Fareed Khimani on his role in Crime and Justice

14 April 2021

Fareed Khimani on his role in Crime and Justice

Radio legend Fareed Khimani’s most recent role is in episode 4 of the Showmax Original series Crime and Justice as Richard, a drug dealer masquerading as a talent manager, who lures young girls into the trade with the promise of making them famous. 

Watch: Crime and Justice Season 2 from 21 February 2022.

We caught up with Fareed to talk about his new role, his undying love for radio and what it means to run a production company during a pandemic.

What was it like to step into the shoes of a man like Richard? 

It was really amazing.  I totally loved the character – a loveable fool who gets caught in the wrong world and now has to try and find a way out of it. He is not a thug, but rather a fragile character.

What was your first thought when you read the script and got to learn more about Richard?

He struck me as an exciting character to play.  Someone who deserves whatever punishment is coming but he also has regrets. So I approached it from the perspective of a man who feels terrible for the choices he has made, who wants a way out of the mess, but knows deep down inside that it may be too late. 

This is your first acting role after almost seven years, you must be thrilled to be back.

Totally! And although I don’t actively seek acting roles, I secretly love it. Getting the chance to be someone else for a while is always a wonderful thing and I love getting immersed into character. 

Watch the trailer for Crime and Justice episode 4

What did you enjoy most about playing Richard? 

Doing my own stunts, but also Richard’s interactions with Makena. There was a warmth from her to him. It was so easy to play off Sarah Hassan’s character. 

Any challenges to this role? 

Of course. Every role is challenging but of all the characters I have played in my career, this was the most challenging. Richard is a man who has made some awful choices. I tried to ensure that I played him as a human being with feelings and not a monster. This was challenging.

Crime and Justice is Showmax’s first Kenyan Original, how does it feel to be part of the show?  And what does a project like this mean for the film and TV industry in Kenya?

I remember seeing the pre-hype and then the media around it and wishing I was part of it. Serendipity at its best. I literally willed it into happening.

When I look at the quality of production, the look and feel, the storylines, the quality of acting and professionalism, I see a series that will change the game 100 per cent.

Looking back at your first acting roles in Changes, then Kona (both also on Showmax) and now Crime and Justice, how has the industry changed since you started out? 

Changes was a game-changer for sure – very much similar to what we are doing now with Crime and Justice.  Obviously, time itself means improvements in all areas, but all were incredible in their own way.  

Looking at all the years you’ve been on radio until now, what would you say has changed?

Of course, there is a lot more access to information now than say 5, 10, 15 years ago. This means that the average listener has a choice and our radio output has to be world-class. We need to understand that there are options and these options are only a click away. So as much as our content has to be relevant and relatable, our delivery and production quality on-air must be up to international standards. It’s the same reason TV series like Crime and Justice have upped the game for Kenyan productions. Access to international programming is readily available and therefore we must also be on the same level.

More Showmax Originals

You co-founded your production company, Nusu Nusu, with Mark Moss in 2007. How has it been like running your own production company all these years? 

It’s been amazing, creating content and making incredible TV shows. Of course, running a business as a creative can be a little challenging, but that’s business.

One of Nusu Nusu’s productions Yes! Ndio! Beeni! started airing on DStv in February. How did this come about? 

It’s an incredible concept that was created for Honey TV, DStv’s new lifestyle channel. On the show, we set up memorable romantic proposals for men and hope that their girlfriends say yes to the proposals.

As the hosts of Yes! Ndio! Beeni!, how has it been like working with Patricia Kihoro and Foi Wambui on this project?

They are both super talented and extremely fun to work with as they bring something unique and different to the show. We always have a wonderful time on set. I am always laughing when I am with them, which makes work so easy.

What’s next for Fareed Khimani, the actor? Are we going to see you take more acting roles in future?

I would always be open to that. As I said I love acting. So let’s see…

Look out for new episodes of Crime and Justice on Showmax every Monday.

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