Shuja Asad is a new entrant in the industry, winning the audience one drama at a time. This young star’s USP has been entering the drama industry with conviction and picking up characters that resonate with the audience. He gained a huge following with his strong performances instead of social media gimmicks, which have become the norm nowadays.
Let’s examine this young star’s journey and how he is breaking stereotypes with every performance.
Social Media Appearance
Shuja Asad had a long journey. He has shared in his interviews that he was always passionate about acting, and he did it through his hardwork and dedication. The actor used to be seen in short videos made by famous YouTuber and content creator Danish Ali. He was a part of a few of his sketches where he was seen giving his hundred percent, even in short videos.
Here is how he looked 5 years ago when he worked in these videos:
His knack for comedy is clearly visible in this video, and producers can utilize the actor in full-fledged comic roles in the future.
Debut & Passion
Shuja Asad made his television debut opposite Neelam Muneer in Pyar Deewangi Hai. He was able to do a great job in a drama that had names like Neelam Muneer and Sami Khan in the cast. He was able to look like a totally different person and far older than he is in real life. He managed to pull off the not too likable character and many of his now fans will not be able to recognize him in that character.
He also appeared in College Gate in his initial career, which was also the launch pad for many other young actors. Shuja Asad has spoken about how he has faced scrutiny and humiliation from casting people. He revealed that he was rejected by people who would say things like his teeth are not aligned, and he needs to lose weight. He has worked hard to reach where he is right now:
Shuja Asad’s Breakout Role
Shuja Asad starred as Barlas Khan in the critically acclaimed show Khaie. That also ended up becoming the star’s breakout role. Barlas Khan was a very complicated and layered character. He had to perform with artists like Uzma Khan and Faysal Quraishi. Shuja not only managed to match the strong performances of some senior stars but also outperformed them in certain places. He became a household name after playing Barlas Khan, and that drama changed his career trajectory. He was praised by critics and audiences equally, which is not a feat everyone can achieve in the very beginning of their careers.
Shuja Asad’s Versatility
Shuja Asad has proved his versatility in a short period of time. Our drama industry is unfortunately going through a time when all the roles are similar and men just come in suits, sitting in a Prado and fall in love with a poor girl. The formula is getting monotonous and Shuja is amongst the young stars who are breaking the mold and experimenting with characters. From a student in College Gate to a grey character in Khaie was a great career move. He played a negative character without thinking of typecasting in Aye Ishq e Junoon and once again impressed everyone. The actor blew everyone over as Sonu in Tan Man Neelo Neel, a drama that broke barriers script wise and showed how big stories can be told in a smaller frame.
Tan Man Neelo Neel
Tan Man Neelo Neel is a drama that brought a very important topic into focus. A subject like mob lynching was shown in its raw and real form on television. It shook everyone and Shuja Asad chose to be a part of that project. This shows the actor’s eye for subject-oriented content and he chose to be a part of it when there was no hype around it. A great addition to his filmography.
Changing Looks
Shuja Asad has changed his looks for all his characters. From growing a heavy beard and long hair in Pyar Deewangi Hai to the raw and close to soil Barlas Khan. The suave villain he played in Aye Ishq e Junoon and the street dancer of Tan Man Neelo Neel. All these characters looked different from each other and that added to the star’s range and versatility. Lately, Pakistani television has a cookie cutter hero with a set beard, Burj Khalifa hair and a deep voice. Watching a new actor departing from that mold and actually working on his character’s look is a breath of fresh air.
Conclusion
Shuja Asad is a promising new actor and he is breaking stereotypes by experimenting with his roles. He is not scared of taking on a positive or a negative role. He has worked with actresses from different age groups and he is more focused on his performance than on vanity. Hopefully, this will become a new trend in the drama industry and the actor will maintain his streak by choosing different characters that matter instead of falling victim to the formula machine.
