No.1 for Interviews - Atta Yaqub
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“I’m
still living the dream”
He shot to fame when he was cast in Ken Loach’s Ae Fond Kiss, making him one of Scotland’s hottest actors. Here he tells No.1 how life has changed since his big screen debut
In 2004, Atta Yaqub was picked from relative obscurity to star in Ken Loach’s film, Ae Fond Kiss. A story of forbidden love between a young Muslim man (Yaqub) and an Irish catholic teacher (played by Eva Birthistle), the film went on win awards around the world.
For Atta, the film opened doors in the world of acting that otherwise, he might not have even known were there. Acting wasn’t part of the plan for Atta who was studying IT and doing some part-time modeling when he got the call from Ken. Now it is something he is pursuing with a vengeance, and with success, having starred in several feature films including Running in Traffic, which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Still living in Glasgow, Atta’s head is firmly on his shoulders; his friends, family and girlfriend make sure of that. Under the guidance of Ken Loach and following his heart, he still does the community work that he feels so passionately about and is more than prepared to get his hands dirty when it comes to honing his craft.
You got your first part in Ken Loach’s Ae Fond Kiss in 2004. Had acting always been an ambition of yours?
It wasn’t an ambition at the time. One of the first things I said when I met Ken Loach was that I had no previous acting experience. He said that it was just an early meeting and we would do some acting workshops and see how it goes. I can honestly say, hand on heart, that it was a life-changing experience. If that hadn’t happened I would probably just be working a r
egular nine to five job, which is fine, but it totally changed my life and put me where I am now.
Did it feel quite daunting at the time?
There were some nerves but because I was new to the game, and without any previous acting experience, I was able to go into it without any expectations. I think that’s what he liked about me and the other actors: the fact that we weren’t divas and didn’t want our own trailers or anything. You just kind of go and do it and learn on set. It was a fabulous experience.
Was filming Running in Traffic, directed by Dale Corlett, quite different?
It was but at the same time I think each experience is invaluable because you learn something from it. I still think of myself as a learner and Dale was great because we did some very intense workshops and he really made me understand who my character was and how to work with my co-actors.
In what ways has acting changed your life?
At uni, I was always involved in part-time youth work. I remember asking Ken Loach what I should do after the film. He said I should keep the community focus as it would keep me grounded and I would be able to use my profile to help people. I was always passionately involved in the community and have become more involved with charity work and community development work. But it has changed as I have been able to push that a little bit more and give a bit more focus and energy whereas if I was just normal ‘Joe public’ I might not have got the same effect. You can help influence young people and give people motivation.
Obviously you get to go to amazing parties and award ceremonies as well so there are a number of things that have changed. I’m still kind of living the dream but as you get older, you want to kind of push it more. I went to RSAMD about some acting classes because I thought I might need to develop myself as an actor through techniques that I might not know yet.
Do you still find it quite hard to watch yourself on screen?
It was difficult at first but now it’s okay. Ae Fond Kiss was on again a few weeks ago and they kept showing the trailer and I kept switching over but then I watched it and thought of all the things I could improve on. It’s getting easier.
How have your friends and family reacted to your fame?
The thing I love about friends and family is that they don’t really talk about it unless I want to talk about it. One hundred per cent support has always been the case. Ae Fond Kiss presented some challenges, especially within the Asian community in Glasgow, and in that respect my family were totally behind me.
Has acting brought you more success with the ladies?
It’s nice to get noticed and it’s always good to know that people find you attractive but I don’t let it go to my head. I think when you have a partner it keeps you grounded and keeps you sane.
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