Desi-Box.com caught up with the talented Abbas Hasan to find out what Abbas has been upto since he released Sona featuring Mumzy Stranger last year, about his new Indian film which is expected to release this April worldwide and much more, without further ado guys we bring you Abbas Hasan!
DB: Hey Abbas! A big welcome to desi-box.com. How are you?
Abbas Hasan: A bit hot and sweaty from a crazy day, but doing great. Feeling on fire… in a good way!
DB: Okay, so your singing career was launched with Rishi Rich Productions and Mumbai Rouge last year, then you went ahead and won Asian Woman Magazine’s Bachelor Of The Year Award, and now you’ve landed your first major film role, in BOLLYWOOD. You seem to be making a pretty big impact everywhere! Please try and explain how you’re feeling right about now?
Abbas Hasan:I’m feeling a great energy about everything. Yeah it’s been quite an action-packed year. Lots of travelling… Canada, Paris, Norway, Russia, India, to name a few… But I’m doing what I love most so enjoying every minute of it. I know it’s not the typical way to go but I’m not here to fit in or follow a mould. If a project inspires me artistically then that’s all that matters. It’s all about projects that I can sink my teeth into. I don’t stop and think about how others are reacting or what others think. I’m just doing my thing and I’m really excited about what’s coming up.
DB: Before this role came along, had you ever really been into acting much? If you had to choose between acting and music, which one would it be and why?
Abbas Hasan: Of course I would choose music. Music is what I live for, and that’s how I choose to express myself. I trained in acting ages ago so it was something I enjoyed, but not as much as the thrill of creating music. When this project was offered to me, I initially said no because it didn’t feel like it was the right time… But then I learned the concept and the director’s vision, and everything changed. I knew I had to do it. It’s all about doing projects that I believe in.
If a project inspires me artistically then that’s all that matters.
DB: Can you tell us a little bit about the film, and what we can expect from it and of course from you?
Abbas Hasan: It’s a unique project because of the big scale and how the people involved are from all the different film fraternities in India. The director is a two-time Filmfare Award winner and even a National Award winner for his writing and poetry so he’s got a really poetic approach to creating this film. It also stars celebrity cricketers from across the region, which has been exciting. It’s a film about love, friendship, and getting back to your roots but most importantly it’s a film about not believing in borders and boundaries, and as a global Asian that message is so important to me. My heritage is from India and Pakistan, and so to me those borders can never be real. I feel like our generation is the one that’s going to overcome these man-made borders and boundaries… But aside from the deep message, there’s lots of fun, action and of course romance!
DB: In the film you play a Pakistani cricketer. Are you a ‘cricket’ person in real-life or not, and did your role ever involve actually playing cricket?
Abbas Hasan: To be honest, I was never huge on cricket. I grew in the Paris arts scene. I was surrounded by sex, drugs and rock’n’roll but no cricket! But strangely enough, I’ve gotten really into it since coming here [India]. There’s a lot of cricket in the film, so getting private coaching sessions with World Cup winners definitely helped and I’ve had intense practice sessions almost every day we’re not on set. It’s a great vibe to be here during the world cup and IPL games and get special access to the stadiums so I’m loving the energy.
DB: How challenging was this role for you Abbas? Can you tell us about some of the difficulties you faced, and how you overcame them?
Abbas Hasan: The role wasn’t challenging in itself, because I really believed in the character. But the language barrier was a real obstacle which meant lots of script readings. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I wanted to know what every single word meant. Luckily the team was really helpful and my co-star Archana was always on hand for tutoring sessions. Actually we had so much fun together the production team kept bugging her. I felt bad because sometimes it even got her in trouble with the dance master-jee.
It’s a film about not believing in borders and boundaries, and as a global Asian that message is so important to me.
DB: While out there in India, were you offered any other roles in any other movies? If Bollywood beckons you to stay, will you?
Abbas Hasan: I’m a pop performance artist who does acting projects on the side, and not the other way around. Right now I’m just itching to get back in studio, work on my music and get my record out to my fans. I’ve had some interest here and who knows, if the right project comes my way I might consider it again, but it’s not my priority right now.
DB: If you had to convince a Martian to go and watch this movie, what would you say to them to do so? (On the basis that they understood you of course!)
Abbas Hasan: Right… First I would ask what the hell this dude is doing here… And then I’d say it’s my debut film with lots of drama, excitement and action so go check it out.
DB: Can you tell us a little about the soundtrack of the film? Music-wise, is Bollywood music a path you’d maybe like to explore one day as an artist? Rishi Rich Productions meets Bollywood – we can see it happening!
Abbas Hasan: The soundtrack is awesome. It features some of my favourite Bollywood singers including Chitra, Udit Narayan and Yesudas. It’s being done in a few languages including Hindi/Urdu, but to be honest I’ve learnt to enjoy some of the songs in Malyalam—probably from having to learn them for the shoot! It felt funny acting to the voice of Udit Narayan who usually does all the Shahrukh Khan films. The production joked that “Hasan” the new “Khan” was being born, it was sweet.
DB: Finally, what else is planned for you this year, after the release of the film in April? Is there a message you’d like to send out to all your supporters via Desi-Box.com?
Abbas Hasan: The action continues. As soon as we wrap I’m coming back to London to complete work on my album. Can’t wait to be back in studio with Rish and Ron [Veronica]. It’s just a different vibe when the three of us are in studio together. And after that, back to India for the film premiere and then it’s time to unleash the album. Afterwards, some plans in the pipeline to head to Toronto for gigs, so I’ll keep you updated. Just want to send out a huge shout out to all the fans. I know I’ve kept you guys waiting for the album, but trust me it’ll be worth it. Major Sona vibes coming down your way. Hope you guys enjoy the film in the meantime and remember the deeper meaning… Much love et je vous embrasse tous.
By Sabah Ismail