In Lost, you were cast in the role of an Iraqi soldier at a time when relations between USA and Iraq were sour. How’d you go about portraying your role at such a time?
The Bush administration was exercising its influence at the time and most networks had to comply. We were incredibly lucky in the first season to operate regardless of what was happening.
We were very aware of our responsibility to the Arab world at the time, in terms of putting such a character on prime time television. We wanted to render the character as a real human being; not black, not white, but complex. And I think we succeeded. Various organisations were quite pleased with our portrayal.
As Lost comes to an end, what’s your state of mind like?
Honestly, I’m quite relieved. The show’s been very tough and demanding. It was reasonably fresh and unpredictable in terms of writing, but it was hard living the same character for six years.
How will life change after Lost?
Personally, I don’t really think on those lines. (Laughs) My life has nothing to do with my profession. Getting married or having children changes your life, being on a TV show doesn’t. My life will go on regardless.
Do you know how it all ends? Is it frustrating to not know?
No, I’ve absolutely no idea how it will end. And yes, it was frustrating for the first couple of seasons. But after that, you get used to it and it doesn’t matter anymore.
How should the show end?
I think, for my sake, and for the sake of the audience, I would love to see it resolved in a profound fashion. It’s been leading up to a conclusion, so it should not be anything short of brilliant, or the audience will be very disappointed.
What would be the perfect end to Sayid’s story?
The great thing about Sayid’s character is that someone, who’s had such a dark past, is capable of such great sensitivity and passion. So, I don’t think it would matter if he lives or dies, as long as he gets some kind of spiritual redemption.
Through the series, what surprised you most about Sayid’s character development?
That’s hard to answer. I think, for the first two seasons, the writers consistently surprised me. But after that, I have been able to second-guess his moves. The flashbacks have definitely left me curious though.
Recent Comments