Often referred to as HSY, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin is a renowned fashion designer, director, and most recently an actor (though he performed in theatre in his youth). He kickstarted his acting career by portraying the role of Akram in the drama serial Pehli Si Mohabbat. Now, he has ventured onto the silver screen with his debut movie, Ishrat Made In China.
Hassan is playing the antagonist in the film, Master Munshi, a shrewd fighter who refuses to surrender.
We sat down with HSY to talk about work, his transition from a fashion designer to an actor, and much more!
His Life’s Mantra
Hassan is an optimist. He believes that life has different flavors that should be embraced. According to him, the most heartwarming comment he has ever received was when someone told him he gives them the reason to wake up every day.
Hassan has worked tirelessly his whole life. When asked if at any point during the film’s shooting, he felt he shouldn’t have signed up for it, he replied that he believes one should put in 150% effort into their work, even 100% isn’t enough!
Pheww hard lessons…huh?
Reaction To Film’s Release
HSY talked about how due to covid, he was doubtful about the film’s release! However, he was pleased when it was finally made it. Although he was scared initially, after its screening, the entire cinematic experience made him understand the hype associated with cinemas.
Hassan believes that expressions don’t lie! They are enough to determine if the film will be a success or not and he was very ecstatic to witness people’s reactions after watching the film.
Hassan shared that he was so pleased with the film’s response, that after talking to his mother on the phone, he went home with some of his friends and danced to the Coke Studio hit, Peechay Hutt By Hassan Raheem and Justin Bibis!
How HSY Landed The Role Of Master Munshi
Hassan explained that he got a call from Mohib Mirza telling him that he has written a role, especially for him! He revealed that he had limited information regarding the story but he talked to Sanam Saeed who is also a childhood friend and she advised him that he should go ahead with the role. Also, since it was character acting, it was a no-brainer and he said yes!
On The Sets Of Ishrat Made In China
Hassan shared some fun stories from the sets of Ishrat Made In China.
You would be surprised to know that HSY did all his stunts himself and trained for six months.
For the 19-minute fighting sequence in the film, Hassan revealed that they shot for 90 days (with no Sundays off!)
Hassan was all praises for Mohib for his craft. He appreciated how he brought the team together and was able to turn the entire concept of the film into reality. He further explained how much effort was put into the tiniest details. Even when it came to Master Munshi’s costume, Hassan designed it himself and focused on the smallest details.
Hassan narrated a time when they were shooting in a city near Bangkok during the time Covid was at its peak. There was no sign of human life in the city but they continued to shoot and would talk about how it would feel when the world would come back to normal and the film would finally be able to see the light of day.
Hassan narrated another incident in which real snakes were brought to the set for a song. Hassan was petrified and he refused to shoot and remained in his room for 4 hours!
What’s Next For HSY?
Hassan was super excited to share that he’s working on a new project, which has been written by Faiza Iftikhar and directed by Ahmed Bhatti.
Undoubtedly, Hassan has wowed the audience with his performance as Master Munshi and has proven himself to be a powerful performer. We can’t wait to watch his future projects and witness more of his versatility as an actor!
