I recently had the honour of interviewing Lollywood diva Mehwish Hayat and discussed her upcoming projects, music and her latest film ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi.’ The actress explained her early life and career and how she ventured into singing. So sit back and enjoy the read! How did you start off as an actress? My first on screen role was in a bubble gum commercial as a six year old. My mother was an established drama artist and it was quite inevitable that I would follow into her footsteps. What was your first auditioning experience like? Any anecdote you would like to share? I can’t really recall my first audition. I guess they were looking for a cheeky, outgoing child and I was supposedly suitable for the bill. To be honest, I was just being myself and not much acting was required. What are your upcoming film and television roles? Well, we wrapped up ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’. That aside, I am currently working on my music and planning a second international tour. You have starred in ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’. Describe your role in the film? I believe that the trailers and songs have probably given a clear idea as to what the viewers can expect. I play a western educated, city dwelling independent girl. Humayun plays a more traditional Punjabi landowner. Their ensuing relationship throws up a whole host of conflicts. Any challenges you faced while shooting for ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’? ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’ was an effortless shoot. The team was comfortable to work with and we shot the entire film in a very family oriented atmosphere. Yes, I will say that the rain shoot was tough to pull off as being soaked to the skin on a cold day, trying to look glamorous at the same time really pushed me to my limits. What changes did you have to undergo for your role in the film? I changed the colour of my hair but nothing other than that. How was it like working opposite Urwa Hocane? It was the same as working with any other co-star. We share a very good rapport both on and off screen. You are also a singer. What drew you to music and singing? Music has been in my family for as long as I can remember. Both my brother and sister are accomplished musicians in their own rights. I enjoyed nothing more than jamming with them. For me, music is one of the purest forms of self-expression. I also sung a few OSTs for my dramas, which eventually led me to ‘Coke Studio’ last year. The appreciation from the audience has encouraged me to take music and singing more seriously. You recently performed in the United States. How was that experience like? Nothing beats being on stage and connecting with the audience directly. The energy and buzz one experiences on stage is exhilarating. Also, I was touring with my family and it was truly a magical experience being up on stage with them and performing as well. I performed in California, Houston, Dallas, Seattle, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, Kansas City and Arkansas. It was a complete music tour.+ Any funny or strange encounters you had with your fans abroad? My fans are amazing. They are the reason I do what I do. Nothing funny or strange stands out in my mind. Any international project(s) you are working on? Nothing I can really say at the present moment. However, there are few things lined up. Stay tuned for more exciting stuff! If you were offered a Hollywood or a Bollywood film would you give it a shot? For me, it is all about the script and the role so it doesn’t matter where in the world I am offered a film. However, that said, I think it is quite narrow minded of us to restrict our horizons solely to our neighbouring country. There is a whole world out there and we should aim to compete with the best. We certainly have the desired talent. Any actor or actress you would like to work with in the future? That’s easy, Keanu Reeves. Complete the sentence. ‘Item songs in Pakistan are…”Nothing new. Any advice for aspiring actors and youngsters? Believe in the power of your dreams. It is not easy but stick to it. I believe real talent always prevails. Mehwish Hayat’s latest comedy flick titled ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’ released nationwide in theatres on September 1, 2017. She stars opposite Humayun Saeed and Urwa Hocane. Stay tuned for more exciting stuff! Published in Daily Times, September 20th 2017.