It was on a balmy Tuesday of October that Mishi Khan, the wearer of many hats got her make-up done from Tariq Amin’s salon situated in Beverly Centre, Islamabad and her slaying looks captured by Arshad Tareen for an exclusive Daily Times’ interview.
Khan, an actor, a singer, a mimic, a chef and a host now resides in the peaceful capital city of Pakistan from where her morning show is sent on air on weekends. When asked what comes naturally to her, Khan told that her inclinations have always changed with time.
“Until a few years ago, acting was my priority and hosting came on the second number on my list. Now, after having done a lot of dramas and films, I am infusing all my energy into hosting. That is what I like, partially because I get a chance to connect with people from different backgrounds. And my preference in hosting is live transmission, since one’s energy level remains high and intact when the show is going on live. When the transmission is recorded, it often results in a lack of enthusiasm, for one knows that mistakes can be amended during retakes.”
What is one thing that you stress upon and one thing that you avoid as a morning show host?
I promote originality and try to avoid anything that is fake. No such thing which is not endorsed by me in real life is ever propagated in my show. This is what I try to teach the viewers as well; to be themselves and not adopt a hypocritical behaviour. My attitude during the show is the same as it is in front of my friends and family members, and that is something my viewers have also agreed to. They have often said it on calls that they feel as if I am addressing them, and not someone they can’t relate with.
In your interviews, you give equal importance to mental health along with physical fitness. When did this realisation hit you that mindfulness is also important?
It is when you are mentally fit that you remain physically healthy. I have always taken fame as a bonus, and not as the final achievement. People fall into depression when they don’t realize this, be they from any field. At a very early age, I told myself that fame and glamour have to come to an end one day and I should be prepared for that. That mental preparation is what has always kept me positive. I must also mention that my training as a flight-attendant in Emirates also made me learn how to take care of myself without depending on anyone. It was while I was at the peak of my career, doing shows, dramas and films that I applied for this job. In the year 2000, from a world of showbiz, I went into an environment which demanded that I maintain myself and carry my stuff on my own without any pride. That humbleness and a down-to-earth attitude is still with me. I do my work myself without taking it as an insult to my ego. That is what keeps me active and satisfied.
After having worked in almost all the cities of Pakistan, which city’s working environment did you find most compatible to yours?
My hometown Karachi has suited me the most. In one’s own city, one knows the spots and can easily shop. This independence isn’t there when you are in some other city. You grow restricted and have to contact other people to help you find stores, salons etc.
You have worked with many top-notch dramatists such as Anwar Maqsood, Fatima Suraiyya Bajiya, Noorul Huda Shah and Khalilur Rehman Qamar. Whose script did you enjoy the most and why?
I can’t rank these writers because all of them are stalwarts, but I can categorize them. I feel proud to have started my career with Bajiya’s script and “Uroosa” will remain my identity. Anwar Maqsood trusted me with comic roles and gave me countless opportunities of humorous acting through shows like “Studio Pawnay Teen” and long plays like “Sherry and Jozy”. The serial that gave me recognition as a serious performer was Noor ul Huda Shah’s “Ajaib Khana” which required visible expressiveness of emotions. Outside Karachi, I did “Boota from Toba Tek Singh” by Khalil ur Rehman which was also a super-hit of its times. Before I took a gap, I did “Mohabbat Karne Walon Ke Nam” by Irfan Ahmad Urfi. My comeback into acting was characterized by four serials: “Janat Se Nikali Hui Aurat”, “Yeh Zindagi Hai”, “Saat Pardon Mein” and “Parchaiyan”. After “Parchaiyan”, I shifted to Islamabad as a morning show host.
‘I promote originality and try to avoid anything that is fake. No such thing which is not endorsed by me in real life is ever propagated in my show. This is what I try to teach the viewers as well; to be themselves and not adopt a hypocritical behaviour. My attitude during the show is the same as it is in front of my friends and family members, and that is something my viewers have also agreed to’
You have worked in Pakistani films from the past as well as from the present. What difference did you find between the two eras?
We were experimenting back then and we are still doing that. Considering the facilities and limitations of each era, no period can be termed as bad. The period of Pakistani films which is notorious produced popular works of its times with the available equipment. The unfortunate fact is that educated people weren’t investing in films in the past. If we are to say that films were vulgar back then, it will be illogical because we still have item numbers. The only difference is that item numbers are done by educated actresses and what Reema would do has always been termed as “cheap”.
What is it that burdens the actors of today which didn’t burden them in the past?
Good looks keep them burdened. The focus is more on their dressing, hairstyles and make-up instead of acting although layers and layers of make-up don’t bring out your real expressions, especially in serious or tragic works. It also has to do with social media pressure which does not let actors be themselves even when they are on personal errands.
You always have something new under your sleeve. Should we expect anything unique again from your side?
I don’t think there is anything else left to do. I believe now that I should focus on one thing and try to make that one thing better with time. So, it’s hosting for now!
What do you do for your peace of mind?
I experiment with baking, take my dogs out for a walk or drive, spend time with my family and listen to good music. Nature attracts me a lot, so I also visit the mountainous areas at times.
You preferred Tariq Amin for your make-up and Arshad Tareen for your shoot. What do you think makes these two people stand out?
Both have a refined aesthetic sense and know the difference between a fashion shoot and a personality shoot, Tariq Amin in terms of looks and Arshad Tareen in terms of photography. Both bring out the real you and that is why I trust them. I have been working with Tariq Amin since the days of “Uroosa” when there were very few salons in Karachi. With Arshad, I have done the most glamorous shoots of my life.
The writer is a freelance journalist and can be reached at [email protected]. He Tweets at @MuhammadAli_DT