Actor discusses hard work, career struggles and staying grounded amid the glamour of showbiz
Actor Nameer Khan has reflected on his unconventional journey into the entertainment industry, discussing his transition from information technology to acting, the challenges of establishing himself in showbiz and his approach to learning the craft.
In a conversation with Ahmed Ali Butt, the actor spoke about his early academic experiences and how they shaped his approach to professional challenges.
“Before I got into this field, when I was in IT, I was a student who knew he was not intelligent but he had to put in the effort. If it used to take someone two or three hours to learn something, it would take me two to three days,” he said.
“I am a slow learner and I know that I need to put effort into things. But those things like fame, fans and glamour – I try to stay away from them. This is just the start,” he added.
Khan, who has appeared in dramas including Qarz-e-Jaan and currently plays Zamil in Dar-e-Nijaat, also spoke about the opportunities he has received and the people he has had the chance to work with. “I haven’t learned much yet, but if I get the opportunity to work with such directors, I don’t want to take that for granted,” he said.
Reflecting on the competitive nature of the profession, he added: “The competition is high, people are in line, and I feel that when a person gets exposure throughout the struggles, he will get that achievement and realise that hard work is important.”
Discussing his performance in Qarz-e-Jaan, Khan acknowledged the role of his director in shaping his work. “I am not a trained actor. I give that credit to Saqib Saab,” he said, referring to director Mohammad Saqib Khan.
Khan’s entry into the entertainment industry was not part of a conventional acting career plan. Recalling his professional background and the circumstances that led him to explore showbiz, he said: “My paternal side is in business and maternal side are either engineers or doctors.”
He continued: “In 2015, I was doing a job and then got bored. My hobby was to go to the gym and look presentable and well groomed. Later, I was like I am not having fun with my job. Then I found out about an agency and how you can come into commercials and fashion shoots. I decided to try it.”
One of his earliest opportunities was a supporting role in a Coke advertisement featuring actors Sajal Aly and singer Momina Mustehsan. Directed by Asim Raza, the shoot marked his first experience on a professional set.
Recalling how the experience influenced his perception of a career in entertainment, Khan said:
“When I experienced that, I was thinking that the salary I get for working for 30 days as a software engineer with all that hard work is not comparable to what they gave me for one day in acting,” he revealed.
Despite exploring commercial opportunities, Khan continued his education and moved to Montreal, Canada, in 2018 to pursue a master’s degree.
His initial experiences in front of the camera also introduced him to the distinction between modelling and acting. Recalling his first projects, he said:
“In 2023, I did a drama, but before that I did a web series. I was very nervous and thought photoshoots are different, but acting is different. However, I was not afraid of the camera but of the acting. Both are very different things.”
His decision to pursue an unconventional career was also supported by his family. Speaking about their reaction to his choice, Khan said:
“My parents are very supportive, though, and when they support, the rest follow,” he added, explaining that his family was happy to see him doing something new.
Khan also discussed the practical adjustments involved in pursuing acting, particularly the need to spend time in Karachi. Although several of his projects had been based in Lahore, he said he began spending time in Karachi in 2021, visiting production houses and eventually getting an apartment there to pursue opportunities.
Beyond acting, the actor addressed the growing importance of social media in building a career, particularly the need for performers to develop a presence beyond traditional entertainment platforms.
“I think that besides this industry too, it is important to have a digital asset to pass on,” he said. He added that he had experimented with different kinds of YouTube videos, including vlogs, as part of his efforts to develop an online presence.
Discussing the industry’s increasing focus on digital reach, Khan said: “I cannot deny that numbers do not matter. Your skill set and numbers have to be good and then automatically you will get chosen.”
Despite his growing involvement in television, Khan traced his inspiration for entering the entertainment industry to cinema. Recalling the films and performers that influenced his early interest in acting, he said:
“My inspiration into coming into this field was cinema. When I used to watch movies and exit the theatre, I used to get a feeling of ‘why I can’t do this?’. My inspiration came from there and growing up, I used to watch films with actors like Humayun Saeed, Fahad Mustafa and Fawad Khan,” he said.
However, Khan said he preferred approaching his roles through his own interpretation rather than drawing directly from other performers.
“I always thought of myself as different. If I look at others and act, I will get stuck. Whatever script I get, I learn that way, not from watching others. I feel then that affects your character,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll watch Fawad Khan’s scene and think I want to copy it,” he concluded.
Khan is currently best known for playing Zamil in Dar-e-Nijaat, a character whose complicated relationships and controversial choices have made him a talking point among viewers.
His portrayal has also sparked conversations about accountability and the way men treat women in relationships. The actor has previously addressed his character’s behaviour, urging men to be respectful and honest.
