Hamza Firdous

you & me

Riding high on the success of his debut serial ‘O’Rangreza’, in which he essayed the role of a self-centred and greedy young man, Hamza Firdous is a new addition to the current crop of Pakistani actors. Son of veteran actor Firdous Jamal, Hamza has been able to prove his mettle with his debut project while period drama ‘Ghughi’, in which he played the role of a young Hindu man, is a solid proof of his diversity as an actor. But that doesn’t mean that he directly worked wonders after entering the drama industry. His journey began much earlier when he was an ordinary student studying in Ireland. “When I was eight, I started with theatre drama. But I actually joined the field when I was in Ireland. At that time, I was doing my graduation and together with that I was doing short courses in acting as well,” shares the young emerging actor. “I didn’t always want to pursue my career as an actor and that’s why I obtained a degree in Accounting & Finance. I also worked at Microsoft as a Financial Analyst but on the sidelines I was doing theatre and acting courses for around six to eight years. Later on, I realised that acting is one career I want to pursue and that’s why I quit my job and came to Pakistan,” he adds.

Currently, Hamza is seen in Geo’s drama serial ‘Seerat’ in which he is essaying the lead role of a religious man contradictory to his previous outings. Besides that, he will soon be transitioning to films. He has been offered a film that he is considering these days while he has also penned two film scripts aside from a short film that he plans to direct soon.

This week You! talks to the talented actor and gets to know about his likes & dislikes...

You! What do you like most about your job?

The fact that you can use your imagination to explore. Also, acting sort of makes you more aware of yourself and your surroundings. And, you don’t have a dull moment that whatever you know is enough.

You! The project that was your claim to fame...

There is no claim to fame project as yet. ‘O Rangreza’ was special, ‘Ghugi’ gave me a different experience and ‘Seerat’ is currently on air; all hold a special place in my career.

You! At this point of life, what song can be your life’s theme song?

‘Look What I Found’ by Lady Gaga.

You! Your favourite designers:

Humayoun Alamgir, Ismail Fareed and Usama & Hafeez who also designs clothes for dramas too.

You! What do you usually wear in daily life?

Shorts and a worn-out shirt because I get this joy when I wear something old.

You! Who’s your bestie in the industry?

Since I worked with Kinza Hashmi in my last drama, I think I am good friends with her.

You! Define happiness in three words...

Family, travel and food.

You! You are afraid of...

Every time I pick a character, I have a fear that I can’t do it.

You! One thing that always cheers you up...

Coffee, maybe a good cappuccino...

You! Your idea of romance...

When you are home together, watching a movie, order good delicious food and get the room cosy. I am more chilled at home since I don’t like going out.

You! What’s your biggest turn off?

Bad odour.

You! You are crazy about...

Exploring new cities and countries. I wish there were no airports though.

You! Among your friends you are known as...

Someone who is silent.

You! One thing you like best about yourself:

I take my work seriously.

You! A style icon that you wish you could bring back to life?

Michael Jackson! He used to wear those outlandish clothes; the hats and everything.

You! One food that you can eat forever...

I am hooked on to Chicken Tikka Masala these days which you cannot get here in Pakistan, it’s from Ireland. It’s a sweet and savoury kind of dish can eat with rice or bread. Basically it’s my cheat meal.

You! Something very few people know about you as a person...

That I can cook a bit. I can make some really good chicken...

You! The biggest misconception about you...

Umm... I ask too many questions about the character or story.

You! How do you spend your Sundays?

Since we don’t follow a routine in our field, I do more things when I am not working. I read, practice my guitar or writing stuff. So, it’s more hectic when I am off.

You! What’s next on your bucket list?

One day I want to direct a film and work with people who know more than me so that I can improve.

You! What advice do you have for young artists coming into the field?

Explore the characters on screen, learn about them, get the information and be always on the edge. Unless we are aware of the emotions and feelings of those characters, we won’t be able to play them well.

You! If you weren’t doing what you are doing today you would be...

Well, I was working as a Financial Analyst before, so I would have been doing a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 job.