Failure is a part of this industry: Osman Khalid Butt on films, friends, and his indomitable mother
Sitting amidst a crowd of delighted engineering students, the exchange of wit and banter flowed effortlessly between the host and the guest. Osman, known as aclockworkob on social media as a nod to his favorite book, Clockwork Orange, welcomed viewers into his world by reminiscing about his extraordinary late mother, who passed away in 2006. She was a woman who left her homeland – France – to be with the love of her life in Lahore, and Osman fondly recalled how she served as the glue that bound his vast extended family together.
In a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Osman reflected, “Everyone believes their mother to be the most extraordinary being, but mine truly was special.” He shared memories of her resilience during the tumultuous times of the ’65 and ’71 wars, highlighting her decision to remain in Pakistan despite opportunities to leave. She not only assisted the Pakistani government but also established a French school, demonstrating her dedication and love for the country.
Osman admired his mother’s accomplishments even more considering her vastly different upbringing in France. Upon her marriage, she entered into a complex joint family structure, which, while a testament to her unwavering love, also presented its own unique set of challenges.
“It was a significant culture shock for her,” Osman explained. “She struggled with Urdu, despite my father’s efforts to teach her, and Punjabi posed an even greater challenge.”
Not one to concede defeat easily, Osman’s mother gradually picked up Punjabi bit by bit and would respond in kind to anyone attempting to belittle her. “I believe she truly embraced the best of Pakistani culture,” Osman reminisced affectionately. “I owe my looks and intelligence to her! She was a gentle critic, incredibly loving. Her absence was deeply felt by everyone in the family.”
When it comes to theatre, Osman’s fans might recall his foray into acting with a role in Moulin Rouge. However, what many may not know is the near-chaotic moment when Osman inadvertently pointed a prop gun at then-President General Pervez Musharraf, who was seated in the front row. Although it was just a prop gun, Osman vividly remembered the wave of fear that swept through the audience as he took aim.
“The climax required me to point the gun at the audience,” Osman revealed. “I was at center stage, and after aiming at the audience, I had to turn the gun towards myself before a simulated suicide. He [Musharraf] was seated right in the front row, directly in the line of sight where I was aiming the gun. Everyone knew it was a prop gun, but I could sense the panic spreading! Once I moved the gun away, you could visibly see the audience relax.”
Despite his successful career, Osman cherishes his friendships with colleagues Maya Ali, Zara Noor Abbas, and Ahmed Ali Akbar. “I should probably keep a stopwatch for every time someone asks me why I haven’t collaborated with Maya,” Osman joked. “People assume there’s tension between us if we haven’t been seen together for a while, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re all great friends, and whether we work together again depends on producers and casting directors. When the right project comes along, we’ll team up!”
Reflecting on his journey, Osman acknowledged the inevitability of failure in the industry. “Failure is a part of this industry – of any industry, really,” he philosophized. “I even had a movie banned because it poked fun at the then-president, but a ban brings its own publicity!”
Now, with a thriving career, Osman can set aside the fear of failure and bans. And with his intellect, if by some twist of fate his acting career were to falter entirely, Osman could always return to academics, drawing from the intelligence he’s been blessed with, much like the engineering students he addressed.
