Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this very talented and humble actor…
you & me
Adnan Shah, lovingly called as Tipu, is a versatile actor known for his comic and negative roles. Shah started his career in 1999 as a television actor and gained popularity through a sitcom ‘Sub Set Hai’ (2001) created by Azfar Ali. “I was introduced to showbiz world by Azfar Ali, Ghazanfar Ali, Nighat Chaudhry and Ahsan Rahim who are my mentors and who encouraged me to join acting. I was good at mimicry, Ghazanfar sahab recognised my potential and offered me a role in one of his productions,” says Shah. Over the years he has solidified his position as a versatile character actor in the Pakistani entertainment industry. He has appeared in many television serials in Pakistan such as ‘Makan’ and ‘Jal Pari’. Shah has also acted in 2011 sitcom series ‘Kis Din Mera Viyah Howay Ga’. He made his debut as a film actor in 2003 with ‘Khamosh Pani’. In 2008, he appeared in ‘Ramchand Pakistani’, followed by his Bollywood debut film ‘Kajraare’ (2010), directed by Pooja Bhatt. Tipu also starred in ‘Josh’ (2013), ‘Dukhtar’ (2014) and ‘Welcome to Karachi’ (2015), ‘Driven’ (2016), and ‘Maalik’ (2016). He recently showed his acting skills in films like ‘Chikkar’ and ‘13’ (2023). He also impressed audience with his powerful performance in popular series ‘Kabuli Pulao’ (2023). Currently he is appearing in drama series ‘Stand Up Girl’. A graduate from Punjab University, Shah belongs to Faisalabad but is now settled in Karachi. These days he is working on couple of films and drama series including ‘Pagal Khana’. Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this very talented and humble actor…
What is your most memorable drama series or sitcom to-date?
‘Sub Set Hai’, directed by Azfar Ali, was my claim to fame. I was recognised by this sitcom and am forever grateful to Azfar for giving me this break.
How many films you have done so far?
I have worked in more than 30 films, national and international.
Your best performance to-date in films?
‘Maalik’.
What do you usually wear in daily life?
I am a simple person. I wear Bermudas when at home. When I am going out, I wear regular jeans and tees.
Your favourite brands?
Armani, Gucci and Levi’s. But it does not mean I am brand conscious. I wear whatever I like.
What is your favourite thing in your closet right now?
My tuxedo that I wore last year in Cannes Film Festival (for my film ‘In Flames’) is my favourite thing in my closet right now.
Your favourite local designers?
Ahmed Bham, Humayun Alamgir, Sajid Moosani and Abdul Samad.
What is the best purchase you’ve ever made?
I bought a car for my family, that’s the best purchase I have ever made.
Your most valuable possession…
My family.
What’s your most annoying habit?
I trust people very easily. Sometimes you get hurt in the end if you trust people blindly.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing my family.
What bores you the most?
Futile discussions.
You are crazy about…
I am crazy about my four beautiful girls.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Bar.B.Q Tonight, hands down. I love desi food.
Your all-time favourite movie?
‘The Godfather’ (Trilogy).
What’s the last thing you bought?
I bought a smart Apple watch.
What books are on your bedside table?
‘Safar Dar Safar’ and ‘Zavia’ by Ashfaq Ahmed. ‘Udaas Naslain’ by Abdullah Hussain.
You get super uncomfortable when…
People talk non-stop without making any sense.
First pay cheque?
Two thousand and five hundred only.
Your favourite accessory…
My mobile. Can’t do without my mobile now.
You are extremely possessive about?
My wife, my mother and my girls.
What is your favourite thing to do on a Saturday night?
To spend time with my family or to watch a nice movie.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
I make tea and breakfast for my wife, play with my girls, sometimes go out and meet my friends.
How do you unwind?
By reading a good book or by watching TV. Most importantly, all my worries go away when I play with my girls.
When you are not working, you are usually…
I usually hit the gym or go to the beach.
Tell us something about yourself, which very few people know?
I am a very sensitive and serious person.
The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…
To respect others’ opinion. Life becomes easy when you embrace differences.
How has been your experience in films?
Cinema is magic and working in films is so addictive.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working as a producer, travelling, let’s see…
Adnan Shah Tipu was in conversation with Erum Noor Muzaffar.
