“I’m proud of the fact that wherever I go, I’ll be recognized as a Pakistani actor”

He hails from one of the most well-known acting families in the country but Shahzad Sheikh has made a determined effort to make his place in the industry based on his talent and not his lineage. With a few television dramas and a small role in Main Hoon Shahid Afridi to his credit, Shahzad Sheikh is finally set to break out into the big league with his upcoming rom-com Karachi Se Lahore.

Shahzad Sheikh with his fellow co-stars, including Ayesha Omar, on the sets of his upcoming film Karachi Se Lahore.

You grew up surrounded by some of the country’s most popular actors – your father Javed Sheikh and uncles Saleem Sheikh and Behroze Sabwari. Was your acting career predetermined by your lineage?

Acting never interested me much while I was growing up. I was a shy teenager and I never thought I would have the self-confidence to be in the public eye. I started off with a career in advertising but very soon realized that I wasn’t cut out for a 9 to 5 desk job. That’s when I thought about pursuing an acting career. It was a thoroughly planned decision; not something that happened by chance.

You’ve studied acting from New York. How helpful has that been in advancing your professional growth?

When I made the decision to take up acting, I wanted to learn the craft properly before taking up any project. I enrolled in a one-year course at the New York Film Academy and studied a variety of techniques – from doing Shakespeare to performing monologues. It not only brushed up my acting skills but also helped me open up as a person and become more confident.

One expects celebrity kids to get a spectacular launch, but you got off to quite a low-key start with roles in television serials. Was that a deliberate move?

Totally. I could have gone to my father for help but we were both adamant that I needed to learn the ropes on my own. In fact, the first few times I went to audition for a role, no one knew who I was and I got my share of rejections. I’m proud of the fact that I have my own style of acting and haven’t been branded a mini-version of my father.

What is Javed Sheikh like as a father?

He’s the most chilled-out, awesome father one could have. He loves to cook for us and he’s extremely knowledgeable. I can sit and talk to him for hours, about anything from politics to travel to cooking. The only thing we don’t talk about at home is acting. He’s not a star at home, he’s just a regular guy trying to figure out domestic issues, like when the car needs to be serviced next and sending me to do it!

You’ve recently become a father yourself… how has that changed your life?

I have a 3-month old son Shahmeer and I can easily say that he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I used to laugh at my friends with kids and their lack of a social life but now that I have my son, I’ve become exactly like that. I’d rather be home with him, feeding him, burping him, changing diapers, than out with friends. I hope one day he looks up to me the way I look up to my father.

Karachi Se Lahore is going to be your first major production. Tell us a little about your role and why you chose this particular film.

I was on board from the minute I read the script because it has been so brilliantly written. The movie is fun, it’s young and everyone who goes to the cinema to watch it will be able to relate to at least one of the five main characters because they portray such an interesting variety. I love how the movie captures the beauty of our country and focuses on the bond of friendship. I play the lead guy who’s going on this crazy road trip with his friends to stop his girlfriend’s wedding in Lahore.

The cast, on location at Badshahi Mosque, while shooting for the song ‘Lahoriya’ from the film.

 People have been asking why it’s a road trip because he could easily have taken a plane or train but there’s a good reason that they are going in a jeep, which you will find out when you watch the film!

How was it working alongside your father in Karachi Se Lahore?

To be honest, we had zero interaction because our scenes never overlapped. But that’s not to say I didn’t learn anything from watching him perform. I love the dedication and honesty that he brings to the table – for him, acting is a way of life, a passion that you give your all to and I am lucky that I have learnt that from him.

What is your fondest memory of the shoot?

Discovering parts of the country that are so unbelievably beautiful that I was surprised they are in Pakistan. Also, the guys I share screen with and who play my best friends actually became my friends in real life. We had a blast together, driving around, sleeping in remote places, sharing our experiences. It was extremely tough also, being away from the comforts of civilization. My son was born and I had to leave three days after to film and that was really difficult. But like my dad always says, the show has to go on no matter what your personal issues.

Is Bollywood on the cards in the future?

Why not? An actor doesn’t have any boundaries; he should be able to work anywhere in the world. I’m proud of the fact that wherever I go, I’ll be recognized as a Pakistani actor. I’m open to a film in Bollywood provided it is a role that is well-written.