Mohib Mirza: Celebrity with a Personality to Match

“I do not think I could have been anything but an actor! I am very grateful to my parents and the friends who stood by me from the very beginning. This is my passion and the creator helped me realize my dream.

 Had I not been an actor, I would probably have pursued Basketball, with which it is very difficult to survive in Pakistan; or I would have followed my passion of painting or writing.”

“I have never been a one-night, one-film wonder. My career spans a long line of gradual accomplishments; the spotlight did not shine on me instantly. I worked very hard in theatre as well. The media and the people who watched my film might have made it bigger than it really was!

 I performed a stage play once that was originally planned to run just 3 days, but it ran for 9 days and we had to have people sit on the stage as that was the kind of appreciation I got. I have had many moments of encouragement that allowed me to shine, which I am grateful for.”

Didn’t the stardom get to his head?

 “I live my life very normally, to ensure that I understand stardom is not eternal. I go to the market, do my own work, to ensure that my head retains well on my shoulders!”  

“My favorite has to be my portrayal in Ward Number 7, directed by Shamoon Abbassi It was a unique concept where 3 mental patients become very close friends, and the story takes you on an emotional journey. A sequel was made, called Ek Naya Din, which followed up with how the 3 re-established themselves into society. This has to be my favourite part, and that which was closest to my heart.

“Ishrat Baji was a performance that I did extempore; a spontaneous performance I did at the moment on camera; which was again a very different concept and gained me popularity.”

“Zee Zindagi has given birth to ‘chocolate heroes’ that cater to the subcontinent in general. It is catering to a market that allows women to swoon over fair, good looking men. There are stereotypes attached to each role, and these stereotypes are portrayed on-screen by actors from both sides.”

“Firstly, human psyche definitely makes me say yes!. Fawad Khan has opened doors for all of us. Bollywood is the biggest (film) market in the world catering to millions of Asians worldwide. Fawad making it big there is a huge phenomenon, and to be a contemporary at this time is huge! In the last 60-70 years, there are only 2 Pakistani actors who have made it big in Bollywood – Ali Zafar started the trend, and now Fawad Khan has gained huge popularity. India and Pakistan share the same languages, understand the same temperaments and enjoy the same films, so it’s a great opportunity to crossover.

I did audition for Tere Bin Laden; I have met Imtiaz Ali and Sanjay Leela Bansali, hopefully something will materialize that works in favour of everyone.”

“My house was the biggest item which I ticked off a year ago! My entire list is the obsession around my art, my work. The biggest thing I have yet to tick off is to play James Bond in an Asian setting. The other is the Sherlock Holmes series, with an awesome mystery storyline.”

“I have just directed one theatre play; nothing that huge yet. Aamina was directing the show we met on, and she makes a very good director, as she has studied the field.

Yes, InshAllah soon, Aamina and I will come together in a drama that allows us both to show our creativity.”