Fahad Mustafa says he always wanted to be recognized as a film star

Karachi: Renowned Pakistani actor and television host Fahad Mustafa has revealed that despite receiving acclaim for his television work, he was always more interested in becoming a film star.

Speaking in a recent interview while discussing his upcoming movie Zombied, Fahad Mustafa said that he often accompanied filmmakers to cricket matches, where people would refer to him as a film star.

“I would hear people saying, ‘Look, that’s film star Fahad Mustafa,’ while I would think to myself that I’m just Fahad Mustafa,” he said.

The actor added that he was never bothered by such comments, but he always aspired to earn recognition specifically as a film star.

Commenting on changes within the entertainment industry, Fahad said social media has reduced traditional barriers and created a more direct connection between celebrities and their fans.

He noted that he had never personally experienced unfair treatment in the entertainment industry, although discussions about such issues were common around him.

Fahad Mustafa also stated that there are no longer any influential “lobbies” dominating the showbiz industry.

Discussing the financial differences between television and cinema, he said filmmaking involves a much higher level of risk. According to him, an actor’s payment for a television drama remains the same regardless of ratings, whereas the success or failure of a film is visible to everyone.

“If a film fails, everyone knows about it. But when a drama doesn’t perform well, people quietly move on,” he remarked.

Talking about Zombied, Fahad said he never imagined he would work in a zombie film because the genre has traditionally not been very popular in Pakistan. However, he explained that some ideas become exciting once the creative process begins, and that was the case with the project.