Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfiqar whom most people will remember as Ashfaq from Neeraj Pandey’s Baby is now seen on Kuch Pyaar Ka Pagalpan Bhi Tha that airs on Zee Zindagi. The actor is paired with Sanam Baloch and Fawad Khan in the romantic drama. Here are excerpts from an exclusive interview… |
Home / TV / Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfiqar whom most people will remember as Ashfaq from Neeraj Pandey’s Baby is now seen on Kuch Pyaar Ka Pagalpan Bhi Tha that airs on Zee Zindagi. The actor is paired with Sanam Baloch and Fawad Khan in the romantic drama. Here are excerpts from an exclusive interview…
Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfiqar whom most people will remember as Ashfaq from Neeraj Pandey’s Baby is now seen on Kuch Pyaar Ka Pagalpan Bhi Tha that airs on Zee Zindagi. The actor is paired with Sanam Baloch and Fawad Khan in the romantic drama. Here are excerpts from an exclusive interview…
It is a modern day love story set in Pakistan. The show is a love triangle of two boys and one girl. My character is a slightly on the darker side. Shooting for the show with Sanam (Baloch) and Fawad (Khan) was a great experience. It is a great cast. I have known them since a long time. All of us have started our careers roundabout the same time so we have a different level of understanding and friendship.
I think people like to see new faces. There is a novelty factor about the actors. Also, our cultures are quite similar. People can relate to the social issues, which are addressed in our soaps. Moreover, people know what is happening in Pakistan, so there is the general awareness.
I have seen a few of them over the years. Not much of the recent stuff though. If I get a daily soap that has an interesting character and suits me, I would surely take it up. I love the game shows and reality TV in India. I feel they are executed very well. I enjoy all the music-based programmes.
The content on Indian TV is bolder than what we see in Pakistan. Would you be comfortable getting intimate on screen?
Indian media is a way lot bolder. There is a huge difference in the level of acceptance. My primary audience is pretty sensitive about such things. Of course, as actors, we have the liberty but one needs to find a balance.
I like both the mediums. You need to be a little subtle while performing for TV while films allow you the liberty of being larger than life. Both the mediums require different skill sets. It is exciting as an actor.
Pakistani actors like Fawad and Mahira Khan are doing well in Bollywood. Do you guys discuss work in the Hindi film industry?
All of us are in the same age bracket. We started off together Fawad and I. We know each other’s pasts and do discuss work abroad. At times, we have actors’ forums wherein we participate. They are held abroad. There is a lot of unity in the film industry in Pakistan. We are like an extended family.
I am waiting to for something substantial to do in Bollywood. In the mean time, I have been quite busy with my production firm in Pakistan. However, I like to work in India, I love the food and people.
I find that flattering but more me it is important to be known as a man of substance than someone with mere good looks.
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Nearly 75% of global respondents, on average, say a brand’s country of origin is as important as or more important than nine other purchasing drivers, including selection/choice, price, function and quality, according to findings from the Nielsen Global Brand-Origin Survey released today. The new research examined whether consumers prefer goods produced by global/multinational brands (defined as those that operate in many markets) or by local players (those operating only in a single market—the respondent’s home country), based on responses from more than 30,000 online respondents in 61 countries spanning 40 categories.
Respondents in Asia-Pacific and Africa/Middle East are likelier to say that origin is more important than the other selection factors (33% and 32% on average, respectively). European, North American and Latin American respondents, in contrast, are likelier to say brand origin is less important than the other selection factors (35%, 32% and 31% on average, respectively).
“One of the more surprising findings from the survey is that country of origin is as important as—or even more important than—other purchasing criteria such as price and quality,” said Patrick Dodd, group president, Nielsen Growth Markets. “In a crowded retail environment, brand origin can be an important differentiator between brands, but sentiment varies by category and by country, and leveraging a powerful brand presence needs to be managed carefully regardless of whether it is global or local. Ultimately, the brands that deliver on a strong value proposition and connect personally to consumers’ needs will have the advantage in any given market.”