With his fresh, young looks, Yasir Shoro started his career as a VJ on a regional TV channel and migrated to mainstream acting a few years later. With successful TV serials like Zard Mausam, Aseerzadi, Tanhai, Qismet and a few others to his credit, he has finally proved his mettle as an actor. Now, he says he wants to emulate the success of Sanam Baloch, Fahad Mustafa and Danish Taimoor, all of whom have shrugged off their regional avatars to become stars in their own right.

The audience for regional and mainstream TV is vastly different. Did you find it difficult to adjust as well?

YS: I am fluent in both Sindhi and Urdu so I didn’t have much of a problem. The audience of regional channels is limited whereas it is huge when one talks about mainstream TV. Ever since I started doing private plays, I have been getting recognition wherever I go. The best thing about mainstream TV is that you gain fan following in large numbers. I was helped by the fact that my ‘regional’ fans welcomed my transition and supported me.

Your first break as an actor?

YS: It came through Hum TV. I gave an audition and was selected. The good thing is that my initial plays managed to do well and my performance was appreciated. I prefer to do quality work even now when I am working with the top production houses.

The secret to your success?

YS: Good old-fashioned hard work. I don’t care whether the role is major or minor. I believe that if a character is executed correctly, it will be appreciated. Also, my directors have placed their trust in my acting abilities and it is because of them that I have been working continuously.

He is young, good looking and he can act — that’s Yasir Shoro for you

Don’t you feel frustrated at being offered the same type of roles every now and then?

YS: There is very little a new actor can do regarding the kind of roles being conceived these days. The choice of the leading man is also limited since there are a handful of people who get to play the lead in Pakistan. The young ones start off doing secondary roles but if they work hard and are good enough, some director will recognise their talent and offer better opportunities to act in plays and serials.

Senior actors don’t support newcomers because they feel threatened by them. True or false?

YS: I don’t think its right to associate such things with seniors — they are not only helpful but also go out of the way to support us. I have had the privilege of working with the best actors and I have found them quite professional. Ahsan Khan, Faysal Quraishi, Fahad Mustafa, as well as Sania Saeed and Rubina Ashraf have always been there for me with words of encouragement when I needed them the most.

Many actors are pushing the limits which is why our industry is booming and becoming known to the world. Take for instance Javed Sheikh saheb who has been involved in the revival of the film industry and is also pushing young blood further upstream.

What can be done to pave the way for newcomers in the field?

YS: Sadly, our directors opt for popular actors for lead roles than choose the more deserving ones. Only when miscasting is taken in check and actors are selected on the basis of talent rather than reputation will things change for the better. Every actor now wants to work in a film.

It’s an industry where newcomers have to work very hard to earn the rewards. We need more risk-taking when it comes to casting. Our country possesses a lot of raw, young talent which once tapped supersedes reputation.

Do you see yourself up on the big screen sometime soon?

YS: Yes, why not! I know I can be a good leading man. Many of those with film ambitions are either good actors but not dancers or can dance but can’t act. I can dance, act, am good looking … so when you offer a complete package, sooner or later you are bound to be noticed. I also believe that by doing commercials you can groom yourself for the big screen. I consider ads as a learning ground for films.

Which actors do you look up to?

YS: I have always been a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan and believe me when I say that he and I share the same beginning. He knew no one in showbiz when he started out and same is the case with me. His success is a proven fact that if you are talented, nothing in this world can stop you from achieving your destiny! I am also very fond of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

Now that you are almost there, what do you plan to do next?

YS: I thank my producers for considering me for lead roles but in order to stay in competition, one has to continue with the good work. It’s an open market and only actors worth their salt will be able to survive in the long run.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, September 13th, 2015

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