HOLLYWOOD ACTOR
Zuher Khan
Breaking the Stereotypes
Pakistanis are breaking the stereotypical image of the country by making their mark in the entertainment industry all over the world.
From winning Oscars to making animated films, another talented individual has successfully left his imprint on Hollywood.
Zuher Khan has been skillfully practising his craft as a producer in the entertainment industry. With his award-winning film and his company’s first production “3 Holes and A Smoking Gun,” Zuher has successfully made waves in Hollywood.
He has been struggling in the entertainment industry from the age of 16 and is now working on several interesting projects including a feature-length documentary about “Actors in the New Hollywood.” Luckily, GLOSS landed an interview with the producer himself to know about his work and what he has in store for his audience in the future.
Tell us about Zuher Khan.
An avid student of the craft of cinema, a gentleman who believes that art defines influence and that defines culture. I do believe that as a filmmaker, brother, son and husband its key to have integrity and goodwill for the passion of cinema I recall my father telling me that to be a good artist you first have to be a good human being and that’s what I strive for every day.
If you have to choose between acting and producing what would you choose and why?
Genuinely I love all aspects of filmmaking yet producing and acting are my core specialities, I really can’t choose because I love producing as much as I love to act on screen, as an actor I strive for the best take and as a producer strives to create stories that are unique and wonderful. I could have said I like acting more than producing or producing more than acting but again I love both.
What were the challenges you faced while producing and acting in films and how did you overcome them?
I can’t complain. I have no challenges I work with the best stars in the business, win awards and receive acclaim. I am grateful to the United States and to Hollywood for being tremendously kind, loving, accepting and beautiful. Yet I never forget my roots as I am a proud Pakistani as well. As to overcoming challenges I am my own boss, I make my content and work with the finest distributors in the world.
I do believe that Pakistani cinema truly has achieved remarkable success over the last few years, and I hope that the industry only gets better.
How is Zuher Khan different from other producers and stars?
I have a unique approach to my choice of films, I do not like to copy anyone and I do not emulate any other star although I have a great deal of respect for Tom Cruise and Shahrukh Khan.
What’s your criterion for a great film?
An entertaining film would be my criteria for a great film, you see it’s all about the script that connects well with the audience, and some stars say they make films for themselves; I say make a home video because it’s all about the audience.
What are your future plans for Pakistani film industry?
With the success that Aamir’s films have achieved in China, I do believe that the Chinese audiences are now accepting south Asian content, Pakistan having an amazing brotherly friendship with China I do feel that the film industry in Pakistan should monetize their content in China it will lead to greater cultural ties. During the recent times, I have seen Pakistani cinema do well and I hope it does better. Again if Pakistani films start releasing in China like they do globally already it can have a greater domino effect and the Pakistani film industry will only grow stronger hopefully on the same if not better level than Bollywood.
What is the idea behind your upcoming documentary “The Hollywood Experience?”
Interviews with some of Hollywoods best names, after having worked on some of the best television shows and films they now share their experience. The film stars John Schneider known for his amazing award-winning portrayal in the Dukes of Hazard and Smallville, William Sadler known for his roles in Iron Man 3 and The Shawshank Redemption. Disney stars such as Jennifer Stone and Hutch Dano. 3-Time Bafta Nominee Troy Baker, Quinton Aaron who starred in the BlindSide which grossed over $350 Million worldwide, April Billingsley who was most recently cast in American Made starring Tom Cruise, Terry Notary known for his portrayal in films such as Avatar, Kong: Skull Island and Rise Of the Planet of the apes, Glenn Morshower known for his outstanding performance in Transformers and hit tv series 24 and several other amazing stars including Marc John Jeffries, Kyle T. Heffner, Max Decker, Karissa Lee Staples and Andre Gower.
When it comes to acting how do you choose roles and prepare yourself for them?
With the help of my co-stars and director, we have tons of acting rehearsal workshops to get into character, when I am working hard to achieve an award-winning performance I even memorise my co-star’s lines. I originally started my career as an actor with Tobe Gibson, credited for discovering Tom Cruise, who always said that to be a great actor you must feel the character be the character, understand the character. I also try my best to understand the director’s vision.
How was your experience in the field of acting, direction and production so far and what flaws do you think Pakistani filmmakers, directors and actors have which needs attention?
I do believe that Pakistani cinema truly has achieved remarkable success over the last few years, and I hope that the industry only gets better. I know that the industry isn’t where it should be yet I know it’s getting there and again with markets like China accepting south Asian content with open arms I feel, believe and think we are on the correct track to greater possibilities and even stronger box office results.
On a scale of 1-10 where do you rate yourself in terms of production, direction and acting and why?
I am still learning. Any actor, producer or director who gives themselves a 10/10 would be lying, it’s all about growing and understanding your craft to be a better artist every day. If you stop learning and growing the audience genuinely always moves on, there are thousands of films being produced each year with hundreds of great artists. Stay humble and keep teaching yourself how to be a better you for a better tomorrow.
