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Adnan Siddiqui
 The veteran actor Adnan Siddiqui of course needs no introduction, he entered showbiz in the early 90s as a model but it was drama serial Uroosa that made him a heartthrob of the nation and from that point there was no looking back. He has also hosted televised award shows, late night shows and travelogues, and received several prestigious awards for his distinct acting talent. With an MBA degree in marketing, Adnan owns an outdoor advertising agency and a men’s salon in Karachi. In an interview, Adnan sheds light on his experience in the world of showbiz. Excerpts:
Who is Adnan Siddiqui?
Adnan Siddiqui is someone who believes in humanity and hard work. He has lead a life with a belief that there are no short cuts in life, he has given two decades to the television industry and still feels that there is a lot more to do and achieve. Adnan is a hard worker.
How did you enter the field of showbiz?
Fashion modelling gave me an entrance to the field of showbiz and without my mentors I am incomplete. Fifa Haroon introduced me on brochures and my first photo shoot was with Arif Mahmood. The first person who applied any kind of make up on my face was Tariq Amin. Shahzad Nawaz introduced me to ramp modelling whereas Freiha Altaf is the lady who groomed me as a model. Never to forget Arshad Tareen who made me a cover page model through his magazine. My career will be nothing without Anwar Maqsood, with whom I did all my initial long plays and serials, Fatima Suriya Bajia, the creator of my role in Uroosa, and Qasim Jillani, the director of all my initial plays.
 What does showbiz mean to you?
Showbiz is actually a very short lived fame; it fizzles out sooner or later. It is a platform and a cut-throat competition where every one is your friend and a competitor at the same time. For me showbiz is a battle field where I am right now with my ready-to-fight tools.
Since your first play you have an image of a romantic hero and it is still the same how do you feel about it?
I have an image of a romantic hero because my viewers like me more in such kind of roles, whenever I try to break that image people show reluctance in accepting that.
You did few negative roles also, like in Zaib-un-Nisa, how was that experience?
Zaib-un-Nisa has a very special place in my career, it was the turning point in my acting profession. It made me take acting much more seriously than before. When Saira Kazmi said that Adnan, I am afraid whether you will be able to do justice to this character I took her words as a challenge and made efforts to prove that no one else other than me could do justice to the role. It was a positive-cum-negative role and it left an impact on the minds of people, which was my aim and surely it was a great success for me. Now as far as negative roles are concerned, I am open to all kinds of character roles, what I always look for is that the character should have some substance in it.
Most of your dramas were shot abroad, tell us about your experiences?
People often misinterpret foreign trips as source of with enjoyment, shopping and fun but in reality the picture is reverse. While shooting in foreign countries we actors have to face an extremely tough schedule. There are no holidays and we have to work on Sundays too.
Who is your favourite actor/actress in Pakistani TV industry?
Well, the list is long, among old ones there is Sajid Hassan whose piece of advice I always take very seriously. Sania, I call her amma, is not only a dear friend but an extremely talented actress. Nadia Jamil, with whom, although I have not worked a lot yet I can feel that there is chemistry between two of us, and of course not to forget Samiya Mumtaz, a very fine actress, while among the new blood Fahad Mustufah, Mohib Mirza and his wife Amna are my favourites.
How was your experience of working in a Hollywood movie?
It was an excellent experience; I firmly believe that when you don’t expect everything in life, you get the best, same happened to me in the case of A Mighty Heart. It was started as a British movie but the investment of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie turned it into a Hollywood project. It was a great feeling to be a part of a big project like A Mighty Heart but what makes it more special to me are some precious moments related to the project. During the premier, when I was called on the stage as an actor from Pakistan, the only word that echoed in my ears was ‘Pakistan’ it was a proud feeling that I was there to represent my country internationally. On that very moment I wanted to express my feelings in Urdu but a very dear friend of mine suggested that, since my dialogues in the movie were in English so the audience would be expecting an address in a language known to them, so that I spoke in English but my feelings at that time are difficult to express in words.
Who has been your inspiration and driving force throughout your life?
Without any doubt my father, he is still the guiding and driving force for me.
What is your greatest personal achievement?
My greatest personal achievement are my kids and my caring wife. After the birth of our son Zaid, my wife often says that our family is complete now with two daughters and a son but my comments always are that the family is complete, but for a time being.
What is ‘family’ for you?
Family is everything for me; it gives me a sense of responsibility, makes life serious and meaningful. You work hard to support and please them; it is the force that drives me towards life.
What is the best thing about being famous?
Getting fame is very easy but how you maintain it is the toughest part of it.
How do you look at yourself as a father?
I am a very loving father, I have two daughters Marium whom I call Marium jani, then there is Dani who is Dani jani for me and then there is Zaid sahib, he is just two months old.
How do you evaluate today's fashion scene?
Pakistan’s fashion industry fortunately is on the brighter side, we have extremely talented people working in the field. Even the new designers that are coming in are exceptionally good; they all have potential to sustain their work in this field. With the insertion of new blood, competition has increased bringing more variety for the masses. Now when we specifically talk about the fashion weeks, I guess it is a wonderful way to take Pakistan on an international level and to attract foreign buyers.
 Are you planning to move to other genres of TV industry like direction or production?
Direction is out of question as I am Mr. Perfectionist I want everything to be extremely balanced and accurate for myself and in direction most of the times director does not get what he wants. But yes, I may do some production work if my budget allows me.
Any advice for the new comers?
Never look for shortcuts in life.
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