There’s something to being ‘cult’, an epithet that though often reserved for the celebrated minor, nonetheless represents a certain standing, a status that despite its size holds many in loyalty.
The word itself is often thrown around for the niche, the undiscovered curio and its application invites an instant cool, a diamond in the rough that its patrons love owning up to but judiciously share.
It is most often a film, dubbed a ‘cult classic’ that gets the label but then again it also has its ‘heroes,’ filmmakers, actors or even characters, who, while not quite being the tent poles of the enterprise, still stand out.
One such example was in 2009’s revamped Star Trek, where we are introduced to Starfleet Captain Robau, who though being in the film for a shade under five minutes still remains one of the most popular characters from the film. Of course, while credit may be due to the writers, one would like to think the kudos awarded to the character was because of the actor playing the part, Faran Tahir.
Perhaps, the only Pakistani actor to be working in Hollywood at the moment, Tahir has steadily been making an impression on Tinsel Town, appearing in a number of big budget movies (Charlie Wilson’s War, Iron Man, Star Trek) as well as countless roles on TV (24, Supernatural, Grey’s Anatomy).
Coming from a tradition of acting, his father being Naeem Tahir, Faran exudes the kind of bald-pated brio Yul Brynner had, masculine, steely and magnetic. In an exclusive interview with Pique, he tells us about his career, Hollywood and where we’ll be seeing him next.
Why acting? Was it always something you wanted to do or did your parents have a hand in it? Did the artist in you, perhaps, want to do something else?
Faran Tahir: Acting, because it gives me an opportunity to step into different shoes and explore. I think somewhere inside me the dream was always alive but it wasn’t until college that I started doing something about it. My parents are always supportive but never dictate their wishes.
Being such a competitive industry, why choose Hollywood? Or did your education there just lead to it?
FT: I never shy away from challenges so maybe that’s why Hollywood. I wanted to see if I could make it.
Hollywood’s strewn with broken dreams and it often takes actors years before they’re recognised,
how has your journey been so far?
FT: It’s true that it is a very hard industry to survive in. I have taken a few punches but I always get up and fight again. By the same token, I have thrown some good ones, too.
When did you get your first big break? When did you feel, as they say, that you had arrived?
FT: I don’t think in terms of big breaks and arriving. It’s a body of work that I focus on. That’s why I try to find and offer variety as much as I can. That’s why I work equally in film, stage and television.
Is Hollywood really what it’s cut out to be?
FT: Depends on what you think Hollywood is....
You’ve worked on some pretty big films to date with Jinn and Elysium in the pipeline; was it hard landing these roles?
FT: Competition is fierce here but Jinn was offered. Elysium is a funny story. I was shooting in New Mexico and the director was in South Africa. He wanted to see my reading. I filmed myself on my iPhone in my hotel room and put on a private YouTube viewing for him. He saw it and within a couple of days offered the role. Conveniences of technology. I lucked out.
Out of all the films you’ve done, which did you enjoy working on the most? Your favourite co-stars?
FT: Hard one to answer. I try to give my best to each role. Sometimes I succeed and other times I could do better. I have been very lucky with my co-stars. They have all been great.
How has it been as a Pakistani, Muslim actor finding work in the post-9/11 world? Are you usually offered the stereotypical Muslim terrorist role?
FT: It’s not easy to be in this business. I am offered such roles but it is my responsibility to show variety in my work. Not all work is good work. I have played some ‘terrorist’ and some I have walked away from. In the last five years, I have made about 40 appearances on film and TV but played a ‘terrorist’ not more than six times.
You’re often quoted as saying that as Muslims, we need to “define” ourselves, has that guided you in the kind of roles you take?
FT: It absolutely is a factor.
Do you think we’ll ever see a Muslim as a leading man in Hollywood? Do you think the character you played in Star Trek was a precursor?
FT: I hope we do. In fact, I am sure we will.
Even though you’ve acted in a number of genres, we’ve seen you mostly in supernatural (pun intended), sci-fi films, do you like the genre?
FT: I do like it. There is theatricality to it that I enjoy a lot.
Any interest in working in Bollywood?
FT: Absolutely open to it. As long as the script is good and the logistics work out. Good work knows no territories. Tell them to make an offer...hahaha!
As an actor yourself, you must surely be inspired by other actors, who do you feel has inspired you?
FT: All talented actors inspire me. There is always room to learn. I consider myself a student of acting forever.
Do you ever have a celebrity moment where you’re recognised on the street?
FT: Yes.
What are ‘Faran Tahir’ fans like?
FT: If they are my fans then they are CRAZY but then again so am I. We are all bonkers!
Even though you’ve achieved a great deal, what other goals do you have in mind? Are you interested in directing, writing etc?
FT: I am interested in writing and directing. In due time, I shall attempt both. In fact, I am writing a script as we speak.
What are your next projects like?
FT: As you know, Elysium and Jinn will be released next year. Also, Torn (formerly titled Two Mothers) should also come out next year. Tomb, a prison break movie with Stallone and Schwarzenegger will be released in September, 2013. Currently, I am shooting the second season of the TV series, Dallas. So it keeps going.....
The writer is an art critic based in Islamabad.
