The villain we’re all loving to hate on our screens right now is Farhad! And today, we have the man who brought him to life – Azaan Sami Khan from Main Manto Nahi Hoon – with us for an exclusive conversation!
We’ve seen Azaan Sami Khan in numerous projects previously – Hum Dono, Meri Tanhai, Ishq-e-Laa, and Ae Dil. While his performances have always impressed audiences, his role as Farhad in Main Manto Nahi Hoon is something he has never done before.
No one expected a villain to pull off a script like this with such impact. The sass, the carefree attitude, and that piercing look in Farhad’s eyes are things we had never seen in Azaan Sami Khan before. It almost feels as though Farhad was made for him.
And with a performance that has us all hooked, it was impossible not to sit down with Azaan to talk about Farhad, the drama, and so much more.
So, scroll down and take a look at our conversation!
Fatherhood In A Changing Digital World
As a father of two in today’s fast-paced digital age, Azaan Sami Khan reflects on the evolving challenges and opportunities of parenting. He observes how children today are far more creative and expressive, with boys increasingly encouraged to explore artistic pursuits that once seemed restricted. His own son feels more confident in discussing artistic interests, while his daughter openly dreams about futures that girls in earlier generations might have hesitated to voice.
At the same time, he acknowledges the other side of this cultural shift – the risk of raising children in an idealized bubble that doesn’t reflect the realities of the world. While it’s important to teach values like kindness and inclusivity, shielding kids entirely from harsh truths such as bullying, body shaming, or the pressures of survival may leave them unprepared. For Azaan, the challenge lies in striking the right balance: nurturing creativity and confidence while also preparing the next generation to face a world that is often far tougher than the one we imagine for them.
How Did The Character Of Farhad Come To Azaan?
The role of Farhad wasn’t something Azaan Sami Khan had been actively seeking. It came through his long-standing relationship with director Nadeem Baig, with whom he had previously worked as a music composer. Having often seen Azaan as the “good boy” on screen, Nadeem encouraged him to break out of that mold and try something entirely different, even a little crazy – a villain.
What drew him in was the depth written into Farhad’s character. Scenes that seemed simple on paper carried intensity once performed, and through script readings and guidance, Azaan was able to shape Farhad’s walk, talk, and style. The biggest lesson he carried into the role was Nadeem’s insistence that a villain should never be played as “the bad guy” – because in their own story, they always believe they’re right. That perspective helped Azaan avoid clichés and bring Farhad to life with authenticity, ensuring the character was more unsettlingly human than stereotypically evil.
Teacher–Student Relationship: A Misunderstood Track?
Addressing the much-talked-about teacher–student angle in Main Manto Nahi Hoon, Azaan Sami Khan feels that audiences are being too quick to form conclusions. He explains that, in the script, it is clearly portrayed as a one-sided infatuation from the girl’s side, with no indication that the teacher is falling for her. In fact, his character is shown to be wary – more intimidated by her background than romantically drawn to her. Azaan emphasizes that Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s scripts often unfold with time, so premature judgment may not capture the full picture. While viewers are entitled to opinions, he believes fairness lies in assessing the story holistically. As for the broader implications, he maintains that this particular question is best answered by the makers, not him.
Want to hear more? Stay tuned for full conversation coming out soon on FUCHSIA’s YouTube channel!
Comments 2