believes that his fans are assets, thanks to whom, he feels stronger every day. “They treat me like a family member,” says Ahsan. “It is amazing how people can connect with each other. TV has its own strengths too. But I take my work very seriously as each character must show depth.” Fortunately for Ahsan, every role he has undertaken has received great adulation from his loyal fan base, be it a romantic hero or the villain. He also attributes his success to his talented co-stars, Saba Qamar, Mahira Khan and Ayesha Khan in particular, claiming that, “If you are working with good actors, your work gets enhanced even further. Saba is very punctual, Mahira is extremely eager to learn and Ayesha can develop a great chemistry with every actor on set.”
Happily married with three children (Sukaina, Mohammad and Shahzain), Ahsan has his hands full with future projects. He is currently involved with a drama serial to be directed by Sakina Samo, along with a TV project and film that Ahsan is producing. On top of this, he is gearing up for a Ramazan transmission as well. “My shows will convey a social message by an average Pakistani with a heart. This is my service to my nation.”
