MUMBAI: Actor Shamaun Ahmed, who was last seen in Sony LIV web series The Big Bong Connection, is seen playing the character of Qasim Baloch in Netflix series Bard of Blood. He plays the pivotal character of Qasim, Jannat Mari's (played by Kriti Kulhari) husband, who has issues with Kabir (played by Emraan Hashmi).
While playing the character of Qasim Baloch, Shamaun was nervous since he was working with Emraan for the first time. But he feels lucky as the latter was really easy going and made him very comfortable during intense scenes.
Shamaun has currently even finished shooting for Ribhu Dasgupta's next feature film, the official remake of Girl on a Train, with Parineeti Chopra.
In an interaction with us, the actor spoke about his journey and thrilling experience on the sets of Bard of Blood. He also shared his bond with Emraan and spoke about his upcoming projects.
Here are excerpts.
Tell us something about Bard of Blood?
Bard of Blood is an espionage thriller set in Balochistan. It’s spearheaded by Mr Emraan Hashmi’s character, agent Kabir Anand, who goes to Balochistan on a rescue mission. Apart from all the action, the story also revolves around Kabir’s emotional journey…and even ours (the Balochis) for that matter. Everyone's looking for something.
How did you bag Qasim? What was the prep for the character like?
I had broken my foot shooting a major dirt bike chase scene for a pilot I was shooting in Thailand – a project I’m looking forward to returning to. So I was on bedrest in Kolkata when the call came. I remember dressing up and taking an Uber with my Zimmer frame in tow to go to my friend Oona's (Anandi Ghose) place to shoot the test. I was told that I was selected the same evening I sent my test, but they were a little worried about an actor using a Zimmer frame and crutches to shoot a full-on action series in a few months! A few weeks later, I wheelchaired my way to Bombay and then to Red Chillies HQ to sign the contract. I must thank Mr Shah Rukh Khan, Netflix, Mr Gaurav Verma, and of course director Ribhu Dasgupta for putting their faith in me.
The prep was like a whirlwind. We didn't know what hit us. I went on a strict diet to make Qasim a gaunt, skinny guy. Then there was training with guns with commandos, the diction classes, and then the look test. It was a long journey. Something as simple as making sure nobody touched my beard to making sure that the continuity was not disturbed... I had to take are of all this while I shot for BoB for those 6 months.
Tell us something about the shooting experience?
Starting the schedule at -14 to -19 degrees in Ladakh and then facing the desert heat during the Rajasthan schedule at over 44 degrees! Dust storms, earthquakes, snow, broken bones, bad backs, sprained necks, and torn ligaments... these are just a few things the Bard of Blood team had to deal with. It was the experience of a lifetime for sure. Sometimes, we had to remind ourselves on location that all this was not real but a set created by our dear Sunil Nigvekar Sir.
How was the experience of working with Emraan Hashmi?
The day I was to shoot my first scene, it was with Mr Hashmi. I was rather nervous. I reached the sets that morning in the freezing cold and met him. He was very warm and casual... totally chilling on the set. I'd like to think we got along well. We had a lot of similar interests, so we had a lot to talk about: technology, cars, politics, and life in general...not necessarily in that order though. He has no starry airs whatsoever. I hope every newcomer gets a senior like Emraan Hashmi to work with. He really does encourage you to give your best.
What are your future projects?
Well, I recently returned from London after shooting for The Girl on the Train remake in which I play a pivotal role. (Yes! Ribhu sir has repeated me in his very next!) Frankly, I'm not going to differentiate between web series and films. I will go with the flow. As cliched as it may sound, I'm looking to experiment. My next in all probability is a comedy, but I also really want to pursue some action and intense stuff. Currently, I’m obsessed with Punisher on Netflix – and I’d love to do something along the same lines. I am in touch with some productions, one of which I'm hoping to sign soon. Insha Allah. It is a mad comedy with a message to be directed by Gaurav S. Sinha. Meanwhile, I'm on a break in Kolkata building a dream car. Yes, that's another passion of mine. I love building and redesigning cars when I’m not acting.
Good luck, Shamaun!
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