Daily Times

Please share with us how you forayed into the TV and the film industry.I was always passionate about acting but never expressed my desire about it. Once I got a chance to act in theatre and I really enjoyed that experienced. So because of that experience, I decided to become an actress. My parents also supported me.How you manage your tough schedule?

God is great and has blessed me a lot. I am trying my best to handle the tough schedule without compromising on the quality of work. As my schedule was getting hectic day by day and at that moment I wanted to focus more on the film industry, so I took a year’s break from TV. I also don’t want my fans who adored me on TV to get disheartened so I will definitely come back to TV next year.How is acting in films different from TV?

There’s a stark difference that exists between acting on TV and acting in movies. I think our actors need to learn this difference. We should build acting schools who can teach this difference. Film is a large medium. It requires a certain body language. Cinema is a toned-down version of theatre. On television, expressions are shown in a smaller frame. Work dynamics of television and films are totally different. Acting in cinema is larger than life; you are appearing on a 70-ft screen. Cinema requires more detailing and for that, the presence of a good director and a good cast is imperative. In this regard, I am lucky that in ‘Dobara Phir Se’, the director was brilliant and the whole cast intermingled with each other perfectly.

What are your views about playing the role of an aged woman in ‘Dyar-e-Dil’ as most actresses would avoid such a role in an early part of their career?

When people stop me from doing something, I take that as a challenge and do that very thing. People discouraged me about playing the role of an aged person as they feared that it will have a negative impact on my future but I don’t believe in these things. I think if you are a good actor than you can play all types of roles. Many people told me to play the lead character in a film or a drama serial only. My belief is that whatever you are doing, do it with passion and honesty and Allah will reward you for your efforts.

What transition did your feel from the production sets of ‘Janaan’ to acting in ‘Dobara Phir Se’?

Everyone think that ‘Dobara Phir Se’ is my debut movie but my first movie was ‘Siyaah’. Unfortunately, due to poor promotion, that movie whisked away. Imran Jafri, the producer of ‘Janaan’ knew my plans about production and he prompted me to join him instead of waiting. It was a good experience working with him. I personally feel that a person should not waste time. If you are honest and willing, then go ahead and fulfil your desires.How was your experience of working in ‘Dobara Phir Se’?

The cast was good and the director was brilliant. We got a chance of working with foreign crew which required time management, an aspect which we normally lacked in Pakistan. If team is good you remain passionate about work irrespective of your situation pertaining to tight deadlines, tiredness, hunger etc. I learned a lot by working in ‘Dobara Phir Se’ and this experience will help me a lot in my future production projects.What are your future plans?

I am planning a film in February titled ‘Parchi’ in which I am acting and also producing. We will announce the cast of ‘Parchi’ in February. I will be producing more films next year; a lot of things are in the planning stage and I will reveal the details soon.Would you like to comment on the ban on Bollywood films in Pakistan?

It is a good step and also a bad step. This step may help because a lot of Pakistani movies are being released. We need at least 25 movies per year and fortunately we are catching up with this number. Currently, 15 to 20 Pakistani movies are being made each year. We are heading in the right direction to make our film industry self-sufficient. We need good content to pull public to cinemas. Ban on Indian movies will prompt people to watch Pakistani movies and this will help the local cinema industry.

Would you like to say something to your fans out there reading this interview?I have only one message these days. Come to watch ‘Dobara Phir Se’. Support Pakistani cinema. Whatever you like or dislike, do tell us. We are nearly on our feet now and we want to move forward and take our movies to the world. If you are proud of being a Pakistani then come and watch a product which is a creation of the people of Pakistan.