Riz Ahmed discusses his latest project, BAIT, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The thought-provoking series explores the many personas people adopt as they navigate identity, ambition, and belonging. Drawing from his own narratives, Ahmed weaves personal experiences into the story of Shah Latif, a struggling British Pakistani actor who auditions for the role of James Bond while confronting public scrutiny, family expectations, and questions of self-worth. The series also incorporates rich musical and cultural influences from the South Asian diaspora, adding depth and authenticity to its narrative.
As Ahmed explains, the title BAIT carries multiple layers of meaning—reflecting the show’s exploration of perception, identity, and the roles we play both on and off screen. He even shares a real-life MI5/MI6 story that makes a compelling case for his own Bond credentials!
