Imran Abbas Naqvi: Too hot to handle!

Imran Abbas Naqvi, the new chocolate boy of Bollywood industry is going to hit big screens with this new project, ‘Jaanisaar’ by veteran director Muzzafar Ali. The actor who hails from Pakistan has been seen as a lead in Creature 3D opposite Bipasha Basu and this is his second Indian project.

In an exclusive conversation with him, we got to know about his character in the movie and the kind of person he is when he goes off the screen.

How difficult was it to don the character?

I belong to a family who speaks Urdu and my forefathers belonged to UP, India before they migrated. So, I have a strong connection with this place. Also, almost everyone in my family is a poet because of which I know about Urdu literature. I graduated from National college of Arts, Lahore, as an architect, so, I naturally had the knack of arts too. So, as far as donning the character is concerned, it wasn’t a hard thing to do, however, what took a task were the characteristics, like- riding a horse that too with the art of multi-tasking, owning the body language, behavioral instincts etc.

We know that you are a poet too, so would we have any chance of listening to your poetry in this movie?

Muzzafar sir is using epic poetries written by the maestros and my poetry doesn’t even stand a chance.

However, I am planning to sing a couple of songs, not an album but something for my own sake and would see how people react to it.

How often do you write poems?

I cannot talk about a time when I started to write poetries/couplet because I haven’t been doing it on regular basis. I remember since childhood I would scribble something or the other, every now and then.

How was working with Pernia Qureshi?

Pernia is a debutant but her work never leaves that impression. Her character in the movie is of courtesan and I believe that she was tailor-made for this role, since she is a trained Kuchipudi Dancer and has gracefully owned Kathak too. She is a perfectionist because she also goes into detailing of a character, the expression, the dialect or the language.

So, moving to your career, was acting always on your list?

Being an actor wasn’t my plan at all. I just started my career as a model and I knew a couple of people who are legendary in Pakistan and I started to get offers from them which I could not turn down. So, that’s how my career started and now, when I look back, I realize that I have done so much by far but yes, of course, there is still, a long way to go.

I have done quite a few roles as an emperor, a prince or so on. I don’t think any actor has been in such roles as many times as I have been (giggles). This is a sheer luck that I am working in a movie whose Director has directed an epic like Umrao Jaan.

Since you donned the role of a nawab a lot of times, do you have any traits like them?

Not at all. The only common thread between me and nawabs or any other person from mughal era would be poetry. I am an artist, I love music and even classically trained in singing, so probably I can say that these are the traits I have in common with nawabs.

As you, by destiny, have become an actor, what is it you like about ‘stardom’?

What I really like about being an actor is the part that I get to meet so many creative people. I travel a lot and each of my day starts with bright energy. However, being an actor or a star was not something that could fascinate me.

And what is it that you miss?

I miss my family because I travel a lot. I do not remind myself everyday that I am an actor or a star because I believe that would deprive me of cherishing happiness in small things. I just want to be happy and be like a normal human being who can stop anywhere in a completely packed market and eat or do whatever I want. Stardom becomes a handicap after a point of time.

So, are you a six-pack person?

Hahaha, yeah, I am but yes, I lose them too. Mostly, my body works according to the requirement in the work I am doing, otherwise, I am a big fitness freak. I take care of everything- diet, sleep, workout etc. I lead a very healthy and positive lifestyle. I don’t keep myself awake late night, don’t go for parties, don’t drink or smoke, I am a morning person and most importantly, keep myself happy.

People in industry you look up to?

I like Naseeruddin Shah, Amitabh Bachchan who are incomparable and have amazing energy levels. I do not think I will stay even 10% of what he is. I look up to his story and his achievement. Also, I like Madhuri Dixit Nene for her elegance, beauty and for me, she is perfection personified.

Well, it seems this hot guy has a long list of hopes and wishes but all we can say is, all the best. Some things we personally liked about Imran: His smile, the way he carries himself, professional but casual and easy to talk to. What did you like about him? Do mail us at info@oneworldnews.in

Picture Credit: Sunny Mathews.