Omair Rana, Nadia Afgan talk lazily conceived characters, love lives and the #MeToo movement

After being dominantly seen on mainstream television shows, both Rana and Afgan have now become selective with their works and are hence, spotted less frequently on the silver screen. Talking about the break, Rana revealed that he had been primarily busy with his now released film, Kamli, and with his family in Lahore, he prefers taking breaks between work.

Similarly, Afgan shared that she intentionally takes on lesser work but there are other grave reasons behind it. “About two years ago, I decided to do this for myself and Rana would agree with it. Sure, I want to earn money but I realised that jis risq se apki parwaaz mai kotahi ho, [the money that hinders your productivity and growth] I can’t do that anymore. I was offered poorly written characters, repetitive scripts, same avatars and run-of-the-mill storylines that I was never happy on set.”

She further added that as an actor, she desired the space to experiment and it was lacking in the industry. “It’s not even about ordinary work or roles, it’s about how nothing would ever change. I was getting similar roles. As an actor, you have your own avatars, your range, at least something should be different. And when it’s not, you get into the same cycle and eventually get stuck in it. And I got stuck. I was forcing myself to be happy.”

Agreeing with the Parizaad actor, Rana also chimed in referring to their journey as theatre actors expanding on their craft in other mediums. “It’s because of our expansive journey becoming actors, we have that respect for our craft, for literature, for adab. So, when we get a role that isn’t written nicely or researched properly, we feel that they’re disrespecting literature itself.”

Afgan shared that Rana had been “extremely sad” about scripts offered to him lately, so much so, that his wife Maira would read scripts for him and convince him to do some roles. “At times, it has also happened that I’ve committed to a show and then when the character unfolds, it’s not what was communicated. And then all I can think of is where did I get myself stuck,” said Rana. “However, so far I’ve had directors and crew that has managed to make arrangements and adaptations accordingly.”

Upon what should be there in characters, Rana named three things. “A character’s arc, the character’s wants, and what does the character contribute to the show? Her [Afgan’s] character in Parizaad checked all boxes. It was so relevant to the main plot and the main character and regardless of being a supporting role, it shone through.”

The host, Ahsan Khan, picked on Rana’s “salt and pepper” hair and asked him how he feels about dying them for certain roles to look young. Rana chuckled and quoted director Zain Ahmed’s advice given to him decades ago. “‘If you want to be a hero, you’ve to dye your hair.’ and so I did when characters required it. But when people saw me with my real hair, they actually liked it. I was surprised and told myself that if this is what the audience prefers, then we’ll give them more of it.”

On the subject of his hair, Khan also sparked a conversation on an old controversy where the Churails actor said that Bollywood actor Aamir Khan copied his look from his popular drama serial Pyar Kay Sadqay. Clearing out any misunderstanding, Rana exclaimed, “Yes, I said this but I said this purely in fun. Well, the sense of humour is damaged in people nowadays it seems. They don’t understand humour.”

He went on to add, “There was a young guy who interviewed me and asked, “what’s your aspiration?” I truly admire Aamir Khan for his work and craft so I said that now that he has copied my style, I’m thinking international and to work with him. People over exaggerated it and started bashing me. I hope that this reaches to him, but it was all in good fun.”

Moving on to marriage and love lives, Afgan revealed that she and her husband, actor Jawad, completed 15 years of marriage in June. “Jodi (a nickname) and I, we’ve a perfect system and we’ve achieved balance. We’re very good friends and share mutual respect for each other. He’s very forgiving as a person. We’ve divided our responsibilities and I usually put post its around the house. I’ve actually become a calmer version of myself because of him.”

Talking about kids, Afgan revealed that they have no kids and that has been their personal decision. “I’m very fearful. I’m a very paranoid person. You guys [Khan and Rana] are very brave for having them. I keep joking around that we don’t have to stress out to spend money. But its our own choice and there are lots of children in world.”

Rana jumped in the conversation and added, “They’re the best babysitters though.” Speaking about his life, Rana owes all his successes to his wife, Myra. “She’s my moral compass. I’ve definitely become a better person because of her.”

Rana was accused of sexual harassment by college girls back in 2020. When asked about the MeToo movement, Rana rolled his eyes and said, “First, I’d add a hashtag there.” He added, “I think [MeToo] is a very fundamental awareness campaign which is based on justice but it requires patience. You can’t be the first one to react. Listen to all perspectives, observe, take all facts in. Then if you’ve an opinion to share on social media, go ahead.” Afgan also added that “social media jihadis” should hold their opinions until situations unfolds and not “blow it out of proportion.”

About their preferred medium for acting, the two shared, “Theatre all the way. No question about it.” Afgan expanded and shared, “When the curtains open, the stage is yours. You control the audience now and you’ll get instant reactions, There’s a rush there, an energy that’s unmatched on all mediums. There’s no director saying cut. It’s all you.”

With a sparkle in their eyes for reviving theatre back post Covid, the two nodded on bringing their successful production, Dil-e-Nadaan back to stage. “Maybe we’ll do it again soon.”