Veteran Omani actor, Talib al Balushi, the cruel ‘Khafeel’ with a soft heart, reflects on his celluloid journey

‘There are no small roles, only small actors…’ These words perfectly embody the philosophy of veteran Omani actor Talib al Balushi.

Talib, known for his successful roles in many Indian films, is now part of a joint production with Iraq. The 30-episode TV serial – Teen Khawa – in which he plays a key role, is a traditional heritage story exploring the historic relations between Iraq and Oman, dating back 60 years.

The Oman leg of the shoot has been completed, and the team will soon head to Iraq to continue filming. Muscat Daily caught up with the veteran actor to walk down memory lane with him.

With over five decades of experience on both stage and screen, Talib has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Recently, he had garnered significant attention for his portrayal of the ferocious and hated character Khafeel in the Indian movie The Goat Life where he plays a cruel goatherd master who exploits and abuses a foreign worker in the desert.

When asked about his role as the villain Khafeel in The Goat Life, the Omani actor reflects on his long history of playing antagonistic characters. “Villainous roles have been in me right from the very beginning,” he says. “I started my career as an actor in 1986 with my first TV serial as a villain in an Arabic play. Now, even at 64 years of age, I am playing a villain in a serial where I fight against and kill my brothers, causing a terror on a ship.” Despite his extensive experience with villainous roles, Talib admits he enjoys playing good characters more, as he is a sensitive man in real life.

Talib’s journey in theatre began in 1974, when he helped form a theatre group in Muscat. Over the years, the group evolved with government support and eventually became the Youth Theatre in 1980.

“My family was supportive, although my mother objected to my villainous roles, wondering why I wasn’t playing good characters,” he shares. Talib credits his early training to Yousuf al Alawi, a Kuwait industry returnee who taught him the grammar of acting and theatre. “In 1980, I also studied theatre in Egypt,” he adds.

Talib believes that comedy is more challenging than tragedy, requiring precise timing and skill. Despite being known for his cruel on-screen personas, he has also played comic roles, such as a father or uncle caught in mistaken identity situations.

The early 80s

The 1980s were a time of growth for cinema in Oman, with the introduction of Indian films and the establishment of cinemas like Star Cinema. “We paid less than 500 baizas for tickets and watched films in small compounds with screens and projectors,” Talib reminisces.

“There was a Baloch man named Rahmouk, was brought Indian reels and he had regular cinema screenings in his big garden. This was in the 1970s.  We were very young and saw most Indian films with our families,” the veteran Omani actor disclosed.

Talib’s career expanded to television and film, working with prominent directors like Khalid al Zadjali. He started work at OmanTV in the Ministry of Information and that was a great launch pad for him from the stage to the camera. He distinguishes between theatre and film acting, noting the different proximities between the audience and the performer. “In theatre, we need to overact and shout so that the last person in the audience can hear us,” he explains. “In films, everything is close, and there is no need to shout. The space between the camera and audience makes all the difference.”

Theatre helped me a lot but soon I got a role in the first-ever feature film from Oman – Al Boom – and later in Aseel, besides the first ever Indo Omani feature film – Zayana, he disclosed. “One of my contemporaries was the late Salim Bahwan, who had unique ideas and was a perfectionist, though we lost him early,” the Omani actor said.

Over the years, Talib’s family has grown accustomed to his various villainous roles, although they sometimes react emotionally to his performances. “During the premiere of The Goat Life my daughter-in-law cried and demanded to know why I am so cruel on screen when I am loving in real life,” he recalls. “Someone also asked my wife why her husband was such a nasty man.”

Gibson, Chaplin, Raj Kapoor

Among Hollywood actors, Talib admires Mel Gibson for his versatility and perfection in roles. “I am inspired by his ability to carry every character with perfection, mainly Braveheart. I admire him as a director and actor, though I do not think that the director should get in front of the camera as it can prove to be too taxing. This is applicable not only for movies, but also theatre. The exceptions have been the likes of Raj Kapoor, Charlie Chaplin.”

Talib’s admiration for Indian cinema runs deep. “I have been watching Indian films since 1965. So, films have been in my soul right from childhood,” he says. “The Kapoors, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Sunil Dutt and later Amitabh Bachchan, Amjad Khan, and Dharmendra influenced me greatly. Memorable films like Sholay, Guide and Deewar have left a lasting impact on me. Even the songs from Kishore Kumar, Lata, Mukesh, Md Rafi left me mesmerised.”

He was particularly thrilled by the story of The Goat Life and the complex character of Khafeel. “I read the script over 20 times to fully understand and embody the character of Khafeel,” he said.  The production faced challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were stuck in Jordan. Nevertheless, Talib’s dedication never wavered. He even trained himself to ride a camel for a pivotal chase scene, despite the risks involved.

“The director suggested me to have a body double but I declined. I rehearsed on camels in Oman and practiced. While shooting the scene in Jordan, we suddenly realised that the camels there were bigger and taller. I had to ride a camel in a chase scene – in a sandstorm among massive dunes. Everyone suggested to use a double, but I was determined and did it. I controlled the camel inspite of the deadly storm and the stot was luckily done in one take,” the Omani actor disclosed.

The journey from the stage to the big screen, his ability to portray a wide range of characters, and his commitment to his craft have made Talib al Balushi the iconic personality that he now is. But, as all good actors say, his ‘best is yet to come.’

(Pictures by VK Shafeer)