You are an industry stalwart; a revered actor, director and producer. If you had not been a part of the drama and film industry, what would you have like to be?
I never thought about any other career than show business.
You look as fresh, fit and upbeat at 61 as you looked at 21. What is your fitness routine? Are you a foodie?
About my fitness, I do a lot of things to keep myself fit and fresh, like I walk miles and miles, take lots of water every day, sleep sound for seven to eight hours, eat fresh fruits in the morning, along with whole wheat bread and cereal with milk and honey. For lunch, I have a brown bread sandwich with fresh green salad and olive oil along with green tea. For dinner again, mostly white boiled rice with lentils suit my taste, vegetable, chicken and fish with green salad and green tea. I never have water with food, although I do drink water the rest of the day as well as black coffee. I never eat junk food and fizzy drinks, neither do I take stress. The key behind looking fresh and young is not being jealous, not back biting anyone about not being vindictive – positive always, as well as hardworking and being cheerful.
“I never thought about any other career other than show business”
Do you ever think about retiring?
When Allah wants me to retire I will, otherwise I will keep working.
Your work takes you places far and wide. Which place is your favourite vacation spot?
London, Paris, Los Angeles and Monte Carlo.
You were born in Pindi, but are now based in Karachi. Do you miss living in Punjab? Is moving back in the cards?
Yes, I was born in Rawalpindi and started my career in Karachi, but then shifted to Lahore because of the films that I was doing. I spent more than 25 years in Lahore and did more than 200 films there. However, after that I moved back to Karachi. Yes, I do miss Lahore. Now the new film industry has emerged from Karachi so I am busy over here and in Mumbai but I do visit Lahore when I have some work there. At the moment, there is no such plan to shift permanently back to Lahore.
“The key to look fresh and young is to not be jealous or back bite anyone”
What is your vision for Pakistan? What does it mean to be Pakistani for you?
I am proud to be a Pakistani and my country is beautiful. We only need true and honest leaders who will eliminate corruption. Otherwise Pakistan is the best country in the world, Masha Allah.
Is it true that you joined acting at the age of 10 or 11? How did it all happen? How did your journey begin?
I shifted to Karachi when I was 13 or 14 years old and was still in school. I went to the radio station and gave an audition for the programme ‘Bazm-e-Talaba’. I started my career with very small roles on TV and films. My turning point was the drama serial ‘Shama’ which was written by Fatima Suraiyya Bajia and was directed by Qasim Jalali and then around that time I was selected to play the main lead in the film ‘Dhamaka’ opposite Shabnam which was produced by Maulana Hippy and directed by Qamar Zaidi. Unfortunately, the film flopped at the box office and I returned to the television again. I landed a role in drama serial ‘Unkahi’, which was written by Hasina Moin and was directed by Shoaib Mansoor. It was a big hit and so I got an offer to star in Nazar Shabab’s film ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ again opposite Shabnam and Sri Lankan actress Sabita. It was very big hit and after that I never looked back. In a span of 25 to 30 years, I did more than 200 films as an actor and made seven films as a producer and director, some of them which are ‘Mushkil’, Chief Sahib’, ‘Yes Boss’, Kahin Pyar Na Ho Jaye’, ‘Mujhay Jeenay Dou’, ‘Yeh Dil Aap Ka Hua’ and ‘Khulay Asmaan Ke Neechay’. I have done almost 20 films in Bollywood.
To be an actor so in demand must be very taxing. How supportive is your wife and your family when you put in long hours at work? How do you strike a balance?
My family is very supportive and apart from my hectic schedules, I do take time out for my family and friends. My life is very balanced.
We, at Daily Times, consider you one of our national heroes. Who are some of yours?
My heroes are Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and Abdul Sattar Edhi.
Achievements
Versatile Artist
Renowned artist Javed Sheikh is not just our film and drama industry’s veteran actor but he’s also an acclaimed director as well as a credible producer.
International Star
Javed Sheikh has not just worked in myriad of Pakistani films and dramas but has also worked in about two dozen hit Bollywood films as well alongside seasoned actors.
Star Kids
Javed never discouraged his children from joining the drama, modelling or the film industry and both Moomal and Shahzad Sheikh are recognised members of the fraternity.