Actor Haris Waheed has disclosed that during his first television acting experience, he required more than 47 takes to complete a single scene because of intense nervousness. He made the revelation during an exclusive interview on Tabish Hashmi's show, where he discussed playing villainous characters, his struggles as an actor, his transition from theatre to television, and his admiration for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, whom he described as his biggest inspiration.
First Television Scene and Director's Frustration
Recalling his debut television acting job, Waheed said he frustrated the director after needing dozens of takes. “I did a lot of takes. I had just transitioned from a theatre kid to television and did not know the technicalities. For this scene, it was also the first time the female actor was on television, so there were so many takes that the director got upset and told us to pack our bags and leave,” he said. The actor added, “I did more than forty-seven takes. The director was angry, and I was extremely nervous. I used the entire box of tissues for my sweat. Even though the actress could not perform, it was a weird day. The next time I came back, I got into a flow.”
Training at NAPA and Inspiration from Shah Rukh Khan
Waheed also shared that he trained in theatre at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA). “I wanted to do acting, and Saleem Mairaj, who was very well known at the time, told me to go to NAPA, where they teach theatre and arts,” he said. Reflecting on his childhood, Waheed revealed that Shah Rukh Khan had the biggest influence on his dream of becoming an actor. “I love you, sir. I’m glad you exist. When I was little, my exposure was Shah Rukh Khan movies. In 1994 and 1995, I would watch Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge on the VCR.”
Advice for the Younger Generation
The actor also offered tips to the younger generation. “I don’t believe in giving advice because everyone’s situation is different, but whatever you can do in life, you don’t have to decide the outcome right away; just do it very well. The positives come at their own time,” he said. Addressing young people who may hesitate to enter the entertainment industry, he added, “If there is good or bad in the industry, that doesn't define your work. You just have to go and act. Put effort into what you want, regardless of the field you choose.”
Reflections on Playing Tabraiz in Jaan-e-Jahan
To conclude, Waheed reflected on playing the antagonist Tabraiz in Jaan-e-Jahan and the unexpected audience reaction to the character's death. “I did not expect it, but while I was playing him, I did not have a villain antagonist in my head. I thought of a human who makes mistakes, and that is what hit the audience. That he is just a real person. I think the character got closure when he fell in love, and that is what killed him inside slowly. Physically, he was always gone,” he said. Haris Waheed is currently starring in Bas Tera Saath Ho alongside Farhan Saeed and Sana Javed.
