Lucknow's Arham Abbasi Builds a Diverse Career Across Screens
Arham Abbasi, an actor from Lucknow, has steadily built a varied portfolio. He appears in television shows, OTT web series, and films. His work includes popular TV serials like Suhani Si Ek Ladki and Imlie. He also stars in web series such as Prayag and Kabootri. His film credits include Game Over. Abbasi navigates these different formats while establishing his presence in the entertainment industry.
Lucknow Roots and Accent Give Early Career Edge
Born and raised in Lucknow, Abbasi grew up on Latouche Road. He moved to Mumbai when he was about twenty-one or twenty-two years old. However, Lucknow remains his true home. "When something upsets me, I just feel like buying a ticket and coming here," Abbasi says. "It feels good."
His distinct Lucknow accent, rich with tehzeeb and adab, became a key factor early on. He recalls his first major television show, Baware in 2014. His dialect unexpectedly helped him land the role.
"Definitely, the Lucknow zubaan gives an edge to us as actors during auditions," Abbasi explains. "I was in Mumbai when I got a call for an audition. After my take, the casting director asked where I was from. When I said Lucknow, she said, 'You won't believe it, we've been searching everywhere for a boy from Lucknow and finally found one in Mumbai.' That role became my first proper TV show. Before that, I was mostly doing episodic roles."
Adaptability Remains Crucial for Actors
Abbasi notes that while a dialect can provide an advantage, adaptability is essential. He points to his role in Imlie, which had a Delhi touch. "As an actor, you need to know when to use your natural dialect and when to tone it down," he says. "That balance is important."
Television Industry Faces Significant Changes
Abbasi reflects on the current state of television. He has balanced his career across TV, films, and OTT platforms. He observes major shifts and challenges for actors today.
"Yes, the situation on TV has changed a lot," Abbasi states. "Our per-day remuneration has seen both an upward and now a downward swing, yet we continue to work with our old producers. Recently, I got an offer, but they didn't communicate the per-day payment on call; they just messaged that the budget was challenging."
Many actors around him feel that despite giving their best, TV shows aren't performing well. Abbasi lists several reasons for this trend:
- Some attribute it to cricket or IPL matches drawing viewers away.
- Others blame the rise of OTT platforms offering diverse content.
- Social media also plays a role, with shorter attention spans and quick reels.
"People are less patient now," Abbasi adds. "Attention spans are shorter, reels are quicker, and everyone is constantly consuming content."
Upcoming Film Project with Well-Known Banner
Looking ahead, Abbasi shares news about his upcoming projects. "I have a film with a well-known banner coming up," he reveals. "It features three lead characters. I'm working with senior actors, and it's going to be fun."
This new film marks another step in his evolving career. Abbasi continues to adapt and grow across different entertainment mediums.
