“I never expected I’d be able to have a career,” says Riz Ahmed

Oscar-nominated actor, Riz Ahmed was recently presented with the Richard Harris Award which is given to an actor or actress who has “contributed significantly to British films throughout their career”. He is one of the most notable advocates for diversity on screen, and he also launched a new initiative for Muslim representation in media.

After working his way up through acclaimed indies such as Chris Morris’s Four Lions and the Reluctant Fundamentalist, then smaller parts in Hollywood spectaculars (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Venom), 2021 is the year that can truly be called Riz’s year of fame.

Read More: British Pakistani star Riz Ahmed becomes first Muslim to receive Oscar nomination for ‘Best Actor’

In April, he was nominated for best actor Oscar for his performance in Sound of Metal as Ruben. He played a heavy-metal drummer who loses his hearing. Riz became the first Muslim to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Despite having a successful career in the West, the actor has called out the “toxic portrayals” of Muslim characters in TV and movies.

While his actions may result in professional drawbacks, he is willing to take the risk. The Reluctant Fundamentalist actor said in a recent interview with the Guardian that he feels he isn’t going to remain a part of the showbiz big-wigs for a long time.

“I never expected I’d be able to have a career. They haven’t noticed I’ve snuck in. They are going to throw me out any minute. It’s probably that kind of thing. Nick all the sweets while you can. Trash the place. Tell them whatever you want. Maybe there’s some of that going on,” he shared

Actors are usually not as brave and willing to take risks as Riz is.

“If you’re going to say something, say it, I guess, right?” he believes. “I’m not trying to attack anyone personally, it’s just about trying to call out a collective blind spot. So, am I worried it would have a knockback on my career? I dunno…”

He went on to clarify that he will not stop advocating for something he strongly feels about. “You’re just here for two seconds so you’ve got to try and worry about something bigger than yourself because, guess what? None of us are getting out of this alive!”