Aashir Wajahat literally grew up in front of the camera. From delivering standout performances in Mai Kukkoo Aur Woh and Karachi Se Lahore as a child actor, to producing chart-topping songs like Sadqay and Peetal, he has steadily carved a place for himself in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
In a recent appearance on Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt, Wajahat shared how he continues to navigate his career while balancing the pressures of media exposure and family legacy.
“I was born into acting,” he said while reflecting on his journey. “I really enjoyed being on set as a kid and learned a lot. Even now, if given the choice, I’d still pick acting—though maybe I’d start later in life.”
Starting Young in Film
Wajahat’s acting career began almost naturally. “I memorised my lines quickly and never got nervous in front of the camera,” he recalled. “That signaled to my parents that I might be good at it, so I started taking roles as they came.”
He fondly remembered his early experiences. “I did my first film at 13. I always found film sets fascinating. That, along with the attention I received, really pulled me in.”
However, growing up in a showbiz family eventually weighed on him. “There was a lot of pressure. My father’s a well-known director-screenwriter, and my mother produces films. Taking a break helped me reassess where I was headed.”
Returning with John
Wajahat returned to the screen in 2023 with the critically acclaimed John. “When I came back, I knew I had to win the audience over. If I succeeded, I could finally prove myself as an actor,” he said. “That experience humbled me. I don’t find shoots as difficult now.”
Laughing, he added, “It was also the only film I was offered at the time—so I had to take it.”
While John received praise from within the industry, Wajahat admitted it didn’t launch him into stardom overnight. “I’m taking things slow,” he said. “The film taught me patience. It took so long to make and left me drained. I’ve become more careful about the projects I choose now.”
