In a candid chit chat with FUCHSIA, Pakistani Actor, Director, Producer & Cinematographer Usman Mukhtar shared some interesting tidbits about himself that we’re excited to reveal – things we bet you didn’t know!
Usman Mukhtar is a versatile Pakistani actor, director, and cinematographer known for his work in both film and television. He began his career with a love for theatre and evolved to become one of the most prominent faces in the Pakistani entertainment industry. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in popular TV dramas like “Anaa” and “Sabaat,” where his performances were highly praised. Besides acting, Mukhtar has directed several music videos and short films, showcasing his multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. His contributions have earned him a notable place among contemporary Pakistani artists.
His independent films, such as ‘Black Coffee’ and the 2011 online video series ‘Sweetness,’ in which he also acted, went viral on social media for their out-of-the-box concepts and humor, appealing largely to the young generation. This past year, he has been involved in two mega projects for the silver screen. His hit murder mystery, “Chikkar,” really shook things up in the sphere of Pakistani cinema. The movie was an intelligent piece of cinematic content that left audiences pleasantly surprised.
He is also set to star in the promising spectacle “Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning,” based on the character of Umro Ayyar from the classic Urdu novel “Dastaan-e-Amir Hamza’s” Indo-Persian tales, slated for release this Eid Ul Adha.
We reached out to Usman to find out what he’s been up to, why this role was so special to him and lots more in this exclusive.
1. If Usman wasn’t an actor and director who would he be?
Usman Mukhtar: I think an interior designer. I love designing spaces. It’s a hobby. So yeah, I think I would be an interior designer.
2. One lesser known thing about you?
Usman Mukhtar: I love gaming online with my friends whenever I have free time. That’s what I do, I think that’s a lesser known thing about me.
3. What mantra do you live by?
Usman Mukhtar: Stay humble, work hard, be kind.
4. Describe the sets of Umro Ayyar? The moment that will always stay with you from the shoot
Usman Mukhtar: The moment that will always stay with me from the shoot – I think the Umro set was amazing. We all, the actors, everybody we had a great time. I think the most memorable moment was when the shoot got wrapped up and we went on the set one last time and sat there for a bit. I think that was a memorable moment for us.
5. What does your morning routine look like?
Usman Mukhtar: I don’t have a specific morning routine. I mean, it really depends. If I have an off day, I would wake up, spend some time with family if it’s a working day I’d wake up go for my jog or whatever and then just get ready and go to work.
6. What’s on your bucket list?
Usman Mukhtar: I want to go to Iceland once in my life, I want to make a feature film, I want to properly run a production house where good content is made films and series. I want to make a documentary on my mother and if I get an opportunity I want to work in whatever capacity I can on Dementia and Alzheimer’s because I feel there’s not enough research on it. And I really feel like that’s something I would want to do later in life when I can.
7. When you are in a bad mood, what helps you cheer up?
Usman Mukhtar: i guess spending time with family, my dogs, they really cheer me up.
8. A perfect Sunday includes?
Usman Mukhtar: A perfect Sunday would be in the winters, a sunny day, clear sky, spending time with family with a good cheat meal. I think that would do.
9. Your comfort food?
Usman Mukhtar: My comfort food would be biryani. I love biryani. Whether I’m happy or I’m sad.
10. Why was this role so special to you?
Usman Mukhtar: Well, Umro is special to me because I think one of my fondest memories of me and my mother is when I was in boarding school and my mother used to come visit me. There was this bookstore on Mall Road where I would see a lot of these Umro Ayyar books and she would buy those for me and she would read one book to me before she would drop me off to the boarding school. And I could never imagine that I’d be playing Umro one day. So, I think that’s why it’s very special to me.
11. Why do you think people should be watching Umro Ayyar this Eid Ul Adha?
Usman Mukhtar: People should watch it on Eid-ul-Adha is because it’s the first sci-fi fantasy Pakistani film. It is the first Pakistani film that has this level of VFX in it. I think these two reasons should be enough. Pakistanis should be proud this film is made in Pakistan!
Are you excited to watch Umro Ayyar in cinemas this Eid?
