Exclusive! Tawseef Mir On How Industry Reacted To A Kashmiri Actor, "I Noticed That People Were Curious"

Actor Tawseef Mir is all set to make his debut with Onir's We Are Faheem & Karun. He hails from Kashmir and started his career as a model. We Are Faheem & Karun is a queer love story, and Tawseef play the role of Faheem in it. Filmibeat recently interacted with Tawseef, and spoke to him about the movie, how industry reacted to a Kashmiri actor, and a lot more...

How nervous or excited you are for your debut?

I'm definitely feeling a mix of excitement and nerves! It's surreal to think about stepping into this role, especially with such a complex character like Faheem. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to bring authenticity to his story, especially given the personal and political layers involved. It's exhilarating, but there's also that pressure to do justice to the character and the narrative. So, it's a blend of anticipation, excitement, and a little bit of anxiety-like any first!

Was there a hesitation before taking up the role as it is your first film and you are playing a queer character?

Like many people, when I was working on this film, I was told that playing a queer character in my first film might limit the types of roles I would receive in the future. However, I always believed that Shah Rukh Khan, who played a gay character in his first television film, went on to have a successful career with a variety of films and characters. Similarly, Ayushmann Khurrana faced this question when he acted in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. His response was insightful: he questioned why people tend to ask such inquiries specifically regarding queer roles. He pointed out that when someone plays a heterosexual character, these questions rarely come up.

We don't have many actors who hail from Kashmir. How did the industry react when you used to go for auditions?

It's true; there aren't many actors from Kashmir in the industry, and that did make my journey quite unique. When I started going for auditions, I noticed that people were curious-they often asked about my background, and there was a mix of intrigue and surprise. Sometimes, the industry tends to associate Kashmiri actors with certain types of roles, which can be limiting.

But over time, I also sensed a growing openness and interest in fresh, diverse narratives, especially as audiences are embracing more realistic and layered stories. The industry, too, is evolving, and there's a desire to represent a broader spectrum of voices and perspectives, which includes people from regions like Kashmir.

In some ways, being Kashmiri feels like an advantage now because it brings authenticity and depth to roles that require it. It's an exciting time to bring these stories to life and offer a perspective that people might not have seen often.

One director you really wish to work with and why, and one actress you would love to romance and why?

Working with Imtiaz Ali would truly be a dream. His ability to capture complex emotions and deeply layered relationships resonates with me, especially in films like Rockstar, which left a lasting impression. His storytelling connects on such a personal level, and I feel like he brings out the most authentic performances from his actors.

As for an actress, I'd love to romance Alia Bhatt on screen. Her versatility and depth are incredible, and she brings such honesty to her roles. Acting opposite her would be both a thrill and a huge learning experience

We Are Faheem And Karun was recently premiered at Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF).