Pakistani actor Ahad Raza Mir made a splash with his portrayal of Arjun Batra in Netflix’s new Resident Evil series. Between his on-screen romance and efforts to save what is left of humanity, the Pakastani actor delighted fans with scene-stealing performances. He trended hard on Twitter, ranking as high as the number one search for days afterwards. The actor sat down for an exclusive interview with GRAZIA to discuss the inner workings of his character, his thoughts on the show, and what he hopes for it in the future.
Were you familiar with the Resident Evil game before working on this show?
Ahad Raza Mir: I have played the game since I was a kid. I’ve seen all the films too, so it was a really exciting moment for me to be part of something I followed for a while–to be part of that and part of the things that the fans follow and fancy and to be part of a new rendition of this very well-known world.
Was there anything in the script that surprised you?
ARM: Yes, a lot of things surprised me because, I went into this with a certain expectation of what I’d be getting with a Resident Evil-based story because when you play the games, or when you watch the films, you know what you are getting into and what to expect. Still, while reading this script, I realised that our show’s showrunner Andrew Dabb and the writers and creative team have managed to execute such a difficult task of making this story more emotionally driven, so well. They have also turned many things on their head, making it more suspenseful to elevate the story.
The show is quite dark and dystopian. How was it pushing yourself to that place as an actor?
ARM: I think as an actor, it is really interesting to be playing in and creating a world with such extreme circumstances. There is a life and death zombie apocalypse and humanity is almost gone, so what is interesting is that every moment has to be played that way, and as an actor, that’s very exciting. You know we all have been through this pandemic together as a family, a country, a nation, as a globe, and even now, that whole COVID thing is still in the back of your head, no matter what.
I felt the same while filming this series. No matter what the scene was, there was always that one thing going on in the back of your head–that this is the end of the world, there are still zombies around– and whatever I am doing in that scene, it’s still the end of the world. This really helped.
Jade’s absence in Arjun and Bea’s life is a point of tension in the show, yet Arjun continues to support her endeavours. How do you think he feels about her mission?
ARM: Jade’s missions make him very uncomfortable. He realises that this is something he has to support her with, and that’s because of the world that you know these people live in and the job that she’s doing. Someone has to do it, and he has to support her through it because everyone’s still coming together to find a solution or a better way of living as humans. He realises someone has to do the tough job.
Was there a moment that you think defined your character?
ARM: There’s a scene where Arjun is talking to his daughter Bea, and he’s explaining to her why her mother has to go on these dangerous missions, and he tells her that, you know, everybody has a purpose in life, and that’s her purpose. She has to fulfil her duty. I think that’s really important for her daughter to understand because, in the world they’re living in, someone has to do the difficult job that her mother is doing.
I think how it defines Arjun is that he is aware that if you love someone, you need to love them unconditionally, and when there is unconditional love, sacrifices must be made. It might seem that Arjun has almost no choice but to support Jade, but I felt that he would support Jade and stand by her even if he had a choice not to, which originates from unconditional love and understanding. So I think that was a really defining moment for him.
What is your favourite quality in Arjun?
ARM: His unconditional love. He is very loving towards the people in his life, and he’s very supportive. Also, I think there is a certain mystery behind him that will be explored later in the series.
You were the #1 trending search on Twitter in Pakistan and India after the TV show came out. Fans are so happy with your performance and for Pakistani representation on-screen. What does it mean to you to be playing this role?
ARM: Yeah, even my character Arjun Batra was trending in both countries as well. All thanks to my fans. They have been a huge support in my life. I’m very grateful, and I think when it comes to my work as an actor, people will support the shows you’re in, the films you’re in, and your work. However, the support I get from them outside of my work, just in my life in general, means so much.
Having such amazing fans makes me feel like I’ve done something right in this life. I’m so grateful for them.
I am also very fortunate to work with an amazing team who are doing a great job of bringing Pakistani and South Asian representation on-screen.
What I feel really connected with my fans and the larger audience was that my character Arjun wasn’t the stereotypical South Asian guy you see on screen. Arjun’s characteristics are devoid of stereotypes; this wasn’t a token brown character in a project. Arjun was a strong character like any other on the project and integral to the show.
The love and support I am receiving are not just from my fans but from the global audience who are watching this show, which is overwhelming.
People are already asking if there will be a season two of the show. If there is, then what do you hope happens?
ARM: Well, I hope it’ll happen. I have been receiving messages from friends, family and fans asking me about season two. I’m pretty sure season two is happening. What do I hope to see in the show? I’d like to see some unexpected team-ups!
