Imran Ashraf is a force of talent which has taken the nation by storm! Each new performance of his is poles apart from the previous one and like a chameleon, Imran evolves into a completely different character which is uniquely unrecognizable from his other various roles. It’s a fresh breath of air to see Imran flawlessly play male characters on screen who are not the typical depiction of ‘heros’ that we monotonously see.
His latest performance as the Autistic ‘Bhola’, in ‘Ranjha Ranjha Kardi’, has left everyone hypnotized and led us all to fall in love with the adorable yet witty character. Here’s an exclusive heart to heart about the art of acting, redefining true love, taboos and issues centralized around mental disabilities, with our beloved ‘Bhola’ himself!
1. What tactics do you use to study your character and bring it to life?
I don’t study my character, I start assuming how they are in reality. After that, I start to live like them and imagine their emotions to experience how they would feel in certain situations.
2. Of all the legendary artists from PTV’s era, which is one actor who you would want to sit and chat with, what would you ask them?
I respect all my seniors; however, I love Waseem Abbas and Humayun Saeed. It’s them who I reach out to and ask each and everything which goes beyond my sense of understanding things.
3. Almost every character you play displays the truest form of love; the latest being Sunny from Lashkara, who despite knowing he’ll never end up with the girl, was a constant source of support. We’d like to know, how does Imran define true love?
Zindagi ka sab say bara maqsad hi muhabbat hai, aur muhabbat sirf sachi hi hoti hai; jo jhooti ho, woh muhabbat nahi hoti. Life is all about spreading love and to respect the different kinds of love we receive may it be in any shape or form.
4. Your performance in Ranjha Ranjha has stolen everyone’s hearts! How do you think the character of ‘Bhola’, an Autistic young man, can create awareness within our society about how to interact with such individuals?
I have truly tried my best to raise awareness about this issue. You, I and everyone know that we have ‘Bholas’ around us; take care of them. Such individuals know just the truth; they don’t have the concept of lies or manipulation. Love them. Help them. Respect them.
5. Presently, dramas are being based on taboo topics; which taboo in specific do you believe must be focused on and who do you think would be the best script writer to address the issue?
I think Khalil ur Rehman, Saji Gul, Faiza Iftikhar and ZafferMairaj can address taboo topics. Currently, I believe that all taboo topics are being focused on. However, I would want the issue centralized around people who go abroad and earn to be highlighted. The struggles of such families should be shown. Especially the issue of how daughter from families living abroad are used to gain visas and green cards.
I will write a story about that myself perhaps in the future.