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Mohsin Abbas Haider is set to make his TV drama debut with Muqabbil, and he's got the company of his Na Maloom Afraad co-star Kubra Khanum for this first in his career.

The drama, written by Zafar Mairaj and directed by Ali Hassan, casts him in a rather subdued role, which means Mohsin finally gets to wrap up his funny man routine.

"The best thing about this drama is that for the first time in my 10-11 year career, the audience will see me in a role that isn't loud or hyperactive. I play a very sober, sambhala hua (composed) person in Muqabbil."

"People don't expect this kind of acting from me, but honestly, this is how I'd like to act. I hope I haven't got the stamp of a non-serious, funny guy, and if I have, I hope to change that perception, and show my other side, my real side, through Muqabbil."

Why come into dramas so late, we ask?

"I used to get offers for drama serials in the past as well, but due to [my daily gig at ] Mazaaq Raat, I wasn't able to make time for them. I only did a few telefilms that would wrap up in a few days."

"Now that I felt that I should take acting more seriously, I decided to step foot into our thriving drama industry because there's no better place to explore one's acting potential."

"I talked to the Mazaaq Raat team, and they gave me the leeway to balance both projects together. So here I am."