Returning to the character will be challenging: Ahmed Ali Akbar shares hopes for ‘Parizaad’ sequel

KARACHI (Monitoring Desk): Renowned actor Ahmed Ali Akbar recently opened up about his experience following the resounding success of the drama series Parizaad. The actor, who portrayed the titular character in the blockbuster drama, shared insights into the profound impact the role had on him and hinted at the possibility of a sequel.

In a candid reflection, Akbar expressed how Parizaad had deeply resonated with him, to the extent that he felt the need to take a hiatus to detach from the character. “Parizaad was inside of me, so deeply interwoven into who I am. I wanted to shed some of Parizaad before I could talk to people,” he revealed.

Acknowledging the immersive nature of his year-long involvement in the project, he emphasised the importance of taking time off to rejuvenate creatively. “It was a year long shoot, you become part of the character, the character becomes part of you. So I wanted to take some time, I needed it, really needed it,” he added.

Addressing the buzz surrounding a potential sequel, tentatively titled Parizaad 2, Akbar disclosed that he first became aware of the prospect through writer Hashim Nadeem’s Instagram post. While acknowledging the challenges of revisiting a character as complex as Parizaad, he expressed curiosity about exploring his character’s journey further.

“I remember Hashim Nadeem putting up a story. I also found out through that Instagram post. It’s gonna be tough to go back into it,” he shared. “It’s only once I read it and I feel it, I’ll know if I wanna dive back into it. And deep down inside, a part of me really wants to go back and very curious to know what Parizaad’s life would be like.”

Hashim, the acclaimed writer behind the original novel and drama series, had hinted at the possibility of a second season through his Instagram story in 2022, sparking speculation among fans.

Akbar’s rise to fame began with notable performances in popular dramas such as Guzarish and Yeh Raha Dil. However, it was his portrayal of Parizaad in the eponymous drama series that propelled him to new heights of acclaim. Despite his success, Akbar has been selective in his projects, with appearances in dramas like Idiot and the feature film Gunjal, playing multifaceted characters.

“My priority when I’m picking up a project is the story, the soul of the film,” the actor unveiled his thought process before greenlighting a project. “Gunjal definitely had everything. Because at the end of the day, we’re storytellers and that’s what I look at. Look at the whole picture, the whole script. If it feels right, I don’t mind taking a risk.”

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.