During an appearance on 'The Graham Norton Show', the British-Pakistani actor explains how his new movie 'Mogul Mowgli' becomes an extension of his love for music.
- October 3, 2020
AceShowbiz - Riz Ahmed turns to rap as a form of "therapy".
The British-Pakistani actor appears on Britain's "The Graham Norton Show" on Friday night (October 2) and discusses his love of rap.
In addition to his celebrated career onscreen, he's also released two albums - 2011's "Microscope" and "The Long Goodbye", which dropped earlier this year.
"It is a big part of who I am," says the 37-year-old star. "It's my therapy and the film is an extension of that. Music is my career but it is something I need to do."
Ahmed was on the show to promote his movie "Mogul Mowgli", co-written by, produced by and starring the actor. It follows the story of British Pakistani rapper Zed (Ahmed) who, on the cusp of his first world tour, is struck down by an illness that threatens to derail his big break and forces him to face his past, his family, and the uncertainty of his legacy.
Asked if the film is his 'baby', he says: "A lot of my life is in it. It is about reassessment of what really matters. Its big theme is that you don't know where you are going unless you look back and try and re-connect." He also shares that the indie movie "is the most personal work I’ve ever made. Can’t wait to share it."
Also starring Aiysha Hart, Kiran Sonia Sawar, Nabhaan Rizwan, Alyy Khan and Anjana Vasan, "Mogul Mowgli" is scheduled to be released in the U.K. on October 30. It premiered at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival in Germany in February.
