He’s sharp, smart, suave and self assured, or at least, he was, till he landed back in his parents’ home and faced off with Sharjeena. But what does Adeel really want? Join us as Emmad Irfani, the actor who essays Adeel with razor sharp precision (just like his wardrobe), yeah, he was ‘cut out’ for the role, takes our questions.
The secret is in the casting, and if the creators got one (of many things) right in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, it was casting Emmad Irfani as Adeel, the entitled, arrogant, high achiever whose tailored cuts and shades just add to the oomph factor he brings. But wait a minute, his clean-shaven look has a lot to do with director Badar Mehmood’s vision for Adeel. Scroll down to know why Emmad said ‘yes’ to the role, how did the much debated and viral ‘family combat’ scene in the recently concluded episode play out behind the scenes and more from the actor himself.
Join in as we chat with Emmad Irfani about the role that is ripping through the Pakistani drama charts – just like his GQ style onscreen!
What does Adeel want most? Money, love, respect or … a desire to be the best at everything?
Emmad turns it over with a more philosophical response, not letting society off the hook: “Our own societal pressure makes people like Adeel turn relentless in the pursuit of status, love and money.” He continues: “I think it’s a mix of everything…sometimes in the quest for supremacy and significance we as humans do tend to become insatiable to prove ourselves to the world as it is a survival of the fittest.”
Hmm, thought I, so every Adeel is a by-product of our society then? I proceed to ask the inevitable…
Do you know of any ‘Adeels’ in your life?
Emmad: “Of course…due to all the ‘Adeels’ I’ve come across as convincing narcissists, and hopefully this portrayal will make them realize their own shortcomings. Partially maybe the parents are to be blamed. But,…” and now he sticks the responsibility to mature adults (thank Goodness, we’re on the same page here), “I believe that although your background, circumstances and your parents may have influenced who you are, but you must claim entire responsibility as an adult for who you are.”
That last line was so critical for all the Adeels to hear. One cannot continue blaming one’s parents for the dysfunctional adult you might have become. And that seems to be Emmad’s message too, as someone who has studied the character inside-out.
I go on to ask:
Was Adeel always a two-timer or has Rubab’s attitude turned him into one?
Emmad again responds with a sharp insight, weighing his character from all angles or perhaps, defending it like the pro actor he is: “I believe the writer has conceived Adeel to deteriorate from the conflict that he started at the very start…so the arc shows him not having a ‘breathing space’ or love and relationship in a marriage that he had envisioned for himself.”
In other words, had Rubab turned out to be a more suitable life partner, Adeel wouldn’t have been viewing Sharjeena as a missed opportunity? Or would not have pursued Natasha on the side? It has to be said, Rubab too, has her life cut out for her as a product of a broken family, and, in retrospect, guess the dysfunctionality multiplied by two people was bound to result in some family feuds?
And on Adeel’s plans with Natasha, Emmad Irfani notes that: “Him and Natasha both are a product of a dysfunctional marriage at a point when Adeel is the most vulnerable.” Yes, vulnerable he is, at a moment when Sharjeena’s words have pierced every little ounce of ego inside him, and he turns to Natasha for some solace? Weak moment indeed, and it is these weak moments that might mark his downfall? Just me gazing through a crystal ball, no pressure there Adeel!
Do you think his attitude is the result of bad parenting? As in, giving too much importance to one son and not to the other?
Emmad takes a more holistic approach, going a bit light on Adeel’s parents: “The parents did play ‘favorites’ as is clearly the case in point. So that may be the reason for inculcating complexes in both the brothers; one, a superiority and the other inferiority, but…” and here he adds on: “I don’t think we can call it bad parenting alone. I believe for generations the legacy of traumas pass on. But yes, many times their love can be conditional in many cases. Adeel being the ‘golden boy’ and Mustafa the ‘good for nothing guy’. The dynamics are portrayed very well by Farhat jee in my opinion.”
Yes, for sure, they are. The parenting debate has taken centre-point among viewers of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum with many blaming parents alone for the sibling rivalry and it’s interesting that Emmad brings in past trauma too, a variable we often miss out on.
I go on to ask about the scene that was so well played out – deserved a standing ovation, that!
The entire fight scene – so smoothly done. Did you do it all in one take?
Emmad Irfani reveals: “From the moment I read the script, I had been looking forward to the day when this particular scene was to be shot. We did rehearse a bit but not a lot. We both wanted it to look realistic and as organic as it came out. Fahad and I gelled extremely well on this set. He is an absolutely brilliant actor, and it was a joy shooting this sequence and creating the illusion that you all saw.”
Illusion it was, and a very real one at that! And now we know, the secret is in the rehearsals that ‘didn’t’ happen, just let it roll!
On negative characters and the fear that they will become stereotyped for you?
Emmad replies with a sense of self-assuredness coming from one who has always been confident about his role choices: “I always believe as an artist you should be taking risks all the time. I want to diversify and do roles that come across as a big challenge.” He went on to elaborate: “Adeel seemed like a challenge that inspired me. As an actor I don’t judge characters on the basis of positive and negative. You have to be the servant of the script.”
And we wish viewers would do the same, I think they are now. As drama creators add more shades of grey to the roles, viewers too, appreciate the nuances and shift away from labelling a character as positive or negative – a giant leap in Pakistani dramas, one we hope continues.
What do you love most about Adeel? (or not)
Emmad responds with the loyalty of a BFF, not kidding, that’s how committed he is to the role: “Once you take up a role, there is absolutely no margin for you to judge him, so I’ll keep that a secret for now… lol.”
And that’s the way to garner respect for your character, stand by him, even if the world is on Mustafa’s side! Emmad Irfani is throwing his ‘all’ at Adeel and it shows, especially in those rage expressions he masters so well when Rubab has a go at him!
Your biggest reason for saying yes to the role?
“There were many reasons” responds Emmad. “Fahad as a producer I had worked with on ‘Cheekh’ and ‘Jalan’, before going into a 3.5-year hiatus. I’m very comfortable with the production of Big Bang.” He goes on to mention the director and the pen behind the character: “Badar Mehmood, whom I had worked with previously on ‘Cheekh’ which was probably a watershed moment in my acting career. The story I thought had a very captivating hook to it and of course,…” He rounds off, “Adeel came as a challenge to portray.”
Was it fun to do Adeel’s wardrobe – all the style statements there!
Emmad went on to explain passionately, after all, style is his middle name, and we’d all agree this was his forte: “I believe that costumes can really add and give a peek into the mind of the person. I wanted him vintage yet contemporary, to make him stand out…” The actor went on to explain the visualization behind the character: “Firstly, the character sketch of Adeel had categorically defined him being “one-of-a-kind” when it came to his outlook and of course wardrobe. Badar Mehmood and his team shared the references with me, and it was as GQ as it gets. Then I went to work and designed his look and the wardrobe.”
And we have to say, Adeel’s look is one that will stick for years to come!
Emmad went on to add, as an after thought but with a smile: “Also, the 1st day at the set 18.12.23 I got to the set with a stubble…and Badar expressed his vision that Adeel should be clean-shaven! I wasn’t really sure, but I trusted him and went ahead…so everything is a collaborative process and teamwork.” He remembers to give due credit to everyone involved in the making of Adeel.
A fun incident from the sets of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum?
Emmad Irfani: “It really was one big happy family on the set contrary to the story hahaha.” He laughs, giving us an insight into the real vs reel on KMKT. “Overall, he continues, “it was a very fun set. My birthday happened on the set…in 45 degrees, ‘hand brake’ didn’t work… I’ve shared that hilarious incident on Insta., but we all gelled.”
And the teamwork shows with the audience appreciation that’s hitting a new high in every episode.
The best feedback on Adeel?
“All that I have tried to do is give life to that black ink on white paper.” Replies Emmad in all sincerity. The actor tells us that the best feedback he received for Adeel is that “he’s delivering what the script had asked of him convincingly.” He goes on to explain that: “Love or hate is not the motive. As an actor, it is to make an impact, and I believe he has done so in the story. Hitting the mark? That is for the audience to decide.”
Is Adeel in character at home?
“Well, I hope I left Adeel at the ‘office’ meaning at work and did not bring him back home.” Replies Emmad laughingly. “Acting is a beautiful way to express yourself.” he adds. And yes, we agree.
A message or a note you’d like to give to fans of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum
“A special thanks to the viewers and critics for appreciating KMKT and making it what it has become.” And with that, Emmad Irfani signs off. Catch him onscreen as Adeel and we hope you got more insight into the character who’s story is just warming up as we speak on Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum!
And that, dear folks, rounds up our conversation with Emmad Irfani Ft. Adeel from Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. Tell us if his wardrobe isn’t giving you GQ vibes and what’s the plan when Rubab discovers who’s really going behind her back? Pssst. It’s not Sharjeena!
Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is penned by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood. It is a project of Big Bang Entertainment. The cast features Fahad Mustafa, Hania Aamir, Bushra Ansari, Emmad Irfani, Javed Sheikh, Maya Khan, Naeema Butt and more. Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum airs every Monday and Tuesday on 8 PM on ARY Digital.
