Written by: Syed Abbas Hussain
Posted on: July 20, 2020 | 
| 中文
A Scene from Bench the Film
Usman Mukhtar is an artist who dons many hats. Be it acting in theatre, film and television, direction, cinematography, hosting award shows and performing in V-Logs. There is hardly a medium of entertainment he hasn’t touched. His recent acting work on TV may give him a brooding persona, but he is equally comfortable being silly in a space of comedy. Whether it is his wacky characters in the Kuch Khaas series of V-Logs, or his parody of the iconic Tariq Aziz at the Hum TV awards, Islamabad-based thespian Usman Mukhtar has proven his versatility time and again. Born to the veteran Pakistani film actress Nasira, Usman, who is fondly referred to as ‘Joey’ by his friends, has truly embraced his creative genes. On the personal front, he meanders as seamlessly between introspective conversations and slapstick comedy as he does in his professional expeditions.
After gaining much success in television drama for his Mr. Darcy-like character Altamash from Hum TV’s popular serial Anaa, and Dr. Haris from Sabaat, Usman Mukhtar directs and acts in a short film this year, titled Bench. Co-starring Rubya Chaudhry, the film explores the intimate journey of a young couple dealing with the trials and tribulations of their relationship. A heartfelt, and realistic conversation between the couple on a bench, forms the crux of the story.
Usman Mukhtar in Anaa
Bench recently won the Best Short Film Award at the prestigious South Shore Film Festival, New York. While it it is set to screen at film festivals in Los Angeles, Kolkata, Rome and Toronto, the film will be released in local venues in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi as soon as lockdown restrictions are eased. Youlin Magazine caught up with Usman Mukhtar for a quick chat to discuss his latest project, as well as his future endeavours and aspirations. Watch the trailer for the film here.
I have been going to the F-9 park in Islamabad for walks for many years now. Each time I go there, I see many people sitting on benches, with potentially fascinating stories waiting to be told. I spoke to the screenwriter, Ali Mudar about my rough concept, and he helped flesh it out.
A Conversation between Usman Mukhtar and Rubya Chaudhry
For our older generation, it is still a taboo to be associated with the performing arts. We tend to use a specific word for people in the performing arts: “Mirasi”. Parents generally embed the notion in the minds of their children that the field of entertainment is a no-go area as a choice of profession. So many youngsters message me saying that their parents don’t consider it a profession worth getting into.
As an actor, I like performing in theatre and as a director, I enjoy directing films. The response that you get in theatre allows you to feed off the audience’s energy. It is a different kind of high altogether! You get to learn so much as an actor if you are performing on stage. I personally feel that anyone who wants to become an actor should do theatre at least once in their life. As far as direction is concerned, I have grown up watching films, so I have always wanted to be a film director. For me, I never wanted to direct drama serials, it was always the big screen.
Usman Mukhtar in Bench
Filmmakers like me, who lack funding, do not have the means to produce a full length feature, for the kind of subjects that we want to explore. I don’t have the luxury of always producing content I believe in. That’s where short films can help. You can express yourself freely as a director and actor. For feature films brands and producers stifle your creativity, as their main concern relates to what works and what doesn’t work. As far as short films go, a director is a free bird.
I have worked with Rubya before, and we have a great working dynamic. There is no one who could have done the role better than her. When I approached her for the film, she said yes without thinking twice, and the rest as they say is history. Rubya is a fantastic actor, and I hope that the industry does justice to her talent and recognizes her for the actor she is.
Rubya Chaudry and Usman Mukhtar in Aisiqui
It is a big challenge. Sometimes, I wonder that regarding the present situation it is easier for, let’s say a banker or a research analyst, to follow safety protocols by wearing a mask or observing social distancing at the workplace. With acting, scenes have to be performed which require actors to take their masks off, and stand close to each other. Some of my actor friends abroad tell me that SOPS are being followed very seriously in countries like the United States.
For instance, for the new instalment of Mission Impossible, apparently the makers are constructing a ‘Corona-Free Village’, with different stations. Once crew members enter, they will be disinfected and not be allowed to leave from there. Such projects have huge budgets. Here on the other hand, you cannot get the general public to follow SOPs, let alone members of the entertainment industry. I have heard some shoots have resumed, but I haven’t started working yet. I am hoping that once cases reduce, I will get back to work.
Usman Mukhtar Directing
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