Osman Khalid Butt

Osman Khalid Butt is a Pakistani actor, writer, and choreographer who works across film, television, and theatre. He performs roles in various genres, ranging from romantic comedies to horror thrillers.

Early life and education

Butt was born in Pakistan on February 9, 1986. His interest in storytelling began when he was 5 years old. According to him, his elder sister encouraged him to look at the stars and craft stories, which eventually led to his passion for acting and screenwriting.

He comes from a family involved in media. His father, Dr. Khalid Said Butt, works as an actor, director, and screenwriter. His brother, Omar Khalid Butt, serves as a writer and news anchor, while his sister, Michelle Tania Butt, acts as the chief executive of Kuch Khaas.

Career

The acting career of Butt began in 2005 with theatre plays in Islamabad. He made his film debut in 2007 through Zibahkhana, which is the first zombie horror film in Pakistan. During that same year, he established The Living Picture Productions to write, direct, and choreograph theatre productions.

In 2010, he began producing YouTube videos under the name "The living picture guy." He later acted in the film Slackistan, although the project was banned after the censor board refused a pass. His television recognition grew when he starred in the romantic drama Aik Nayee Cinderella in 2012. He also appeared as Zain in the drama Munkir during this period.

Butt gained significant fame through several high-profile roles. He played Wali Sohaib Khan in Diyar-e-Dil in 2015 and Harib in Sanam in 2016. His performance as Malik Shahzain in Ehd-e-Wafa in 2019 remains one of his notable works. He also portrayed Faaz Ibrahim in the 2021 comedy Chupke Chupke.

His work extends into writing and choreography. He wrote the screenplay for the horror film Siyaah in 2013 and the romantic comedy Janaan in 2016. He also served as the script-writer for the Lux Style Awards 2017. In 2018, he acted as the director of choreography for the song "Billo Hai" in the film Parchi.

Beyond acting, Butt is a co-founder and the poetry editor of Desi Writers Lounge. This online community operates 24/7 to showcase South Asian writing through its biannual publication, Papercuts. He also appeared in the blockbuster film Balu Mahi in 2017 and the drama film Baaji in 2019.

Awards and recognition

Butt has received several industry accolades throughout his career. He has won 2 Hum Awards and 1 ARY Film Award. Additionally, he has earned 2 nominations for a Lux Style Award.