That Indian film stars are popular in Pakistan, we all know. That they are much more popular in Pakistan than their counterparts there is mind-boggling. This is what popular Pakistani actor Ahsan Khan said when he came to New Delhi recently to talk of his new show “Khoya Khoya Chand”, now being telecast on Zindagi. “This is my second visit to India. When I go out only one out of 20 people recognise me whereas when a popular Indian actor goes to Pakistan 20 out of 20 people recognise them. Actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Juhhi Chawla and Suniel Shetty have visited Pakistan in recent times. They were mobbed by fans. Security becomes an issue because of their fan following. When Suneil Shetty visited our country, wherever he went, either to a restaurant or a shop no one charged him even a single penny out of their love. Pakistani people love to watch Bollywood films.”
Talking of fan following, Ahsan himself has a number of fans. He is so busy that if you are watching television regularly in Pakistan it would be difficult to miss him. Says, Ahsan, “I started acting some 10 years ago. Since then I have been busy doing television serials, films and commercials. At the same time I have been producing serials. I have just wrapped up the shoot of my two new television shows ‘Preet Na Kariyo’ and ‘Tumhare Siva’ and some eight to ten scripts are lying back home which I haven’t seen yet. Then there is a short film which is produced by Zee TV, it is shot in Pakistan and I am a part of it too.”
Keeping his popularity in mind Zee TV has invited him to host their singing reality show “Asia Singing Superstar” where Shankar Mahadevan and Shafqat Amanat Ali are the judges. The contestants are from India, Pakistan and the UAE. “I am hosting this show, it is been a wonderful experience, specially when people like Shankar Mahadevan are around. Apart from being a wonderful singer, he is a very good human being, a thorough gentleman. There is not a dull moment when he is there.”
Meanwhile viewers can catch up with Ahsan in “Khoya Khoya Chand” on Zindagi where he plays the character of Areeb. “Khoya Khoya Chand” is a family-oriented love story. Areeb is an obedient and responsible young man and the only child of his parents. He is forced to marry the elder sister of the girl whom he loves madly. The birth of Areeb's first child is expected soon and at this time an incident takes place which changes all their lives – rest you have to watch.” Ahsan, who was born and brought up in the UK, at one time signed a movie with Deepti Naval which could not take off. That film loss has turned out to be television’s gain. He stays focussed on television though he does not rule out doing films in Bollywood.
Before signing off he says, “Everything is same in both the countries, the culture, the food, the clothes and the language. I feel at home here and at times I have to remind myself that I am in India. I am loving every moment of my stay here."
