“I’m very particular about the actress I’m paired with and I share great chemistry and comfort with Ayeza. So overall, I knew it was a safe gamble. It’s something that has been tried and tested previously, so there weren’t any risks,” he added.

He further said, “It’s different in a lot of ways. There’s also a transformation for the story and my character. There are several intriguing twists and turns in the plot that you’ll discover.”

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Believing that media plays a strong role in the promotion of the arts, he shared, “I think it has become very important. Previously, we used to completely rely on word-of-mouth. But now marketing strategies play an essential role in the success or failure of any project at all – I feel that promotions are no longer only limited to films, they’ve become equally relevant for television as well.”

Wearing @humayunalamgirmenswear at Fashion Pakistan Week last night in Karachi. Styling by @hanishqureshii

A post shared by IMRAN ABBAS عمران عباس (@imranabbas.official) on Feb 22, 2017 at 11:04pm PST

The actor who rose to stardom with the serial Khuda Aur Mohabbat six years ago reshot the entire serial and also featured in its second installment opposite Kubra Khan.

“There were major changes in the development and detailing of the characters,” recalled Abbas. “It was originally aired in 2011 so obviously the newer version was a lot more contemporary. It was better in terms of production. Also, the second season picks up from where the last one ended and all of us have changed physically over the years as well so to make it all look relevant, we had to reshoot the first season. Nonetheless, I’m grateful to all the viewers for giving it so much love this time around as well. I feel blessed.”

Abbas also disclosed that his motive now is to earn more. “Thankfully I get paid exactly what I quote but of course financial stability is extremely important.

At the end of the day, all of us are working for survival and strive to make a living out of it. Gone are the days when we had to prove our mettle. I know I am working for money because above anything, it is my job.”

At the promo shoot of MUHABBAT TUM SE NAFRAT HAI wearing @sameersain .

A post shared by IMRAN ABBAS عمران عباس (@imranabbas.official) on Feb 15, 2017 at 3:49am PST

When asked, if he’s planning to do a film in Pakistan, “I have been experimenting across the border. I wasn’t satisfied with Creature 3D. I liked the film but I expected a lot more from the audience. With Janisaar, we knew our niche market and we weren’t trying to cater to the masses at all,” said Abbas. “At this point of time, I don’t want to take any risks in my career. I’ve become very choosy about what I select and I actually thank God that I had to let go of a few Pakistani films because they turned out to be beyond disappointing.”

He is still looking to resume projects across the border that were delayed in the aftermath of the Uri attacks. “There will always be people who will stigmatize the entire society. It’s not restricted to India. We have them here in Pakistan too. But I do believe that any reciprocation and mutual respect is important. If we have started playing Indian films in our theatres, they need to start airing our television serials on Zee Zindagi as well.”

From the red carpet of Miss Veet Pakistan 's Grand Finale in Karachi.

A post shared by IMRAN ABBAS عمران عباس (@imranabbas.official) on Jan 12, 2017 at 1:36pm PST

“We need to get rid of this negativity. As far as my personal experience of collaborating with Indian artists is concerned, I’ve never been through any discomfort whatsoever and have only been showered with love and respect. Also, we cannot deny the fact that Bollywood is a huge industry and the international exposure it offers is not available locally. It will take time for us to build infrastructure but I see great enthusiasm in the younger lot and am very hopeful,” he continued.