Arshad Aslam has appeared on variety of television shows such as “How I Met Your Mother”, “Raising Hope” and “Greek”. Currently he plays the role of Hasaad in the new MTV series “Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous”. Media Mikes had the chance to talk with Hasaad about his work on the show as well as his upcoming debut music release.
Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your role on the show?
Arshad Aslam: “Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous” is show about this kid who really has no talent but he is very determined to become famous. Bo Burnham who plays Zach went around and asked kids what they wanted to when they were older and the top answer was to be famous. These kids had no goals other than to be famous. Bo took that idea and made a show out of it. I play the role of Hasaad who is Zach’s lead camera man. Throughout the show we are constantly interacted with Zach and his family. This is a really fun character to play as Hasaad is nothing like me.
AL: What initially interested you in the role?
AA: It’s totally fun to play someone who is not you. When I went in to the audition I had this attitude that they just loved. I’m just a fun guy so playing this character that is more businesslike is great. Hasaad is not really a jerk or anything but he is a guy who just wants to get things done. It’s a pretty cool role.
AL: How does working on this show compare to some of the other shows you have worked on?
AA: This show is a mockumentary. I had never done anything like this before and it is a different type of acting. On the other sitcoms I have done you tend to have come in and give an extra character and things like that. On “Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous” things are very real which I think is the biggest difference from my other roles.
AL: Do you and the other cast members get a lot of freedom with your lines?
AA: There is a ton of improvisation going on. Bo is always throwing random things at everyone which makes things really fun. Literally every take he is throwing new lines in so we always have to be ready. This is funny stuff that he is saying so you have to constantly try and stop yourself from laughing in the middle of a scene. I had a lot of fun.
AL: Can you tell us about your upcoming music release?
AA: I have been working on this album for quite some time now. I have been working on it off and on due to the other projects I have been involved with. The album has 14 tracks so it’s kind of a throwback to the 90’s. (Laughs) I wanted to make an album that would hit everybody. It’s a very eclectic mix of music. There is rock, pop, hip/hop and electronic elements. There’s something for everybody but it’s still very cohesive. I am really excited for it to come out.
AL: What are the release plans for the album?
AA: The first official song release is happening mid June. I have partnered with the Straight But Not Narrow organization as the song has an anti-bullying type message. The song is titled “Someone You Love” and it’s about believing in yourself and not allowing anyone to put you down. The organization is run by Josh Hutcherson who was in “The Hunger Games”. Everyone there has been really cool to work with and is very strong about their message. It’s been great working with them and things have evolved very organically.