Amongst all the star couples of Pakistan we admire, the most beautiful has been of Ali Tahir and Wajeeha Tahir which made its place in the hearts of people when social websites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram did not lend a helping hand in gaining popularity. It was through their work, both serious and comic, that the two became dear to everyone. While Ali Tahir continues to play an active part in media, both as an actor and a director, Wajeeha Tahir has not appeared for quite a long time. Daily Times, therefore, decided to catch up with the much-missed celebrity and ask her a few questions.
It must be known first that Wajeeha Tahir’s notable projects include the sitcoms ‘Teen Bata Teen’ and ‘Shashlik’, the former being her debut project. Besides, she appeared in a number of dramas such as ‘Pataal’, ‘Monsoon’, ‘Ghuroor’, ‘Poore Chand ki Raat’, ‘Koi Tou Ho’, ‘Do Chaar Baras ki Baat Naheen’, ‘Raigaan’ and ‘Taj Classics’ which she produced as well. Wajeeha also acted as the narrator for an English play ‘Out of Order’ staged at Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore.
A holder of masters degree in English Literature from Kinnaird College, Wajeeha Tahir says:
‘I was not very much into acting as a student but would make use of my creative abilities backstage. I would do the make-up of students participating in the plays. However, dancing is what I used to do on stage in school as well as in college. Whereas ‘Teen Bata Teen’ is concerned, the actress who was playing ‘Beenish’ backed out. I was married to Ali by then and was asked by the director to do that role. That is how I stepped in.’
It was through their work, both serious and comic, that Ali Tahir and Wajeeha Tahir became dear to everyone
Why don’t you appear on television now?
I chose not to act when my daughter was born. I prefer to exert as much energy as I believe I have. I couldn’t do parenting and acting simultaneously. Besides, I never wanted my daughter to be a neglected child. Parents spend a lot of time outside, earning for their children, but at times, that in itself becomes damaging for the children who feel the need to have their parents’ company rather than the money. I never wanted that to happen.
You have acted in classical sitcoms of Pakistan which people remember to date. What do you think made them memorable?
That is difficult for me as well to decide, for I was only nineteen years old when ‘Teen Bata Teen’ went on air and I had no idea that I was becoming a part of such big a thing. Now when we all come to think of it, we conclude that it was its freshness that resulted in its popularity. There was no such thing for youngsters at that time. Secondly, every person involved in those sitcoms was so dedicated and passionate that the combined effort put into those projects made them evergreen.
You acted in a long play ‘Do Chaar Baras ki Baat Naheen’ by Anwar Maqsood. How was the experience of working with such a great name?
Back in those days, every production of PTV was of high calibre. Whichever drama I did was written and directed by well-read and creative people like Ayub Khawar and Tariq Jameel. I never realized back then that I am doing classical or better-than-other dramas because every person was equally talented. Now when I come to think of it, working with Anwar Maqsood was a big honour. He was then a legend. He is now a legend.
You produced the series ‘Taj Classics’ based on Syed Imtiaz Ali Taj’s writings. Did you ever feel scared while working on it that you might not be able to do justice to such a big name?
Yes. I took a lot of pressure while producing that series.
Ali Tahir, your husband, directed the series. Does one have to act professionally while working with family members? How is the experience of working with one’s family members?
One does have to be professional at the time of work, but the atmosphere becomes very comfortable and relaxed. It is like working with friends or people you know very well. Besides, Ali is a very disciplined man and I cannot fool around while he is working. So, I had to take care of a lot of things while working in ‘Taj Classics’.
Do you have any plans to make a comeback?
I wish to make a comeback, but I have no project in pipeline yet.
With which modern writers and directors would you like to work?
Since I have not worked for quite a long time, I would like to work with all of them. I would avail every opportunity that comes my way after staying out of touch for so long.
Would you like to serve the field of art through any other talent of yours besides acting?
I am a make-up artist and I would love to be a part of the industry as one. That is something I do very passionately.
Published in Daily Times, April 11th 2018.