Pakistan’s film industry may have been on a roller coaster ride for the past few decades; however the country has continued to produce outstanding talent in film and music. This talent has crossed boundaries and has introduced international audiences to Pakistani arts.
Faran Tahir is one such figure, who has made his place in Hollywood and has starred in a number of high grossing block buster films such as Star Trek, Iron Man and Torn.
This fifty-year-old Pakistani-American however still feels he is a Pakistani at heart and visits his country often. This month, Darpan Magazine was in conversation with Faran Tahir and discussed his work, life and self.
Tahir was born in Los Angeles, California in 1964 where his parents were studying acting and theatre at the University of California. His father Naeem Tahir, a dramatist, researcher and scholar was involved in promoting Performing Arts in Pakistan and has been employed at several important government positions in the Ministry of Culture in the country. So it would be safe to assume that Tahir had acting in his blood.
However, he says he chose this field of his own accord: “I was never pressured by my parents to choose this field. They have always encouraged us to follow our heart but with a clear strategy. Just having a dream does not make it into a reality. There is hard work involved. I chose Theater because it speaks to my core and soul.”
The family moved back to Pakistan shortly after his parents completed their education in the US. Soon his younger brother, Ali Tahir, also chose this field and is a renowned television actor in Pakistan today. Their other brother, Mehran Tahir, initially resisted this career path but soon succumbed to it and has recently made his debut on a Pakistani television channel.
Tahir himself has experimented with theatre, film and television and has delivered memorable performances in all three mediums. When asked about his own personal favorite he said he is divided between the three.
“There are stories that are best told in the intimacy of a theater. Some stories and characters need the luxury of time where you could delve deeper and TV can provide that facility. Yet others need that expansive silver screen to immerse you in a reality.
I believe in a body of work. I have been fortunate enough to have some great challenges in all three.”
However, with regard to his most memorable performances on silver screen, Tahir says that Iron Man, Star Trek and Escape Plan have not only given him phenomenal success but also helped him grow as an actor.
He says that to be a part of Star Trek was simply a dream come true as he had grown up with it. Iron Man, on the other hand, had a stellar cast and a negative role that always is a treat to perform for most actors.
“Escape Plan gave me a chance to lock horns and play a lead with two icons of action movies, Stallone and Schwarzenegger, and also gave me a chance to create a character with layers,” he said.
He now further plans to venture into production and has a couple of projects lined up. Direction is also something that he will eventually embark upon but before that he feels that he wants to familiarize himself with production. Nevertheless, acting is his first love. “I love studying and creating characters so acting will always be a part of me.”
When asked about some of the obstacles that he faced in Hollywood, due to his South Asian origin, he said that being steadfast in pursuing one’s dreams is what is paramount.
“This field is hard no matter where you are. Yes, there are obstacles but that has never stopped me from taking on a challenge. It's not a challenge if it doesn't have obstacles.”
On ordinary days, Tahir is just a regular guy who loves to read, workout, run, bike, cook, find new places to eat, spend time with the kids and watch movies. However, he says his routine is very much dependant on his work.
“When I am shooting I usually get up around 4am and go for a workout. By 6am I am usually on the set. The day lasts about 12 hours. I come back and stare into space out of exhaustion, then dinner and preparing for the next day’s shoot, learning lines, figuring out scenes, etc.”
On days when he is not shooting, his kids are an important part of his day. He makes sure they all sit down together for dinner and recap their activities.
Despite having a fast paced career in Hollywood, this native Lahori says he still feels very nostalgic about Pakistan at times.
“Pakistan always lives in my heart. I grew up on the streets of this country. It is a bond that can never break. I am so humbled by the support I receive from people in Pakistan. This love is the wind beneath my wings.”
