Actor Mustafa Burmawala will soon entertain the fans with his upcoming film 3 Monkeys directed by Abbas-Mustan. The actor is keen to pursue exciting opportunities on the screen and also wants to play characters that challenge him and let him try something different. For Mustafa, choosing a project is not just about finding a good role. 

The actor believes in striking a balance between the work he does today and the kind of actor he wants to become. In a recent conversation, he opened up about the roles he hopes to play, what catches his attention while reading a script and the one thing he does not want to compromise on when choosing a project.

Every actor has certain roles they dream of playing, but not every opportunity fits that vision. Mustafa believes actors cannot wait endlessly for the perfect character to come their way. Sometimes, taking on an unexpected project can open doors to new experiences.

Speaking about how he chooses his roles, Mustafa said, "Honestly, a little bit of both. Because the actor that I am today is paying the bills. But the actor that I want to become is very ambitious. In all these years, I have just realised that you just cannot sit around waiting for the perfect role to come. Sometimes you do something unexpected, and something unexpected happens in your life."

The actor also spoke about exploring different formats and stepping out of his comfort zone. He has been balancing films and theatre for some time and feels there is still a lot left to discover through both mediums.

"In terms of characters, in terms of films, in terms of plays, every single thing. Like I've been acting in plays and in films together for a while now, and I've realised that there is so much more to explore in that. I always want to surprise myself and the audience. Otherwise, there is generally no fun in doing the same thing over and over again," he added.

For Mustafa, a good script is one that stays with him even after he has finished reading it. He enjoys stories that keep him guessing and characters who are not perfect or easy to understand. Such roles give him the chance to explore a different side of his craft.

Explaining what grabs his attention in a script, the actor said, "I believe it's the feeling the story leaves me with. Like if I finish reading a script and find myself thinking about it hours later, also, right? That's a good sign for me. That's a good script. That's a beautifully written character. If I can't predict anything what happens next, that's exactly what I want. You've just got my attention."

He further explained why he enjoys playing complicated characters rather than choosing roles that follow a familiar pattern.

"So I love characters who are unpredictable, a little flawed, who don't have a straight road, if you know what I mean. I don't really think I need to become the character but I need to understand him. As an actor I think the real fun begins when you have to find a part of yourself in someone who is completely different from you. That's the beauty of playing something that you have not played and it's very challenging," Mustafa shared.

While an interesting character and an unpredictable story matter to him, Mustafa believes conviction is the most important factor when he decides to be part of a project. The actor describes himself as a director's actor and wants to believe in the story, the people involved and the vision behind the film.

"For me personally, it's conviction. See, I'm a director's actor. So I need to believe in the story, the character, the people I'm working with, the team, the director himself. You can have a big budget, you can have a great setup and every single thing. But the thing is, if there is no honesty behind it, something will always be missing," he said.

Mustafa added that experience has taught him to be more careful about the projects he takes up. He remains ambitious and eager to work, but does not want to accept an opportunity simply because it is available.

"In all these years, my experience has taught me that not every opportunity is the right opportunity. And saying yes just because something is happening can sometimes mean missing out on what you really want to do. I am still very ambitious, very hungry, and definitely I'm still figuring things out. So yeah, but today I would rather be a part of something I genuinely believe in rather than just be busy for the sake of being busy," the actor concluded.

Meanwhile, Mustafa Burmawala's upcoming film 3 Monkeys, directed by Abbas-Mustan, is confirmed to hit theatres this winter.