Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi recently shared insights into his acting process, particularly his experience portraying intense characters like Afzal in Pyarey Afzal and Noori Nath in The Legend of Maula Jatt. Speaking on Ahmed Fozan’s podcast, he emphasized his ability to separate his real life from the roles he plays, avoiding deep emotional immersion.
Unlike method actors who stay in character for extended periods, Abbasi prefers to detach immediately after filming. While he admires performers like Nawazuddin Siddiqui for their dedication, he finds that approach unsuitable for himself. He believes maintaining this boundary is essential, especially when playing morally complex roles.
Discussing his characters, Abbasi pointed out that both Afzal and Noori Nath made flawed decisions that led to their downfall. However, he sees them as more than just villains, emphasizing their layered motivations rather than outright evilness. He values depth in storytelling, portraying antagonists as driven individuals rather than one-dimensional villains.
Abbasi concluded by reaffirming his love for acting while stressing the importance of keeping his personal and professional lives separate to stay grounded.