Anya Kai, reporting

Tauqeer Paul, an actor whose journey began on the “dusty streets of Lahore,” embodies a remarkable transformation from a shy, introverted child to an internationally recognized performer. Guided by the values of kindness and open-hearted acceptance instilled by his Pakistani parents, Paul’s artistic path is a testament to overcoming personal inhibitions and geographical boundaries.

The Genesis of an Artist

Paul’s early experiences were marked by shyness and a fear of the stage. He vividly recalls a fifth-grade dance routine where, despite being part of the performance, he “couldn’t move a muscle” when the moment arrived. This formative experience taught him valuable lessons about “inhibitions and how inevitable fear of stage can take over.”

Despite these early challenges, Paul’s artistic inspiration was ignited by a profound fascination with illusion and storytelling. Watching Superman as a child, he was captivated by the idea of limitless superpowers and the ability to “fly anywhere I wanted and destroy evil.” This childhood fantasy, though not real, fueled his imagination and a desire to embody different personas through “make-believe play.”

A decade ago, Paul faced a pivotal decision: pursue a stable career with a private airline or take a “leap of faith” into the performing arts, despite having “no contacts and no family name/background.” He chose the latter, embarking on an acting career that would redefine his identity. He vividly remembers his first “Action!” call on a soap opera set, where the “introverted kid suddenly had super powers without limits.” In that moment, he realized he could become “Alex, Rahul, Ali,” and “roar and be whatever I wanted.” This newfound freedom of expression marked the true beginning of his professional acting journey. His dedication and talent have since been recognized globally, culminating in him winning the Best Actor award at the Cannes Short Film Festival in 2022 for the short film Impossible yet True.

The Allure of the American Dream

For Tauqeer Paul, the United States represents the pinnacle of the acting fraternity, a place “where dreams are turned into reality everyday.” As an artist deeply inspired by the likes of Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Tom Hanks, and Robin Williams, he is “driven to emulate what all these greats have been able to do.” He sees the US as the ultimate learning ground, a place where “so much has been achieved in terms of storytelling and movie making.”

Paul is also drawn to the narrative of countless performers who have arrived in America with nothing and ascended to the top through sheer “drive, determination, dedication and commitment.” He is resolute in his intention to “follow in their footsteps and pave the way for a new generation of actors which is not defined by boundaries, race and culture.” For Paul, the US fundamentally provides “opportunity and chance to everyone who strives in hardships and rises above them.”

Overcoming Obstacles: The Visa and Representation Challenge

The journey to Hollywood, a dream shared by “every working Actor,” presents unique challenges, particularly for international talents like Paul. He highlights that “without representation and a proper working visa that supports arts, performance and theatre, it gets way more challenging.” His personal experience underscores this, as he sent his portfolio to “over 500 agencies/Talent Managers” but received interest from only a “couple of people,” eventually working with one.

Securing a visa that specifically supports arts and performance has been his “biggest hurdle so far.” While self-tapes have made auditions more accessible from anywhere in the world, the subsequent interest from agencies often hinges on the applicant’s visa status, which Paul believes may have prevented him from being considered for “anything substantial.” However, the O-1 Visa for artists with “Extraordinary ability/talent” offers a beacon of hope. This visa category allows artists with a strong body of work, international recognition, and a manager to “stand a fair chance working towards achieving their Goal” in the US.

Art Beyond Politics

Regarding the political climate, Paul holds a nuanced perspective. He acknowledges that electoral processes in major democracies like the US can be “tricky” and affect countries globally, sometimes leading to “new challenges and sometimes Divide.” However, he firmly believes that “Arts should always be free of politics and boundaries.” He views artists as among the “most vulnerable in society,” especially when they “are trying to shed light on social injustices and stories that need to be told.” He stresses that leaders should not be driven by “divisive politics,” concluding that the current climate “hasn’t and I hope it stays that way” for him.

Future Goals: Beyond the Oscar

Tauqeer Paul’s future aspirations extend far beyond conventional accolades. While an Oscar is “every artist’s dream” and an “impetus for me as well,” he asserts that his purpose is “much bigger than that.” He is “here to tell narratives, I’m here to be the change.”

He envisions breaking barriers in representation, acknowledging that while “Jason Momoa became the first ever brown superhero so there goes that,” there is “still a lot that has to be done in terms of representation and bringing cultures together.” He believes “Lots of stories are still left to be told” and that “We all need to be much more accepting of each other. World needs more love.” His ultimate goal echoes his childhood fantasy: “My biggest goal is still that of the boy I was, that there’s no limit to imagination. One day I’ll be superman and fly away.”

Tauqeer Paul’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience, artistic passion, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact through storytelling, embodying a hopeful vision for a more inclusive and imaginative world.