To find an actor who is praised equal parts for his charismatic looks and acting chops is a rarity. However, Hamza Ali Abbasi is one such unicorn. Model, actor, director - he's doing it all. His drama Pyaray Afzal dominated television screens and the hearts of the audience. Unfortunately, the show is over now (if only it was an Indian television show, it'd have gone on for a decade!) so fans are left asking one question: when do they get to see Hamza in action again?
Not on television any time soon it seems. Talking to Dawn, Hamza says: "I want to do at least one drama a year. However, I haven't come across a riveting script as yet. The kind of scripts being pitched currently have not grabbed my attention. I do plan to return to television this year, provided I get the right story."
His first directorial venture Kambakht started garnering the buzz when its official trailer was released nearly five months ago but the movie's release has been delayed time and time again.
"I admit, the shooting did get delayed because I was busy in dharnas. However, it is in post production now and we will hopefully be done with it by March and then hand it over to ARY to release it whenever they deem fit. I truly believe in this project. Entertainment without a message or moral is useless. Kambakht will make people laugh but also make people think."
Kambakht has a stellar ensemble cast which includes Humayun Saeed, Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui, Sohai Ali Abro, Saba Qamar and Hamza Ali Abbasi himself, among others.
Speaking of Saba Qamar, who Hamza has been linked with for a while now, he clarified: "Saba and I are not dating. We're just good friends."
He also revealed: "There is someone I've recently met who I have a soft corner for. It's still half-cooked but I can guarantee it's not anyone from the media."
It's no secret that Hamza is a staunch advocate of Imran Khan and is often seen at PTI rallies and protests happening all over the country.
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Talking about the kaptaan's recent nuptials, he gives us some insight: "I appreciate that in light of the Peshawar tragedy, Imran Khan did not have a grand event. It was a subtle and simple ceremony and the timing, although unfortunate, was a necessary evil. The media had started speculating and it just had to be done."
The Waar star will also be seen next in Humayun Saeed's comedy movie, Jawaani Phir Nahi Aani.
The cast of 'Jawani Phir Nahi Aani'. - Photo courtesy: Facebook |
The star conveyed: "We were in Bangkok recently. Shooting for the movie has kicked off and will wrap up by February if all goes according to plan. It's a funny movie and Ayesha Khan will be acting opposite me. Other than that, Bilal Lashari's Maula Jatt is also in the pipeline but it is in pre-production stages right now so it will be a couple of months until we start doing anything concrete."
*Read: Humayun Saeed to release new film 'Jawani Phir Nahi Aani'
2014 was a rewarding year for Hamza and judging from how full his plate is, 2015 will only be better.