I refused movie offers from Mahesh Bhatt: Fahad Mustafa

When they say 'Jack of all trades, master of none', they obviously weren't thinking about Fahad Mustafa.

Mustafa seems to be on a ride that only goes up; he's been lauded for his television performances, broken records with his role in the blockbuster Na Maloom Afraad and no one can charge up a crowd like he does on Jeeto Pakistan.

Talking to Images, the 32-year-old actor opens up about future aspirations, item numbers, Botox and whether he'll still be a game show host five years down the line.

What do you prefer – acting or hosting?

Fahad Mustafa (FM): Well, I like both obviously! Acting is something I enjoy whereas hosting has become a way of earning so a healthy mix of both works for a happy life. However, if I am being honest, I do prefer acting

Do you think getting into the acting field is easy and is it a stable, sustainable career? Would you recommend aspiring artists to pursue this line of work?

*FM: * It's been 12 years, so I think I have done a good job sustaining my career. With any given field, you have to take your work seriously and the reward will follow.

We hear you're making a movie yourself. Can you tell us more about it?

FM: i am making two films next year: Band Toh Ab Bajay Ga, which will be directed by Anjum Shahzad and written by Yasir Hussain and it's going to be the first movie we'll produce under the Big Bang banner.

I'm also working on a movie with ARY Digital, written by Ali Imran. That one is still in the very initial stages so we haven't decided on a director yet, but both fall under the genre of comedy or rom-coms.

Read: Band Toh Ab Bajay Ga: Anjum Shehzad to direct Fahad Mustafa's first film production

Do you ever see yourself stepping into the director's shoes?

FM: No, I don't think I'll ever direct in my life. My motto is 'never say never' but I personally don't think it's for me. I have my own way of doing things and I admit that I'm lazy. I just wouldn't feel right commanding people and telling them what to do so for now, I don't see it happening. There are so many good directors out there so I think I'll let them do their job.

Do you think an item number is essential for a movie to do well?

FM: No, not particularly. I think it depends – there could be an item number in the movie and it may be harmless but it's definitely not necessary! It's up to the director at the end of the day – it's his call to decide if the movie needs it.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Will you still be a game show host then?

FM: I'm not a host! Jeeto Pakistan became a bigger success than I ever could have imagined, but I don't know if I'll be doing any other game shows. What I do know for sure is that I'll be making movies, producing movies and I'll be acting.

The aim is to only do projects that are close to my heart, that I love. I don't want to be acting in everything that comes up my way!

Where do you see Pakistani cinema in five years?

FM: Flourishing, getting even bigger. I believe this is just the beginning and I feel different genres will help the revival. The same kind of cinema can't survive for too long.

Getting personal

Describe yourself in three words.

FM: Comfortable, honest and happy.

What's your favorite cuisine/restaurant in Karachi?

*FM: * I'm a real homebody, so I prefer eating at home! It doesn't even matter what I'm eating; if I'm at home, I'll eat whatever there is. I'll even go pick up food and bring it back to eat in the comfort of my abode.

Many male artists opt to get cosmetic surgery/enhancements such as Botox or facelifts. What are your thoughts on it?

FM: I think you should age with grace, the way you are meant to. If you are 40 or 50, you should look it, there's nothing wrong with it! if you want to look good, lead a healthy lifestyle, work out and you should be fine.