We Need To Acknowledge Just How Versatile An Actor Mikaal Zulfiqar Is

By Iman Zia | 25 Oct, 2017

Mikaal Zulfiqar is undeniably one of our industry’s most illustrious stars. He’s what you could consider an A-lister really, with dashing looks, the perfect smile, and a vibrant personality; but he’s rightfully earned such esteemed stature. Scratch past the surface, and you’ll find a man who has a celebrated plethora of dramas so varied, and so versatile that it has toplined the actor as both a critics’ and audiences’ favorite. While the actor has an extensive television archive, we key in on three of his most credible roles for which he has also been nominated accolades for.

 

1. ‘Shehr-e-Zaat’ brought forth Mikaal in a different light under the careful guidance of Sarmad Khoosat

This drama unfolded a city of wonder and self-discovery. Falak, played by Mahira Khan is infatuated with a man she is sculpting. Mikaal plays Salman, the man who is the real embodiment of Falak’s infatuation. ‘Shehr-e-Zaat’ is credited to be one of Pakistani television’s finest dramas, beholding a suffocating intensity from beginning to end.

Source: Moomal Productions

 

Salman is arrogant, egotistic and self-centered and is the antagonist in the drama for the most part

“Waisey, mujh se mohabbat kar ke karo ge kya?” Mikaal brilliantly seeps himself into a role so antagonizing yet so riveting, it’s almost mesmerizing how he does it. The facade his character displays is great – he’s sweet but it’s all very much at the surface. However, as Falak’s obsession for him deepens and blinds her, somehow we also begin to become intoxicated with Salman, hoping that he might suddenly have an epiphany. Falak begins to mirror his actions unconsciously, rejecting Hamza as much as Salman rejects her. And while she got everything she ever wanted – Salman – it all came far too short. Her marriage to him was unrequited, and Salman’s interest in another woman only rips a hole in an already tattered marriage.

Source: Moomal Productions

 

It’s only until the last few moments of introspection and reflection Salman displays that is a true homage to just how fantastic Mikaal is

When his second wife Tabinda leaves Salman, it is now that he is stripped of his idiosyncratic and selfish demeanor. After years of a carefree cruelty with no regard for Falak, karma at long last catches up to Salman. It’s the first time we see Salman break down, albeit the last episode too but nonetheless its a showcase of just how impeccable Mikaal is.

Source: Moomal Productions

 

2. ‘Mohabbat Subh Ka Sitara’ once more displays Mikaal as the dashing, rich Nabeel but with a heart

A far cry from his previous roles, Nabeel is affectionate and kind. He falls for Romaisa, someone who has been so inclined to live in darkness, so deprived of love that she is startled that someone so wonderful would spend more than a breath on her. He is compassionate, and unfailingly weaves her into his life, much to the dismay of his vindictive family.

Source: Moomal Productions

 

Romaisa is living a fairytale as the modern day Cinderella who is swept up by Prince Nabeel

Imagine all those lovely sappy romcoms that set teens’ hearts ablaze in the late 90’s and early 00’s. Be it ’10 Things I Hate About You,’ or ‘Maid In Manhattan’ we see the male protagonist fall for someone completely and entirely his opposite. ‘Mohabbat Subh Ka Sitara’ gave us Nabeel – an entirely perfect human specimen we couldn’t help fawn over. Mikaal breathed life into his character as someone so lovable, so sweet it was heartbreaking. He made Romaisa feel regal and respected her so much so, there were moments he was lost in her daze.

Source: Moomal Productions

 

Nabeel’s untimely death is the first time the drama takes such a tragic turn of events, and Romaisa is once more left stumbling in the dark without the man who gave her such strength

Mikaal’s role as Nabeel was lauded by critics, who commended the actor for exuding such a tremendous effort as the lovable Nabeel. The last interaction the two have is an odd, uneasy conversation on the phone; Nabeel’s phone is disconnected, and Romaisa falls into a nap with his voice resounding in her head. Nabeel’s death leaves a tarnished mark on the drama, with nothing but his effervescent memories to serve as comfort.

Source: Moomal Productions

 

3. By far Mikaal’s most endearing performance comes as Behroze on ‘Diyar-e-Dil’

What can one say about this drama? Behroze is the man who revolts against his father’s wishes and marries out of his class. He is banished from the comfort of his Northern home, and it is this very event that molds the rest of his life, along with his younger brother Suhaib, who is heartbroken at such a loss. Two brothers so dear to one another are torn apart.

Source: Hum Television Network

 

This is by far Mikaal’s most stunning role as Behroze, and truly catapults him as one of Pakistani Television’s finest actors

Special mention must go to Ali Rehman Khan for putting on such a solid depiction of the warm Suhaib, but Mikaal outshines all as Behroze, a man who, despite being banished still dwells in the past. He adores his father and brother and misses them dearly. However anger internally binds him, and despite persistent interactions with Suhaib, Behroze cannot move on. The death of Suhaib destroys Behroze, who shortly dies after from drowning grief.

Source: Hum Television Network

 

This is the first time we see Mikaal play someone with far greater emotional depth than any of his previous characters

Behroze dapples the screen with a palette of emotion, and how one actor can hold such variety is truly outstanding. The time lapse from a young Behroze to an older one gives Mikaal a chance to showcase his talent, and he does so with brilliance. We see a plethora of passion, zest and fervor mixed with anger, sadness and plenty of tearjerking moments from Mikaal as Behroze. Throughout his life, Behroze remains dignified, never swaying from what he believes to be right – his only downfall being that he thought time would be infinite.

Source: Hum Television Network

 

What is your favorite role of Mikaal’s?

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