Adnan Shah Tipu: If Hollywood Cast Like Pakistan, Al Pacino Would Quit

Adnan Shah Tipu, a familiar face in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, reflected on his 25-year journey during an interview with BBC Urdu. Known for his dynamic performances, Tipu has carved out a niche as a character actor but believes the industry’s preference for appearance over talent remains a major obstacle for true talent to thrive.

In the interview, Tipu expressed that he doesn’t mind whether his characters have shorter or longer screen time as long as they resonate with him. “For me, whether a character is one page long or 10 pages long, if it makes sense to me, it’s a challenge. And if I can bring some positive change in society through that character, then why not?” he explained.

Adnan Shah Tipu and his Thoughts

The In Flames actor also discussed his career as a character actor, lamenting that Pakistan’s entertainment industry still hasn’t fully embraced character-driven films and shows. “I’ve always considered myself a hero, whether in a leading or supporting role. It’s the quality of work that makes you a hero or a zero,” he emphasized.

Contrasting this with the global scene, he highlighted actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui in India, saying, “In India, Nawazuddin can land a leading role because the film revolves around the character, not his appearance. Here, even if they create a character-driven film, they’ll cast someone who doesn’t fit the role to play it.”

Adnan Shah Tipu openly expressed his frustration with the Pakistani entertainment industry’s obsession with appearance and social media following. He stated, “If people around the world started casting actors based on our standards and their following, actors like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino would quit.”

He also highlighted another issue that restricts the diversity of actors in the industry. “With the type of stories we’re focusing on, we’ll never achieve the diversity needed to cast a range of actors,” he said, stressing the need for more nuanced storytelling that allows talented but unconventional actors to take the spotlight.

Tipu praised filmmakers like Kashif Nisar for breaking this mold, citing Nisar’s bold choice to cast Ehteshamuddin in the lead role of Kabuli Pulao as an example of change.

Switching Off the Villain

The conversation also delved into the psychological effects of playing dark characters. Tipu acknowledged the toll repeated villainous roles can take on an actor’s mental health. “Yes, it affects you, but you have to remember it’s just acting. When you come home and see your wife and kids, that’s your reality check.”

He stressed the importance of learning how to “switch on and switch off” to avoid emotional burnout.

When asked about facing real-life backlash for his real-life villains, Tipu revealed that he often receives hate comments online. He also shared a startling encounter: “I was on a bike with my daughter when a man stopped me and said I deserved what was happening to my character in the drama,” Tipu recalled, adding that such reactions should be seen as compliments. “If this happens, it means you’ve done a great job as an actor.”

Refusing to Be Typecast

Tipu’s career hasn’t been without its struggles. He talked about the challenges of securing serious roles despite his critically acclaimed performance in Khamosh Pani. After his success in the sitcom Sub Set Hai, he received 36 sitcom offers, all of which he had to reject in order to pursue more serious roles. “I went hungry for two years because I didn’t want to be pigeonholed into one style or genre.”

For Tipu, versatility is the essence of acting. “Comedy lets me experiment and lighten the mood, while serious roles allow me to deeply explore emotions. It’s essential to keep growing and challenging yourself. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

The Road Ahead

Despite the challenges, Tipu remains optimistic about change. He pointed to his recent leading role in the film 13 as a sign of progress, though he admitted the change is slower than he’d like. “Things are evolving, but not at the pace we’d prefer. Globally, the focus has shifted to character-driven stories.”

Also Read: Adnan Shah Tipu On Losing Film With Madhuri Dixit