The man who’s bringing a touch of humour to Biryani, Sarfraz Ali, joins us today for an exclusive interview!
How He Landed The Role Of Mithal
Sarfraz Ali shared that his journey to playing Mitthal began when Ali Jafri approached him for the role. He was curious and asked why he was being considered for the character. Ali Jafri explained that Sarfraz had been referred to him by Kiran Siddiqui and Meesam Naqvi. Initially, two actors were considered for the character. One was busy with theater commitments, while Sarfraz was available and interested. When asked if he could take on the role, he confirmed his availability, and that’s how he stepped into the character of Mitthal.
Crafting Mitthal’s Character
Sarfraz Ali explained that while developing Mitthal’s character, he wanted to move away from exaggerated portrayals often seen in media. He aimed to reflect the innocence and warmth of people from the interior region of Sindh, particularly the city and surrounding villages. Observing their gentle way of speaking Sindhi and the endearing way they use Urdu, he sought to capture that charm without making the character aggressive. Instead, he focused on subtle undertones and a cute, relatable demeanor, bringing a sense of authenticity and sweetness to Mitthal.
Audience Response And Recognition
Sarfraz Ali revealed that the response from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive. Surprisingly, he even heard from old friends whom he hadn’t contacted in years – some who had left the city eight or ten years ago. Many of them reached out after watching him in the drama, expressing delight and appreciation.
He was struck by how widely Pakistani audiences watch dramas, even ones he hadn’t followed himself. People complimented his performance, noting how naturally he carried the character. Some friends wanted to meet him in person, though he hasn’t had the chance to connect with a wider audience yet, as he doesn’t go out much. Overall, he felt encouraged and gratified by the appreciation and recognition his work received.
Working With Co-Stars
Sarfraz Ali spoke highly of his co-stars, describing them as exceptionally talented. He recalled watching the first episode and being impressed by Ramsha’s natural performance in a simple scene where she gets up, takes something from the fridge, and eats it effortlessly. He admitted he has always found such moments challenging but admired how relaxed and convincing she was.
He also praised Khushhal Khan, Ramsha Khan, and Sarwat Gilani, noting their skill and professionalism. The overall experience of working with such a talented cast, including others like YBQ, left a positive impression on him.
First Impressions Of The Industry
Sarfraz Ali reflected on his early experiences in the Pakistan television industry, noting that while there’s a lot to admire, one recurring challenge is delays in payments. He compared it to a simple trade: if someone sells a dozen bananas, they should be paid promptly. Unfortunately, in the industry, payments can often be delayed, sometimes significantly, which is a common concern among actors.
He also emphasized the importance of giving new talent a chance. While he has heard that some production houses conduct weekly auditions and collect data for new actors, he stressed the need for better platforms where aspiring actors can showcase their skills. According to him, the more opportunities newcomers get to explore themselves, the better they can understand their strengths and eventually leverage their talent elsewhere.
Want to hear more? Stay tuned for full conversation coming out soon on FUCHSIA’s YouTube channel!
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