US TALK

Upcoming model-turned-actor Noman Kahout is fast carving his own niche in the showbiz industry in Pakistan. In a short span, he has found his footing with quality work, doing fashion campaigns with designers like Amir Adnan, Emraan Rajput, Munib Nawaz, and Tabassum Mughal, and brands like Diners, Lawrencepur, Cambridge, Oxford, and Avocado.

After making a mark in modelling, his transition to acting was inevitable, especially when good offers started coming his way. In Fahim Burney’s coming-of-age drama College Gate, he appeared in a meaty role, making his presence felt. This was followed by Honeymoon, which gave him a chance to further display his talents. However, in the serial Fatima Feng, he has really spread his wings and has garnered critical acclaim for his phenomenal portrayal of Raheel.

Us: What does success mean to you?

Nouman Kohaut: Success to me is happiness. Money and fame and other achievements mean nothing if there’s no peace within.

Us: What is something you learned early in your career which helped you become a better actor?

NK: Hard work always pays off and accepting challenges helps you learn versatility. For an actor, it’s mandatory to keep improving his skills and diversify his range.

Us: What is the most challenging thing about this career?

NK: The best use of available time and opportunities help you take things in your stride.

Us: How did you learn the craft of acting?

NK: We learn from real life characters and our observation plays a key role.

Us: Who are some of your role model actors and actresses, and what do you like about their work?

NK: All our seniors are institutions of talent, and their outstanding work and journey are in front of us, showing us how they evolved from nothing to the status of a superstar. This is where I draw my inspiration from.

Us: From all your roles so far, which one was the most meaningful to you, and why?

NK: Fatima Feng – it was a very good script; I must say I learned very much about my religion from that script. The character of Raheel is very close to my heart.

Us: Do you believe good looks and connections are the only things that make a star?

NK: Looks help you get noticed and connections are shortcut to opportunities, but once your career gets on the track, then your craft, skills, and talent help you sustain your journey.

Us: How has social media changed things for you?

NK: It helps an artist to remain in contact with his fans on a real-time basis. Apart from that, it also helps potential clients from media access the artists directly without any hiccups. Also, the feedback on your work comes instantly, and that helps too.

Us: How do you deal with self-doubt?

NK: My strong faith in the blessings of Almighty keeps me in the flow.

Us: Please share three pieces of advice for aspiring actors.

NK: Work hard towards your goals. Believe in your talent and remain focused. Also, contribute as a philanthropist to pay back to the society.

My teenage years

Date of birth

19 March 1997.

The best thing about being a teenager was

No worries, no stress, no tensions.

The worst thing about being a teenager was

Dictations coming from right, left, and centre.

I was always listening to

Vital Signs.

My favourite actors were

Fawad Khan, Tom Cruise, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

My favourite singers were

The Weeknd, Arijit Singh, and Dua Lipa.

My favourite superhero was

Batman.

My favourite movie was

There are so many.

My favourite book was

Comics and storybooks.

My closet was full of

T-shirts and jeans.

My friends were

Loyal and very funny.

What used to hurt me the most was

Double standards.

I wish I had known then

The importance of time.

Relations with family were

Very strong.

My favourite subject was

Arts.

My least favourite subject was

Physics.

I couldn’t stand

Bad odour.

My favourite food was

Anything that comes quickly when I’m starving.

My favourite hangout was

Beaches, mountains.

My favourite sport was

Cricket.

Five things I couldn’t live without were

My cell phone, gym, friends, Netflix, and tab.