Ahsan Khan is a television actor, producer and host who began acting in 1998. Appearing in films such as Nikah, Billi, Ghar Kab Aao Gay, Ishq Khuda, Dil Mera Dharkan Teri, he later moved on to television where he has done some impeccable projects to say the least.

From Udaari, which focused on child sexual abuse, to hosting bol nights in which he hosts fellow artists, and has them talk about them some really get to know the people we admire, he leaves no room for critics to say he’s not an all rounder.

His recent project, Alif had us in awe, especially his role which he has said was inspired by world renowned sufi scholar, Rumi.
Alif is a drama which revolves around the journey of a rebellious film-maker and a struggling actress, both having disturbed pasts. It shows how both come-across the same path and understand the terminology of the alphabet Alif illustrating the bond of an individual with his God.

We spoke to him about it and here’s what he had to say:

What inspired you to take the role for Alif?

This extended cameo was offered to me by Haseeb Hasan who has always been my favourite director. He’s a;ways been doing great work and Humera Ahmed writes so well – she writes so rarely so this was great! & the production house of Sana Shahnawaz, the whole package, the whole package sounded really good to me – also being shot in Turkey. I also had the pleasure to work with Manzar Sahab whose work I had seen in Bol, and is an actor I really admire and also does specific projects. So this was a great chance to work with him also. My scenes were also mainly with Manzar Sahab.

Tell us about your character in Alif?

My character was also very nice – like a whirling dervish! This person who writes Allah’s names and believes in Sufism and how he also falls in love with this girl. In my personal view, loving humanity is also the way to love your lord. So I thought the idea was wonderful and the whole story was amazing. The character itself, Taha Abdul Alla, has so much depth. I have 50 to 60 scenes in the play but he is a pivotal character of the play, who moves the story forward. He’s important in that sense but I also felt it would be nice working on this project and so far the feedback I have gotten has been great, too.

How is this role different to other roles you’ve done in the past?

It’s different because generally the combination of an entire project are rarely like the one I got – great diretor, great production house, great lines, great actors. And it’s a great satisfaction when you have all of these. Usually we do husband and wife dramas, or romance based ones, This is very different which is why I opted to do it.