Within moments of meeting the talented British/Pakistani Award-winning actor/writer WALEED AKHTAR, you are struck by his sheer passion. For both his work and his life.  Whether it be when he first got the acting bug and landed roles on all the major British TV soaps, or when he first found his voice and started writing. His best work is not autobiographical but is steeped in his culture, both queer and Muslim, which he finds both joyous and problematic at the same time.

Akhtar’s authentic voice resonates so well with us, especially in today’s political climate, which permeates through the queer community, and also creates such fear amongst immigrants. London’s theatre community recognised Akhtar’s play The P Word with a prestigious Olivier Award, and so Queerguru caught up with him on the eve of a new production of the play opening at London’s Bush Theatre.