The art? Being there for your friends. The master? Faris Akber.

Faris Akber from the Political

Chess King will forever hold a place in my heart as the ultimate friend. As quoted by Umar
Kapadia himself, “You know my real regret was not that it (incident) happened. It was that I
did not have someone like Fartass (Faris) here take care of me.”
Faris Akber, started as a seemingly minor character, somewhat of a pushover in the earlier
scenes, but grew into his role as the leader of the respected party Laiq. An apt leader,
calculating and an opportunist, decides to reinstate Laiq so that it benefits the party in the
longer run. He showcases a very strong moral code and instils those values in the members of
his party. Furthermore, he trained his subordinates to set them up for political success in the
future long after he passes out. Faris is a very different breed of a politician as compared to the
typical stereotype of a politician and that is what sets him out in a different class.
As is the social norm depicted in the play, it is hard to imagine even a character such as Faris
not addicted to drugs and liquor. But, Faris is also shown to be an expert handler of liquor and
drugs, his experience dating back to his freshman years.
Faris’ main attribute, by far and large, is his caring and loving attitude towards his friends. In the
cutthroat business of politics, there he is, a guy who looks out for his dearest ones. He would
never have imagined betraying an enemy let alone a friend the way that Salal did.
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell
His triumvirate of friendship with Umar and Salal is one of the pillars of the play. One scene in
particular, where Faris is sent by Salal to check in on Umar when he is distressed, stands out
from the rest. His somewhat telepathic connection with Umar on that balcony and his
insistence upon the fact that Umar was not completely alone were caring gestures on his part.
Umar opened up to Faris in a way that was not shown before in the play.
“Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A
time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to
prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over.” – Gloria Naylor
I think it is safe to say that Faris absolutely nailed the art of timing with Umar on that balcony.
Him waiting for Umar to open up was a strong silent gesture of support and trust. Ultimately,
after Salal’s death, Faris held the vulnerable Umar close to him. At the time of his best friend’s
death, he stepped up to comfort Umar who in turn felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable
around him. In a way, Faris was the balancing act against all the tragedy, trauma and betrayal
that came to pass.