Daily Times

It was truly a pleasure to interview the immensely talented Urwa Hocane about her new films ‘Na Maloom Afraad 2’ and ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi.’

We talked about Urwa Hocane’s early life as an actress, set stories and how she made it in the entertainment business.

How did you start off as an actress?

I started off with theatre. I failed my first audition, which made me more adamant to pursue acting as I wanted to learn from my experience and know what went wrong. The learning hasn’t stopped since then and my work continues too.

Is there any role essayed by someone else you thought you could do better?

I am more focused on how my career and character graphs are progressing. Generally speaking, I feel, instead of commenting on whether one could have done a better job, one should feel more concerned about how good they are at what they do. I strive to be better at my job everyday and that is how it should be.

You have starred in two comedies ‘Na Maloom Afraad 2’ and ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’. How different are these characters from each other?

In ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’, Durdana carries the entire storyline so it’s a very well-developed and refined character. Khalil sahib’s dialogues and Nadeem’s direction also gave me a lot of margin and space to perform. I am nothing like her in real life – well except the fact that I am Punjabi too – so it was interesting to get into the skin of someone who is so different than me. I thoroughly enjoyed playing it and I am glad that the feedback I have received so far is overwhelmingly positive. ‘NMA 2’ on the other hand, is a continuation of the adventures of the three male lead characters. I couldn’t have done the sequel as I was an integral part of the first instalment. To be completely honest with you, no female character in ‘NMA 2’ has a lot to offer.

Tell us about your upcoming drama/film roles?

I don’t believe in talking about my projects until I sign them. So let’s just say you’d be hearing about them real soon!

Any advice for youngsters?

Relentlessly pursue what you truly desire. Don’t feel pressured by anyone into making choices or decisions you aren’t fully convinced about. Take your time, work diligently and you will reach for the stars.

Would you be experimenting with roles other than comedy as well?

Of course. Experimentation is a part of an actor’s job description. One must never feel restricted so, to answer your question, I would love to try and explore all genres of storytelling.

Is there any role you regret doing?

None. I take my time before taking a decision on a project and once I do, I never look back.

Which was more challenging to do? ‘NMA 2’ or ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’?

‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’ was definitely more challenging to do because we shot it during the winters and it was tough to shoot at times. For instance, we had a rain sequence shoot in a freezing temperature. But, at the same time, it was a lot of fun to film too because all of us shared a great bond and we thoroughly enjoyed working together.

Tell us about any strange or funny encounters on set?

Not strange but many funny incidents. Ahmed Ali Butt played a lot of pranks. Humayun is also very witty. So overall it was a very happy set.

Was it challenging working opposite the legendary Humayun Saeed?

I’d say it was more rewarding than challenging because Humayun really is the sweetest person and since we share such a great bond off screen, I never felt intimidated by him. Also, he makes you feel so comfortable and is always willing to help out which allows you to focus on more on your work than irrelevant things.

Complete the sentence: ‘Body shaming in Pakistan should….’

Not happen; and not just in Pakistan, body shaming shouldn’t happen anywhere in the world. As I said before, we should all focus on ourselves and our lives instead of pointing out flaws in others.

Any valuable lessons you learned from shooting ‘NMA 2’ and ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’ as an actress and person?

There are lessons to be learnt every day, in everything that you do. There is nothing specific to a particular project.

Anything you would like to say to your fans?

Thank you. Thank you for all the love, support and appreciation you continue to show me with every project I do. I love you all.

The fans want to know more about who Urwa is off screen! Describe your early life and background and how you ventured into acting?

Fortunately, I had an amazing childhood, which is why I am very closely connected to my family. I started theatre at a very young age as a hobby, which led to video jockeying and later venturing into TV and films.

Urwa not only stars opposite Humayun Saeed in ‘Punjab Nahi Jaungi’ but also stars in the dramedy ‘Na Maloom Afraad 2’. Let’s just say, she has hit the bulls eye, bagging two stellar roles this year!

Published in Daily Times, September 19^th 2017.