The art of playing an anti-hero

It is often believed that pulling off a comic role in a television play, film or theatre, and making the audience laugh is quite difficult. While this holds true, another fact just as important is the art of essaying a negative character on-screen. It is not as easy as it seems.Admit it or not, but antagonists can be principal to the success of a TV series or movie as much as the hero, because they [villains] help take the story forward with their conniving plots. Portraying an anti-hero requires conviction and skill because if the actor playing the negative character isn’t believable or interesting, that means you’ve lost your audience. Here are four actors that are currently depicting negative characters on television, the kind people will not be able to forgive and forget - easily. Imran AshrafOne of the most talented and versatile actors to emerge, Imran Ashraf is remarkable as Bhola in the television play, Ranjha Ranjha Kardi. However, it is his portrayal as the despicable Rehan Chaudhry in the ongoing drama series, titled Inkaar, which is the highlight of the play.The play is written by Zafar Mairaj and directed by Kashif Nisar. It features Yumna Zaidi and Sami Khan - apart from Ashraf – both of whom have outdone themselves in their respective characters. The drama tackles an intense social issue and revolves around the important message - ‘No Means No’. It follows the story of Hajra (Yumna Zaidi) who is betrayed by Rehan Chaudhry (Imran Ashraf). As the anti-hero, Ashraf plays the character of a drug addict with an obsessive streak, who struggles with his ego after Hajra rejects him for Shayan (Sami Khan). Rehan Chaudhry is unable to take Hajra’s rejection and attempts to murder her on her wedding day. A brilliant actor, Imran Ashraf will blow your mind with his performance as the evil Rehan Chaudhry.Bilal Abbas The young and budding actor is certainly one to watch out for. With some remarkable performances to his credit, Bilal Abbas can be seen essaying the villainous character, Wajih, in the ongoing drama serial Cheekh. Helmed by Badar Mehmood and written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, the play features Saba Qamar, Emmad Irfani and Aijaz Alsam besides Bilal. Twenty episodes into the play, Abbas’s performance is commendable as Wajih, a ruthless guy who goes to the extent of killing his wife-to-be Nayab (Ushna Shah) because she slaps him after he tries to harass her. Wajih completely lacks empathy and has no comprehension of the enormity of his actions. He confesses his crime in front of his sister-in-law, Mannat (essayed by Saba Qamar) without any regret. After Mannat files a case against Wajih for murdering Nayab, he is willing to cross any limits and destroy her in the process. Bilal Abbas Khan is pulling off the character with utmost conviction and we are definitely impressed.Junaid KhanLead vocalist of Call [the band], Junaid Khan transitioned into acting almost nine years ago. He has some memorable performances to his credit including plays such as Silsilay, Khasara and Ishq Tamasha among others. Currently appearing in three drama serials – Kamzarf, Yaariyan and Hania, he plays the role of a caring and emotional guy in the former two and essays the role of an antagonist in the latter. Directed by Qasim Ali Mureed, Hania features Osama Tahir, Tanvir Jamal, Marium Mirza, Ghana Ali, Wasim Abbas, Firdous Jamal and Hassan Ahmed, aside from Junaid. Hania sees Junaid Khan as an arrogant, rich, spoilt man who gets married to Hania (Zoya Nasir). He portrays the character of Junaid, who is blatantly dark, aggressive and tortures his wife without any reason. With fourteen episodes into the play, the singer and actor has stepped out of his comfort zone and is portraying the character so well that as a viewer it is easy to hate him.Syed JibranOne play that is generating rave reviews for brilliant performances from the entire cast is Ranjha Ranjha Kardi. The play features Imran Ashraf as Bhola, Iqra Aziz as Noori and Syed Jibran as Sahir.In Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, Syed Jibran plays the role of an anti-hero to the hilt. Portrayed as a selfish and typical man who abandons Noori after she falls in love with him, Sahir is greedy and conniving, who takes Noori for granted. His betrayal leaves Noori helpless and ultimately, she gets married to Bhola. In the ongoing play, which is written by Faiza Iftikhar and directed by Kashif Nisar, Syed Jibran proves how versatile he can be. He not only portrays Sahir’s complexities with dedication and conviction but is a subliminal factor in helping taking the story forward with.

from The News International - Instep Today http://bit.ly/2EBr97t