An offbeat model… Zoya
Hold on to your seats folks, for this time we do not bring a dumb blonde to you, that’s not a personal comment, but that’s the general impression our people have about models. However, the same doesn’t go for Zoya at least. She is as offbeat as a model can be. She does not like to be known as either an actress or a model - both of which fortunately or unfortunately she is - because to date she has not adopted either of the two as her profession. Modeling is something that she says she tried but never had to depend on.
Zoya had not been in Pakistan during her formative years. Till the age of thirteen she lived in Germany. “Obviously I wasn’t used to the way things are done here. In Pakistan people have these preconceived notions that a girl who has spent her life abroad is ‘fast’ just because you talk to guys and hang around with them.” Being fully aware of the local environment and even knowing as how people would react to her taking up modeling, she did what her heart told her to do - become a model! The sole reason being her family who were completely supportive of her.
“They were never opposed to it as they knew I was choosy about whatever I did and then I know my parameters. Also, I never made it my profession.” Having spent twenty years now in Pakistan yet it does not feel like home to her. “I’ve been in Pakistan twenty years now and have a handful of friends. People think I’m different. Because I am not willing to conform to the norms of society so I am considered a stranger. I think mostly people around us are hypocrites. Girls with their heads covered would be up to no good while ones like me who go to parties would be stigmatised. I say, live and let live.”
And lucky she has been for not in the least being in this profession hampered her marriage. “Let’s just say, I have been lucky in that respect.” This she can surely say for her hubby is completely at ease with Zoya’s fun choices. Zoya is basically a banker-model, meaning when not modeling she is busy with her banking preoccupations. She made her foray in the world of glitz at the age of eighteen. “Naheed Azfar was an acquaintance and she wanted me to model her block-print range on the ramp. I was so completely jittery on my first time. It’s so weird to be all made up ready to step out in front of so many people. But for an eighteen-year-old it was an exciting prospect as well.” So much so that she got into the rhythm and then one thing led to another and before she knew Zoya was already on her way to stardom.
As far as exposure goes, she says, “Exposure is part of the game. Since people never think nicely of you how can you let their opinion affect you?”
After her initiation in showbiz there were frequent intervals while she was moving on with her education. “I completed my graduation from St Joseph’s College. Next, I had to do something, so I opted for banking as I had always been inclined towards economics and maths.” She first got started at The American Express in the credit cards section, but not being consistent she soon gets bored and feels like having a change. “Soon I got bored and moved on to ANZ Bank. From ANZ it was Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce CIB and her last and most recent appointment was at HSBC. There too she resigned a few months back.
“I am done with banking and don’t want anymore of it. I thought I would now spend some time at home.” These banking spells were brief ones while simultaneously I was busy doing fashion shows.” Zoya has so far worked with the best of the lot namely “Shayanne, Imran Kureshi and Rizwan Baig, but never had an opportunity of doing a show with Sheroo.” Sometime around 2001, Zoya finally decided that was as far as modeling went for her. “I had fun doing it but no longer felt the pull for the ramp.”
In the midst of her banking and ramp modeling, Zoya had also tried her hand at acting. “I have done a few serials with various directors. Did one with Sajid Hasan, another with Najam, and Rashid Sami’s ‘Ek Gana Ek Afsana’. The experience has been fine and now I’m planning to get back to it soon.” Is it going back to modeling too? “Oh no that’s a chapter that I will not look back upon. I now want to do something creative; may be work in some ad agency in the creative department.”
Though Zoya has worked with quite a few photographers her all-time favourite remains Arshad Tareen. She feels his photography is superb “and it’s so easy to work with him. Besides Arshad, I have done shoots with Tapu, Khawar Riaz, Ather Shahzad.” And then, “I would say I have worked with the best because if I have to do something I would do it with a professional.” While acting and modeling are at a still her future plans include learning Braille - sign language and then work with special children. That is certainly a noble decision.
Besides being such a vigorous and colourful person, Zoya is also an animal lover and a member of World Wildlife Fund. “I want to earn lots and build a shelter for these homeless animals.” She has so far been saviour of quite a few animals - an eagle and a horse for starters.
Having spent quite a long time with Zoya, the interview turned out to be a refreshing change as the model had both - the beauty and the brains. Wish you luck in all your endeavours Zoya!
Newsviewsblog.com: How would you define your current state of mind?
It’s perpetually frazzled. There is a tidal wave of opportunities. There are lots of projects. I am going nuts selecting them and deciding what to do what not to do.z
Newsviewsblog.com: What are the projects that you are currently working on?
I am working in Farooq Mengal’s serial Chaand Ke Paar. I have just completed a serial called Dhool. Then I will be off to Dubai for a fashion show soon and then there is the Lux Style Awards, which will be in Dubai again. After that there is a tele-film, which I will be shooting for. So there is a lot of work.
Newsviewsblog.com:You have switched over from modelling to TV. Why?
I have been modelling for 12 years now. I don’t want to boast but this is something I can do in my sleep now. So it was great to experience something new, something different like TV.
Newsviewsblog.com: How easy it is for a model to make it on small screen?
I would say it is rather sad that acting is not a learned craft here. Most of the producers and directors today want to add glamour to their serials and one way to do that is to have models in their plays. But for me the first rule is the realization that I am not a model in front of the TV camera. I have to fit into the character and work hard at it.
Newsviewsblog.com: Out of your current line of work, what is it that you are most excited about?
Well, there is an independent film that is in the offing. This film is by New York-based director Ayesha Imtiaz who has also penned the screenplay. They plan to send it to the Sundance Film Festival and to Cannes. And though I wouldn’t want to divulge further details let me tell you that a very noted personality from Indian film industry has been approached for this film. We will go ahead with the project as soon as we get a green signal from them. I am a believer in a bird at hand is better than a hundred in flight, so I would say that all my current projects are exciting.
Newsviewsblog.com:You have also been nominated for Lux Style Awards.
Yes. LSA is great because it is the only fashion Oscars in the country. Besides who wouldn’t want to get lauded for his or her work and achievements? LSA is like democracy in the sense that it is by fashion people, from fashion people to fashion people.
It’s an official recognition by people from the same field and it’s a great feeling.
Newsviewsblog.com:What next?
I plan to write a novel. I know this is something that I have been talking about for a long time now, but well, I want to do it.
I am almost quarter way through. I feel this is the time to do it, because the tide is in my favour. So I think I will have to take sabbatical from my work and sit down to write it.
There are many actresses, who have forayed into the showbiz circle, but only few survived and even fewer could make their mark as accomplished artists. Savaira Nadeem belongs to this rare breed of actresses who have made it big on the basis of their talent.
She has dedication, brains and beauty - all rolled into one person who knows what she wants out of life and how to go about it. And it is this panache, passion and dedication that has bagged her prestigious PTV award.
As all know that in the past, the PTV award had been associated with big names like Khalida Riyasat, Uzma Gillani and Roohi Bano. Now Savaira has bagged one.
So we asked her how she feels about it
“I do feel a lot of satisfaction and a sense of achievement, even though, I knew about my nomination for the past two or three months. But the situation seemed very uncertain to believe it until I received the award.” Of course, she was ecstatic when she received her award.
The excitement was evident at the award ceremony where she was present with her mother and grandmother, and they seemed more jubilant and proud than the recipient.
She got the award on her groundbreaking role in the serial ‘Inkar’ directed by Ayub Khawar. She attributes her success and achievement to the director and the writer who carved the depth and boldness in the character she played. “It was a very unusual character and a subject which was never explored before.
It showed a woman smoking and dealt with issues like out-of-wedlock pregnancy, abortion and drug-addiction.” She definitely deserved an award for being daring enough to take up such a role and for performing it brilliantly.
Savaira started her acting career at a very young age. “If you also count the work I have done on theatre then I have started my career at the age of 15. The first serial that I worked in was ‘Kiran’ in 1994-95.” Indeed, the break came in for her through the same serial when she got noticed for her performance, looks and classy ‘churidar pajamas’ she wore in ‘Kiran’.
When asked how she chooses her roles and what is the determining factor? She quips, “It depends on how different that role is from the roles that I have done before.
Above all other things, what matters most is the cast and the team - the people with whom you share a mutual chemistry specially the co-star, the so-called hero.”
So, we accuse her of being a part of a certain clan or mafia in showbiz by working with only certain people! “Well! In fact there is a lot of insecurity and things are not planned here.
There is no contract system that binds to safeguard the rights of the artistes. Therefore, people prefer a team they have confidence in,” she justifies her stance.
But another allegation leveled against her is that she is too choosy about her roles for which she says, “actually I’m not choosy and you can’t afford to be that choosy. The reason is the inception of the new channels that now you have to work round the clock.”
Savaira, not satisfied with the present environment in showbiz, feels that every third person has entered into showbiz these days. “I sometimes get frustrated and annoyed that people who don’t really belong here seem to be here like you have some unwanted guests at your home.
I am a bit possessive about my profession, as I am sincere and committed with it. Thus, when I see people who are not devoted enough I feel hurt and this is also the basic reason of quality deterioration.” She further elaborates on the deteriorating standard of plays and the rising commercialism: “People don’t want to go beyond a certain limit when it comes to exploring new avenues and ways of interpreting things.
Topics are always somehow the same, but it’s the interpretation that makes it different. I don’t understand this attitude. May be there are no educated people in this field, or if, they are educated they are so arrogant that they don’t want to experiment according to the director’s instruction.
The era when PTV plays were popular was quite different than the present. Those plays may not be that popular now, if they are shown in the same style. The time has changed and there is more commercialism now. Those were the studio plays, but now it has come into open and the canvas is wider.”
Dismayed by the declining standards in the TV plays she decided to delve into production and direction. But doesn’t she feel that it is premature for her to be a director or producer? “Yes definitely, and I don’t want to do it full time. It was a kind of experiment.
I was dragged into direction by some people I was working with and I think there was a lot of contribution of my camera man and my assistants who completed 70% of the work with me.
“She further added, “Direction is like an addiction and once you get into it, it is difficult to withhold, because now when my tele-film that I was working on is complete, I really want something else to start. Sometimes, you have so many things in your mind that you can’t explain it to others and you feel that may be you can do it more convincingly on your own.”
Savaira started working on a tele-film after achieving success in production. “I have come into production and one of my serials ‘Pankh’ is on air, which is directed by Ahsan Talish.
The whole concept is mine. The response is quite encouraging as it is supported by 22 minutes ad-time. Saleem, Uzma, Zaib Choudhry are in the main cast. I have also made a tele-film as a director called ‘Kal’. Again I have done the whole concept, story and characterisation, while being the performer, director and producer.”
Savaira talks enthusiastically about her experience as a director and producer when asked if it was tough? “Well ‘tough’ is perhaps not the correct word for it. It is like you are doing some complicated surgery of an issue. In ‘Kal’, I was kind of juggling with acting, production, direction and management.
At times the script needed a change inviting my immediate attention. I don’t remember sleeping in those 10 or 15 days of shooting. And now I’m quite excited to see how does it eventually turns out after the editing.”
A smiling Savaira who has explored new avenues in ‘Kal’ has also given chance to the new talent, “I have brought Farhana Maqsood in a good role who also worked hard. Her potentials were never explored before and she was typecast in ‘ronay dhonay walay’ roles. I have also introduced a new voice.
She used to be in my college and recently I met her in a parlour where she told me that she is really interested in getting back into singing. I decided to give her a break and later it proved that she was a well-deserved candidate.
New and young boys called ‘Arsh’ have given the music and my writer - ‘Suraj’ is also new. They were completely new when I started working with them, but now they are getting more and more offers, shaid meray haat may hee kutch aise barkat hai….”
About the cast she said, “‘Kal’ includes Faisal Rehman, Seemi Raheel, Ali Tahir and myself. It also includes two songs; in fact we had tried to give it a filmy treatment. Suraj Baba, the writer has incredible sensitivity for women, which was the requirement of ‘Kal’. The tele-film will be presented on Geo.
Watching Savaira doing a role is definitely a treat to watch as it seems that no other actress could have done it that well. The way she conceives a role is definitely different the way other people do. “Previously, I used to make notes about the personality of the character, what are the attributes; what are the negative points; even the physical appearance, colours, clothing etc.
But now I feel that it doesn’t make any difference. May be because I’ve learnt a lot along way that I overcome these things automatically. I think you just need to focus on the main characteristics of the character, and it becomes slightly easier, otherwise there is nothing easy in this field.”
Savaira has performed a variety of roles, but still she wants something different and that with intensity…with more action and lots of dynamics in it, like a woman serving in armed forces…
“Something that has never been shown before,” retorts Savaira. When asked about the comedy roles she elaborates, “I have enjoyed doing comedy. Comedy is a combination of three things. It requires a brilliant script, a very sharp editing and lot of energy.”
The ultimate question for a TV actress is about her desire to work in movies, “Yes. I’ll will, but again with a good team on a good project.”
Savaira reminisces about the past, “When I was 15 years old I used to have a picture in my mind that after ten years I’ll have my own company, my own car, I’ll be working all the time and I’ll be having certain kinds of friends around me.
Now, I feel that Almighty Allah was really kind to me as I have achieved what I have aimed and worked painstakingly for to a considerable extent. Still there is a long way to go because the field I happen to be a part of, confronts a new challenge every next day.”
Mehdi Hasan: Infirmity and conquest “A milk shop at the corner, turn left, fourth house with a green gate,” the directions given by the ghazal maestro’s son, Arif Hasan, are quite explicit. I feel sure that I can count on the people on the street in Alnoor Society, located in Karachi’s congested suburb of Federal B. Area, to direct me successfully to the house of the Shahenshah-i-Ghazal, Mehdi Hasan.
He is sleeping when this writer reaches the house. It is 2:30pm in the afternoon, and his son explains that Khan Saheb is on a regimen of heavy medication, and it is his routine to stay awake all night, listen to music, watch television, then sleep during the day. “But he should be up in a few minutes,” he says.
Those minutes turn into an hour-and-a-half; enough time for me to get to know something about the family through Arif. His sister, Rubina, who is mostly in and out of the kitchen, had been living in the US with her other brothers but returned to Karachi when she heard of her father’s ill health. Having completed high school, she had wanted to join college to study art but preferred to be by her father’s side, taking care of his needs. Being the youngest, she is perhaps the most cherished child as well.
A prolific singer, the 74-year-old maestro, affectionately referred to as Khan Saheb by his family and friends, married twice, and has fathered no less than nine boys and five girls. Unfortunately, about four years ago, both his wives died within a span of 12 months, leaving him dejected and ill. A severe case of arthritis, coupled with a stroke, has left him dependent on others.
By the time this piece of writing appears in print, I am informed that will be in Delhi and in an Ayurvedic hospital. This infirmary is a branch of the hospital in Kerala where he was treated in November 2000. Here’s hoping that the follow-up treatment will bear fruit and the singer, much revered and admired on both sides of the border, will sing again.
Mehdi Hasan, whose performances have been electrifying, featuring a variety of rhythmic patterns and imaginative elaborations, mastered ghazal — the love song — in vogue from the 19th century. The living Indian legend, Lata Mangeshkar, once lauded him in the seventies by saying: “Mehdi Hasan kay galay mein to bhagwan bolta hai.”
Whereas his performances have been grand, impressive and spacious, with a luminous passion, the house in Karachi in which he has lived for more than 37 years is, to say the least, modest, unassuming and cramped. Sitting in a small room just outside his bedroom on the ground floor, (those two rooms and the kitchen make up Khan Saheb’s entire abode, as his married daughter lives on the floor above) I contemplate and philosophize on the vagaries of life. No small wonder, the old house, the unpretentious linoleum floor, scanty furniture and the gloomy environ altogether match the mood of the maestro himself.
Having woken up, washed, had his breakfast and dressed, he is waiting in his wheelchair to receive me. A shrivelled, sad smile on his face greets me. I feel quite overwhelmed as he speaks softly, with some effort, intermittently wiping his eyes with a small towel. I have to sit close and pay attention to his words. Sometimes he drifts into nostalgia, remembering his childhood with long pauses in-between.
The first time around he married a girl from his village. She bore him nine children. “An illiterate woman, nevertheless, my mother loved to sing shadi biyah kay geet,” Arif Hasan has recounted earlier. He said that his second mother, Suraiyya, (Rubina’s mother) was a radio singer, but gave up singing professionally after her marriage to Khan Saheb.
Mehdi Hasan had moved to Chichawatni near Sahiwal just eight months before Partition. He had been singing for All India Radio and later for Radio Pakistan. In 1952, his ghazals, Aaya mehfil may ghaarat garay hosh aaya; Bhooli bisri chund ummeedain chund fasaanay yaad aaye, broadcast from the radio, became instant hits.
But it was the ghazal from the film Farangi, Gulo may rung bharay baad-i-nau bahaar chalay that catapulted Mehdi Hasan to the heights of fame, making him a household name in Pakistan. It was composed by his elder brother, Pundit Ghulam Qadir, and was recorded in Lahore in 1959.
“The vulnerability and impermanence of his bony skeletal frame depicts the dominating metaphors of the canines and demons painted in Mehdi Hasan’s childhood scenario. His fearlessness in pursuing his career to its ultimate heights emanates from his early conquest of fear itself.”
In 1964, he sang for the first time with Madam Noor Jehan at the Royal Albert Hall in London. In 1965, the patriotic songs that he recorded during and after the war, such as, Allah kay waday pay mujahid ko yaqeen hay, and Sohni dharti Allah rakhay qadam qadam aabad (also sung by Shahnaz Begum) will always be remembered. Mehdi Hasan’s subsequent rise was meteoric, and there was no looking back.
Duniya kisi kay pyar mein jannat say kum nahin; Mujhay tum nazar se gira to rahay ho; Ranjish hi sahi; Pyar bharay do sharmilay nain and scores of other numbers have made the singer immortal in his own lifetime. According to his son, Khan Saheb has perhaps recorded as many as 50,000 ghazals and geets. Although this number may be somewhat high, there is no doubt Mehdi Hasan has been a highly successful singer.
The main reason for this has been his careful choice of poems, combined with his thorough knowledge of music. He renders many a raga meticulously and in a wide range of styles such as Dhrupad, Thumri and Dadra.
He has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions: the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz granted to him by Gen Ayub Khan; the Pride of Performance bestowed on him by Gen Ziaul Haq; and the Hilal-i-Imtiaz conferred by Gen Pervez Musharraf. Besides the Nigar Film and Graduate Awards from Pakistan, he was presented the Saigal Award in Julandhar, India, in 1979, whereas the Gorkha Dakshan Bahu Award was given to him in Nepal in 1983. Recently, he travelled to Dubai to receive yet another award.
While Khan Saheb has continued to sing all his life, interestingly, he earned his living in the early days working as a car mechanic and chauffeur. He keeps punctuating the conversation with words of gratitude for the Almighty.
“I was born in a village called Luna, in the state of Jhunjnu in Rajhastan, India. My father Azeem Khan, uncle Ismail Khan, and my forefathers were Jaipur’s darbari gawayay. They not only performed in Jaipur but also in the darbars of Indore and Baroda and other rajwadaas. I performed in front of the Maharaja of Baroda at the age of eight,” he recalls, specially wanting me to write about his childhood. Apparently, the road leading up to his village has been named after him, and his ancestral house there is still intact.
I ask him about the black-and-white picture on the wall of his room in which one of the three men standing in a wrestling ring resembles him vaguely. “Yes, that’s me,” he smiles, “I must have been in my 20s. It was a regular practice to go for pehlwani. It was necessary to build a strong body and a strong breathing pattern in order to develop the stamina to sing. There is a direct relationship of a lung full of air and a tonic and dominant note of a singer.” He explains. “I was woken up at 3:00am everyday.
My uncle Ismail Khan was entrusted with my vocal as well as physical training; I also learnt from my elder brother, Pundit Ghulam Qadir, who has composed several of the ghazals that I have sung. Each morning, I had to exercise and then jog in the dark jungle. But even that wasn’t considered good enough. I had to spend time practising singing in the midst of human and animal skeletons.
It was widely believed that there were bhoot paleet in those jungles and I was trained to overcome the impact of menace and insecurity that they posed. If the demons bared their teeth and tried to intimidate me with their howls, I just continued to render my long alaaps and improvized on the notes that I had been taught. May nay sub kuch dekha, magar dara kabhi nahin,” he says emphatically.
I listen to his fascinating tale with the rapt attention of a child, imagining and visualising paintings I have been familiar with. Some creative people walk on the wild side, others remain purists.
Among those with creative sensibilities are some people who turn their backs on reality and prefer to create from the life within, indifferent to life’s events.
The vulnerability and impermanence of his bony skeletal frame depicts the dominating metaphors of the canines and demons painted in Mehdi Hasan’s childhood scenario.
Like all of us, this ‘immortal singer’ too will one day be gone, but his fearlessness to pursue his career to its ultimate heights emanates from his early conquest of fear itself. A lesson for lesser mortals.
How did the whole journey on IM start for you?
I had just given my A levels and was waiting for the results to come when this friend of mine in Production, Azfar Ali contacted him for a voiceover in an advertisement since their main guy had disappeared. The boss, who was Ghazanfar Ali really liked it and asked me to do a show called Music Channel Charts.
Around that time I was already doing a program on 106FM (which was one of the few English programs on radio during that time) and doing something on TV sounded good to me so I went on to do Music Channel Charts for about 8-9 months. While hosting, the movie Jinnah went into production and I became Location Assistant on the movie.
I worked for about 7 months there and they liked my work so much that they made me Second Assistant to the Director! I was really into writing and so I took some of my stuff to an advertisement agency called Manhattan International (MIL) to work as a concept writer.
I had gotten into New York University but since I couldn’t go there due to financial problems, I started work at MIL. I was on Music Channel Charts when I got an offer from Pepsi to do a show called Generation Next in which I worked with Fakhr-e-Alam.
”All set to release her first ever album, Humaira Channa looks equally ambitious new project taken up for mother and child health care”
Has she shied away from showbiz is she coming with something new to take the by surprise. But whatever it is people whatever it starved for entertainment, irksome by watch Channels, desire to listen some melodious music from their electronic media.
In the gap of more than a decade many singers have popped up yet hardly a handful have been success( the music scene. While the audience love for serious listening remains insatiate. In doing so they t songs of Madam Noor Jehan, Nayyara Noor and Mehnaz, they still long more from the likes of Humaira and Tina Sani.
After the demise of many of our music maestros, the scene is devoid of the very best of voices. In playback singing in Shamim Ara’s Kaun Baney Ga Carorpati, Sangeeta’s Sar Uta Kar Jyeeo, Humaira been giving much time to television.
When asked about her absence, she surprises us by an offer of music show, which she is seriously thinking to take up. She asks us for our suggestion and we gleeful consent.
Though she has been doing a lot of work behind scenes, people want to see her singing some hot nr front of the camera. Graduated from a classical background under the guidance of Ustad Bashir Ahmad and Nisar Bazmi, Humaira Channa is one of the few who can sing the most difficult of songs.
with untie Recently Reema asked her to sing a pure classical song for her special Kathak performance in America Main Tak Ghitak To Tadieg Dieg along with the beat, demands nothing short of a sound classical.
Since her appearance in 1988 PTV Silver Jubilee and her timeless numbers Asan Jan Ke Meeth Lai Teray Chareye Da Kala Kai Til Way, people can’t seem to forget her. Much to the demand of listener to do a remix of the same
Seeing the present trend, we asked her where are we heading. “Through our classical music we have reached a height where the Western musicians are turning to now while we go on to follow their trend enough we will realize the difference in both”, she says with an air of optimism.
Whether singing solos or duets for films, she along with Shaz’ia Manzoor, emerges as the only one maximum number of hit songs to her credit. While the latter has two of her albums, Humaira could much time to album details but now with her brother being involved in composing and direction, she launch one.
Dressed up casually in a blue Shalwar Kameez, a dab of lipstick and a liner, looking charming comfortably for the interview. For a singer like her this is what we least expected of.
As we sent on it she obliged to answer whatever was asked of her in what was more of a conversation than an interview asked for opinions on how would people like to see her,
everyone present there agreed that she shot her sober image but definitely insisted on more of her presence on television shows from where she successful singing career.
Besides singing she clearly looked ambitious about something else a new project she had recently as she poured out more details about it, we were confirmed more than ever that this singer had a ca serve.
What inspired her to setup a mother and childcare hospital in the rural areas of Haloki came question. Is it a catching trend and a way to win hearts? Nothing of the sort. She feels deeply for mother and malnourished children roaming on the streets. And perhaps this will be the first ever hospital to
Exclusively for mothers. “On my way for recordings, I happened to pass by different villages and cases of suffering women. I promised myself to do something and from now onwards I am raising fund General Hospital,” narrates Humaira Channa.
When delving into her personal life, she talks about some of her pas times. Listening to classical song cooking dishes is what she loves to do in her spar time. “Whenever I am dispirited, songs of Madam Jehan, Mehndi Hasan inspire me each time to do something new,” she confides.
Before I drop in another question she takes the cue and replies, “Indian industry owes much to its media and vast audience recognized. On the same basis, many artistes on not finding an encouraging response back home of release their albums in Indian markets.
She has been getting offers left, right and center, mostly directors for playback singing but she has turned them down and plans to launch one of her own album.
And as she sips tea and nibbles on her biscuit, she reflects on the institution of Ghaiki and how rich subcontinent is for its culture and music. “We have some of the most beautiful of voices but unfortunately only age old institution of Ustaad and Shaagirdi is not the same anymore.
The trend to suddenly taken as a profession for instant fame and money has affected our music industry immensely. Whereas classical singing demands a lifetime.”
She stays as one of the most talented artiste of whom we could be proud o. Dil Mein Basa Laay, As , Meeth Lai Ankh Way etc. are but a few of her unforgettable while her songs for Jeeva, Miss Istanbul Mera Saathi are besides these.
Even after being too much engrossed in the conversation, how could a request from her. And as she hummed a tune, we gladly joined in. truly mesmerized, I was lucky e meet one fine artiste.
At around the same time I got an offer from Interflow to be a concept writer and took that job as well (which I did for about 4 years). After this, I did a few more programs sponsored by Pepsi such as Ask For More, Tez Raftaar, World Cup 99 Deewane and Inside Edge. Inside Edge was a 5 minute program basically about cricket in which we gave cricket tips by cricketers scripted and directed by me.
I wanted to do more filming as I had grown out of advertising and since I knew Ghazanfar Ali since ages, I talked to him and we worked out a deal. So I started reading news on the Indus Network and around that time IM was happening so I started directing promos for it and eventually became a VJ.
So how was your experience? Did you face any problems with anything or anyone?
Not at all. Indus had a chilled, relaxing atmosphere. I mean I used to read the news while wearing shorts at times!
Being a VJ, how important do you think it is to be involved in the Music scenario?
I feel it’s extremely important for a VJ to be involved in the music scene. I know that it was easy being a VJ for me since I had always been into media related stuff and knew about the history of the people directly involved in the music scene. Furthermore, I believe in ‘intellectual fulfillment.’ For example, I would ‘recharge’ my self before every show by reading up on virtually anything and then discussing that on my show.
Moving onto other grounds, what exactly happened at Indus that made you, amongst the others, leave?
Basically the new channels that were coming up were giving really good offers and had really good financial backing. There were newer markets to explore which everyone looking forward to and all these factors influenced us.
News is that you were being forced to sign a contract. Either that or you leave?
Yes the contract was there and it was quite unfair. But the biggest factor for me leaving IM was the excitement of doing something new due to so many offers. Money was not a problem since we got good money from IM. Indus might have a bad reputation regarding financial stuff but they took good care of us.
And what would you say about the new VJs at IM?
I saw ‘Café Current’ and I think they’re doing a pretty good job there but there’s a definite room for improvement.
I haven’t seen my show yet so I can’t really comment on that.
Which bands top your list right now and what would you say about the current music scene?
I see The Call on top right now. They’re making really good music. E.P is improving as well and I’ really looking forward to Ali Azmat’s album.
Thanks for your time.
Koi Chehra is a song that has been playing on all Indian and Pakistani music channels almost non-stop. Adeel Asghar Choudhary is the voice that has made this song an instant hit with music lovers. Originally studying to become a dentist, this multitalented young man followed his heart and has achieved instant success in the sub-continent.
We had the opportunity to interview Adeel and ask him about his future plans and how he started his very successful journey.
Tell us a little bit about your background, family and education
My father is a doctor and my mother, a homemaker. I have two elder brothers, the eldest is a doctor and the middle one is a businessman. I grew up wanting to become a musician, but for the sake of my parents I studied medicine and was preparing to become a dentist, while simultaneously working on my music. I studied medicine from the prestigious King Edward College and contrary to popular belief; I was actually a very good student and always scored very high marks.
When did you become interested in music? Was this something your parents and family supported?
I’ve been interested in music ever since I can remember; the first time I touched a Casio at the age of 6, I knew this was my calling. Unfortunately, initially my family was not supportive at all of my desire to become a musician. I did go through a struggle period, but eventually my parents by Allah’s grace saw the passion and hard work that I had put in, and today they are proud of my achievements. So I wouldn’t say it’s always been a smooth sailing, but I truly feel I’m God’s special child and he’s guided me to this point, and InshAllah will always do so.
You have released a new single “Koi Chehra” in India, and it has been getting great reviews, how has the experience been for you?
It’s been overwhelming, but the response and love that I have received from the Indian market isn’t something I can put in words. All I can say is that it’s been a wonderful experience and journey. I truly cherish every moment of it.
Who wrote and composed the song? Do you work with a team or are you entirely a solo artist?
I’ve written and composed that song. Although I usually have musicians with me, I would say that I’m a solo artist.
Why did you think of releasing the song in India? Why do most of our artists and musicians now cross the border to release a song or an album?
India is a huge market, musicians and artists from our country get immense respect and love there. I see no harm in crossing borders to release our music; through music we are bridging the gap between the two countries. Where politics fails, art has taken forward. I feel proud of that fact that Indians are listening to our music; I think it says a lot.
What are your future plans? Are you working on any new songs or albums?
As of now, I’ve been busy promoting my current album. I’ve started working on a new album, and have two songs releasing soon in a Bollywood flick. I’ve always got acting offers from Bollywood, but my career is in a very early stage, so maybe by my next interview to you, I’ll be able to tell you a name of a film! Nonetheless, rest assured you have a lot of music coming your way from me.
You have also been selected as a new face to represent Pepsi, tell us about how you got selected? Have you been asked to endorse any other products as well?
A.I’ve been a Pepsi brand ambassador for 3 years and it has been a great association. They discovered me through my music, and I’d like to thank Pepsi for selecting me when I was just an infant in this industry. I have been offered a few endorsements, however I would like to stay selective about which brands I endorse, as I would not feel comfortable endorsing something I myself don’t feel great about.
Have you done any concerts, if so, where? Do you plan to perform in the U.S anytime soon?
I’ve done many concerts and toured nearly the whole country; I’ve been doing concerts in Pakistan, India and Dubai for a few years now. I’ve also done a few concerts in England, and very recently did a concert in America thanks to SDZ Global, which is doing a great job in promoting Asian talent in the states. I will be working with SDZ again very soon, as we’re currently doing the logistics of our next USA/Canada tour.
What words of encouragement would you like to give to the young talent that wants to follow in your footsteps?
All I can say is follow your dreams. Work hard, believe in yourself and Allah, and there’s no stopping you. With hard work and dedication every triumph in life can be overtaken.
Lastly, what message would you like to give to the readers of Mag4you.com?
Please pray and give me all your love and support, and I promise to keep you entertained always!
Sure-shot indicators that our fashion industry is evolving; innovative fashion houses? Check. Eccentric, avant-garde fashion designers? Check. Models literally stun your attention as opposed to be classic beauties? Umm… two out of three isn’t bad. Well, no more.
Like the overkill of the perfectly-coiffed all-American models of the seventies and eighties brought about a backlash of eccentric faces in the early nineties. It seems Pakistan too is ready to embrace a more unconventional type of mannequin. Enter Tooba.
With her doe-like eyes, dusky complexion and a figure in the early bloom of youth, she is a far cry from the voluptuous Barbie dolls that rule the fashion roost, and yet, she has taken the local fashion scene by storm! From the runway, to print, to commercials, Tooba is the first choice for every discerning trendsetter. Let the Barbies play in their perfect dollhouses – this alternative beauty is on a roll!
Let’s get to a controversy right off the bat. Tell us about your spat with Yasir Akhtar during the making of his video.
Yasir Akhtar? Who? Ugh! The guy with the squeaky voice? Is he still alive? I thought he had died a long time ago. I did his music video when I was living in Islamabad and it was a disastrous experience. Probably the biggest mistake of my career!
What was the bone of contention?
I had issues with him because he wasn’t professional at all and it was a nightmare for me to work with such a person. So we had some conflicts then. But this is the second in last six years that I am actually talking about him and look at him, he is mentioning me in his interviews.
But he said that he officially launched you through his music video, but you refuse to endorse his assertion.
What? That’s news to me by the way. I think he is only spreading this to gain some cheap publicity out of it. The only person whom I would like to give credit for bringing me into this field is Tariq Amin.
But there has also been some conflict between the two of you.
This is such a stale piece of news that it has actually started reeking. Ask me something new.
Like your fracas with Iraj during your recent trip to Singapore. That is something new for you to shed some light on.
To be very honest, I love Iraj. I am not getting diplomatic or anything here. I have always admired her and we’ve been great friends. But when you’re traveling together, there are a lot of issues and things that you simply can’t deal with and one tends to get frustrated. That’s exactly what happened with all of us on the tour. We had spent like 10 days in Singapore and it was crazy because everyone was missing home and nothing was going right and everyone seemed to be off at one thing or the other. During such times even the slightest of provocation can trigger off a volcano in a person. So I guess it was the circumstances more than personal issues that instigated the near tiff between us. If Iraj has to make an issue out of it, that’s fine, but I am keeping it under my hat.
What makes Tooba so vulnerable to fights?
I don’t know, you ask the people who get into fights with me on petty issues. I am a very friendly and sweet person; I don’t know why people have coloured me bad.
In Late Night with Begum Nawazish Ali, you mentioned that you are planning to settle down in the next three/four years. Why are you in such a rush? Such an early announcement can adversely affect your career-graph.
I wouldn’t think it would. I am not ready for a commitment at all at this stage although I am in a relationship. Right now my career is very important to me. I really want to make it big in acting now. I will keep working as long as I am in demand. The thing with commitment is that you really have to divide your attention and can’t really focus on your work. Also, there is this absurd mentality in Pakistan about girls in fashion that “Nahin ji, ab tou shaadi ho gayi, ab woh baat nahin rahi,†– which is totally silly, you know.
How did you get into acting?
I love acting. It’s one of my most favorite jobs. I always wanted to be an actor. It gives me an opportunity to bring out my latent talents. I have always been a big fan of movies. Being on a big screen has been my dream all my life. My eventual goal is to be a reigning silver screen queen and that I will be. Wait and watch.
That reminds me of Saqib Malik’s upcoming movie, which has you in the lead.
The movie has already created so much hype even before it has gone on the floors and it is amazing to see that Saqib, who has such a strong background in filmmaking, has been able to garner such an amazing cast for his debut venture.
And what’s your role in it?
I am playing a crime journalist – a very positive character. It’s a thriller mystery set in Karachi. Let’s see how it shapes up.
Be it Saqib, Ali Zafar and now you, everyone seems to be tightlipped about the plot.
That’s exactly what I have been told to do by Saqib. I am not really supposed to reveal a lot about my character. That will kill the curiosity.
Are you excited about being paired opposite Ali Zafar?
I have worked with Ali before and I think he is a great artist and a very chilled out guy to work with. Yes, definitely, I am excited about working with him as a heroine and we are aiming to set the silver screen afire with our lethal chemistry.
You say that you want to be a silver screen queen, so would you be willing to cross the border to fulfill this long-cherished dream?
Hell No! I have always said this and I am making my point again that I don’t want to go to India because India doesn’t need us at all. They already have a big industry and they don’t want people from Pakistan to come there and work in their movies. People here are so insecure about their identity there. Whenever anyone from India comes here they roll out the red carpets while they never really give a damn about us. I have worked in fashion shows with Indians and literally they treat us like dirt. I am very patriotic and don’t give two hoots about India. I will fulfill my dream in my own country. I will be the queen of Pakistani cinema. I’d rather do something in my own country than just opt for Meera-type roles in India.
Meera-type roles?
Meera-type roles are the roles where you are required to put your anatomy on display with an amazing ease. You can’t just show off skin and claim to be a big star in India. That’s crap. I want to do family films and be popular in them, not such C-grade films aimed at D-grade audiences.
Would you prefer a small or supporting role in a big blockbuster or a tailor-made role in a small budget film?
It really depends. Up till now, I have only done the lead roles. I am all for doing tailor-made roles now. As for the small roles in a big film, I would like to see who is making this big film and whether the project is really worth spending my time on. If I have a significant part to play and have enough opportunities to display my prowess and capabilities as an actor then definitely I would go for it.
You have worked with Zoheb Hassan in his serial, which had him and Iman in the pivotal roles while you played the sidekick. Doesn’t this contradict your statement of playing key roles only?
Yes, it’s totally Zoheb Hassan’s serial: he is singing, acting and producing it; what else do you expect? He is a sweet guy and thankfully I haven’t had any major issues with him. In fact it was a swift ride. He was sweet to all of us and it was fun working with him. I was already in Dubai shooting something else and their crew was staying in the same hotel where I was and there was another girl who was playing my role but she somehow couldn’t make it to Dubai so I landed in her shoes. See it’s all about luck. And well, I don’t say it’s a you-blink-and-you will-miss-it kind of role because in the upcoming episode I get a lot of screen time and have a lot to do in the serial.
ZQ in her recent interview describes new girls as “cocky and overconfident.â€
Hahaha! When she gave you this interview she told me when we met that Sunita and I are not in the newer lot so this statement is not for us. Well, as for the new girls, what can I say, she may have come across such girls which is why she made that statement. I have my own attitude and this works for me, you know. I myself am very cocky, and I don’t care whether someone likes it or not. Love me or hate me. That’s how I am.
If you were on a deserted island all by yourself, who would you ask to accompany you?
Ameer Zeb (male model)! He is so hot!
If you were trapped in an elevator with Yasir Akhtar, you would…
I would probably kill him or myself.
Iman Ali’s attitude or ZQ’s down to earth demeanor?
A bit of both. I am quite friendly and down to earth and also have some attitude so I am a mix of both.
Tariq Amin or Nabila? And Why?
I don’t know how to answer this one. I have worked with Nabila but not that much. I started working with Tariq at the beginning of my career but haven’t worked with him for the past six years. We had a tiff. So, if I have to choose, I guess it would be Nabila.
Vinny, Iraj or ZQ?
Vinny. I love her. I love the way she carries herself. I love her attitude. She knows her mind and I love her for that.
Ather Shahzad or Khawar Riaz? And Why?
I have worked with Ather Shahzad before and I haven’t really worked with Khawar, so I would go for Ather Shahzad because I simply adore their work but I would love to work with Khawar as well.
Which female models do you truly detest?
Fauzia. I cannot stand her. I cannot stand a sight of her. I think she looks like dirt in her shoots. She is very bitchy in the sense that she would say things here and there. She doesn’t even exist for us. She is a wannabe A-list model but everyone knows that she is not even a C-grade model. She is one of those people who would go at any lengths to get somewhere.
And among male models?
I hardly know any male model. Our male models are a very ‘bechara’ lot so I think I should spare them.
Where do you see yourself in next 5 to 10 years?
As a big movie star.
The well known Attre family has a member of their third generation enter the music scene, meet Jimmy Attre, a young singer who has embarked on the same journey as his famous grandfather and uncle. With strong encouragement and support from his family, Attre has come out with his latest single “Zamana Nazuk Hai.†Read on to learn more about his latest projects and also a bit about the interesting background of this talented young man.
Tell us a bit about your background, education, family and where you grew up etc.
I have a rich family background in terms of music, my grandfather was a famous music director, the Late Rasheed Attre. I was born in Lahore, but soon after, my family moved to Jeddah where I spent the early years of my life. We moved back to Lahore when I was about thirteen years old. I completed my metric, intermediate bachelors and masters in Lahore. I was also trained to become an artist in Lahore.
At what age did you become interested in music and what was your first song?
I was about 3 or 4 when I started showing my interest in music, my parents tell me I would sing for their friends. They told me the first song I sang was “Banwary Chakori Karay Duniya Se Choree Choree Chanda Se Pyar.†This famous song was originally sung by Madam Noor Jahan and composed by my grandfather Rasheed Attre. I composed my first song on my guitar when I was in the 8th grade, called “Ankhon Main Teri.†I also added it to my first album.
How did your family react to your interest in music? Being a third generation of the Attre family, was there any pressure to live up to certain expectations?
My family really felt the effects of popularity because of my grandfather Rasheed Attre and Uncle Wajahat Attre. For this reason, my family has been really supportive and has reacted positively towards my music.
Are you currently working on new projects? When can we expect a new song or an album from you?
Yes, I’m working on my new album and some new songs. I can’t tell you the exact time, but they will appear soon. It’s easy to say when your next album will be released, but it’s a lot more difficult to actually produce a good album. It took me 4-5 years to compile my first album “Zamana Nazuk Hai.†I’m new to this business, so there are many factors involved to make it challenging, overall I would say it’s a tough job!
Many of our musicians go across the border and seem to gain overnight success, what is your opinion of such artists?
I personally don’t have any bad opinion about such artists. Music and the arts have no limits; you can display it anywhere you want. You see, we have talent that appears on a big scale only because of the proper marketing structure across the border. If we we’re to develop a good marketing setup in Pakistan and give artists the popularity they deserve, they wouldn’t go across the border.
What do you think of the current music scene in Pakistan and what changes do you predict for its future?
I think we’ve wasted a lot of our Pakistani talent in the past, as only a few artists could ever get the chance of coming on screen. However, after 2001, the scenario has totally changed. The audience now has variety and options to choose which artists they like, something that lacked in the past. There’s no doubt that Pakistani music is getting popular all over the world, it’s definitely growing and improving and I see a very good future for it.
Besides work, what keeps you busy? What are your hobbies and interests?
I like to travel, which I get to do when I’m on tour. I love the northern area of Pakistan and I like to visit it often. In my spare time, I like to watch TV, chat on msn, hangout with friends and do some reading.
Have you performed concerts internationally? Do you have any plans to come to the U.S. to perform?
I have performed in the U.S., Dubai and Kuwait. Last year I went to the U.S. twice for concerts and I’m planning to perform there again this year.
Lastly, what message would you like to give to the readers of www.newsviewsblog.com?
Spread peace and love
She rocks!
If you need inspir ation to kick-start your quest for impossible showbiz dreams, flip on the vibrant morning show titled Nadia Khan Show - Geo Mazay Sey, from 9-11 on weekdays.
There’s a good chance you’ll see a pretty, perky lady looking back at you with a pair of warm brown eyes and an extremely innocent, young face.
Nadia Khan’s wit, humour and quick thinking are displayed in front of the camera.
When and where were you born?
I was born on 22nd of May 1979, in Quetta, which makes me a Gemini. I can still disclose my age, (laughs) for at least another four years.
Describe yourself.
I’m a very positive yet stubborn person. I like to celebrate life and have fun and I’m definitely not a control freak. I don’t like anybody to suffer and I don’t allow anyone to give me pain.
As a young child, did you have any idea, any vision, of what you wanted to accomplish?
Yes. I guess I was pretty sure what I wanted to do from the time I remember. When I was a child I used to play six or seven characters at one time. I was 14 years old when my first show came on television. My first show was Dark Time and the first serial was with Hasina Moen. I wouldn’t have acted if it was for anyone else other than Hasina.
A lot of people in showbiz start very early, and now I realise why.
How did your family react towards this?
By the grace of God I have a very broad-minded family. I made my television debut through NTM, 14 years back. My cousin and sister in-law were working with NTM, which was, in those days, introducing a lot of youngsters as compares and announcers. As I mentioned earlier, I was at that time a student of class VIII and wanted to become an announcer. I sought my father’s permission to appear on NTM as an announcer. Finally one day, I went to meet my cousin who was, unlike my father, hesitant at first to allow me to work on TV. I had a screen test done and it was there when a director spotted me.
And what about your husband?
My husband is my backbone. It’s taken me seven years to change his thinking and now he is so proud of me. He keeps telling me that I have to grow as an artist, and helps me with the current issues concerning politics and the newsy bit. He doesn’t only respect my profession but also supports me with new ideas. My in-laws are my biggest critics but their support is immense.
Did you ever consider any other career besides talking, broadcasting, acting?
Never. This is what I wanted to do. But life is very unpredictable it makes different choices for you. I gave it all up when I got married to my Dubai based husband. So when I moved here there wasn’t much to do and I couldn’t join the Arabic media because of the language. I wanted my own set-up and hence I waited for something ‘Pakistani’ to happen. And here I am, back to the showbiz arena.
Do you feel that acting, direction and production have changed during the recent years since PTV?
Media boom in Pakistan happened much too quickly, the media wasn’t ready as they lacked the technical staff. Channels are scared to invest in individual growth because they’ll be dumped as soon as the staff is trained. It is very unfortunate that people want to become rich overnight. For them it’s all about money, not about channel loyalty.
On the other hand, actors’ attitude has changed because of so much work happening. All of them are so busy that they can’t stay focused due to this.
Do you feel it’s difficult to conduct an interview in pure Urdu? Or there is no such restriction for your show?
never wanted to do a complete English show because my forte is Urdu and so I waited for a long time for this show to happen. I don’t communicate in proper Urdu, it’s a mix of English as well and there are no such limitations for my show.
Is it important to be educated in the field of production?
Certainly, learning the craft teaches one to recognise better directors, teaches one punctuality and respect for others in the team. It’s a great career for women, its for the educated people, they must study media as there are so many opportunities in this field. Media needs talented and experienced women.
How do you go about it, right from how the questions are being conceptualised, to coordinating and finalising the high-profile guests?
My team does some of the research for me, whatever is catchy I remember and what I don’t remember is not interesting enough. As a compere, I feel, my brain connects to the brain of my viewers. Hence I know what will click to them. Over the years my thinking process has become so fast that I edit everything in my mind before I say it therefore never had to regret anything I said. And as far as guests are concerned, I avoid specialists like doctors and all. I don’t have to fill a slot. Exclusivity is an essential part of the show and who ever we approve of, has to be credible.
Who came up with the concept?
There’s an entire team called Geo Idea Cell working for the show operating from Pakistan. My director wanted a morning show as a vehicle to show that celebrities are just like everybody else. So it was a chance to hang out with all these famous people.
Do you research on the stars you’ll be interviewing?
look them up on the Internet, and the director writes a couple of sample questions for me, but it’s really just whatever they want to talk about. I’m not there to be, or even pretend to be, Larry King. This is a reminder that the people we all enjoy watching are just like us. That’s all.
How have you found interviewing other stars? Were you ever uncomfortable?
My work is a hobby that I am almost addicted to. Only three people in my guest list have given me strange vibes. Others have been brilliant.
Do you believe in media ethics?
Ofcourse I do. Before the show starts, I ask all the celebrities if there’s anything they would not want me to ask them. I’m not somebody who would just want to sit here like a pastry and count my ratings. I don’t want to get a kick out of embarrassing anybody. Everybody has their own secrets. Since I know how to frame my questions I have a certain edge on others. The strange thing is that my guests connect with me so easily that they end up telling me more than I ask for. Every show I do is done with a great responsibility. I own every word I say. Earlier I used to make fun of people and now I realise how time has changed me. I hope our senior comperes realise that it’s time for them to grow up.
How is it for you to get so up close and personal with stars?
get excited, but I wouldn’t say I’m intimidated. I don’t get nervous with my guests. I just get giggly.
I don’t watch international TV shows because I believe that if something inspires you, you are bound to copy and since I have a tendency to mimic and copy style and accents, I avoid watching such shows. I’m a trendsetter myself and I’m not really impressed with the western morning shows but in the end I think that blends well with their culture.
Who was your first guest on a live show and how was your experience with him/ her?
My first guests were Javaid Shaikh and Poonam Dhillon. I was extremely comfortable with them and it was good fun. I have a lot of regard for my Indian guests as they make an extra effort to come to my show and are extremely polite.
How do you deal with criticism?
I only take criticism from people I know, not from strangers. I should know that the person has complete knowledge of my show. I have some friends who are hard on me. I wanted to bring in something new for my show so I changed myself. People change the show, props or sets, but I changed my wardrobe. Seven years back when I got married, I started wearing
conservative clothes, and I lost track of fashion. I realised that I’m young but yet not experimenting at all. So I’ll keep on changing as a person and I’ll evolve for the better.
What about competition?
My show was the first perky breakfast show. I think the viewers need a variety so it’s good that they are coming up with more morning shows. I don’t feel competition because they all started after me. I don’t have a moment of insecurity because I have a huge fan following internationally. I can proudly say that I have the best technical team that backs me up. You can send me to Sudan and I’ll do the same show if I have the same technical support.
Is it difficult to work in a male-dominated society?
I’m very fortunate that I never came across such men. I believe that a woman can surmount any society if the men in the house are supportive. Because I joined at such a fragile age I was told not to joke on the sets. I was a popular miss attitude. One can build an image and sustain a reputation by their actions. Nobody wants to be termed as ‘persona non grata.’
How do you juggle your personal life with work and what challenges do you encounter?
When I got married I started teaching immediately. I taught drama in Dubai Gem for 3 years. Since I’m not a qualified drama teacher I couldn’t have taken it up as a career. It wasn’t lucrative enough. My salary was the lowest among my colleagues. I used to put up drama performances for 200 and more students along with taking care of the technical stuff as well. I also taught in Jumeirah international Art Centre. But I missed performing myself. It was a very learning experience but I wasn’t happy with what I was doing. I hoped this is not what I had to do for the rest of my life.
What is the reason behind the success of the show?
The success of this programme is that I’m doing one show only. No other artist in this field sticks to one thing.
When I started the show on another channel I had a baby of two months old, I weighed 84 kg. I realised that what is there for people like me in television. I wanted to do one exclusive show and nothing else on the side. My colleagues used to say it’s a commercial death for an artist.
What do you do if you’re having a bad morning?
I’m happy and excited every morning. I’ve worked in immensely tough situations. My sister passed away and I continued my show. I’m one tough Pakistani woman and I know that I’m strong because I’m a Pakistani. Women from our country can accept any challenges and we don’t give up on our families or our husbands. Pakistani women are homemakers. Changing the people around you is a big achievement. Lots of people and families see me as their role model because I’ve dealt with the toughest situations with patience and courage.
Besides hosting this show, do you have any plans for acting?
I don’t have stamina for drama, this show cant stop. I can never get tired of this show. Everyday there’s something new in store for me.
Would you like to give a message to the youngsters?
Life is going to be more beautiful hereafter, one should smile and have a positive attitude towards life. Serve Pakistan in whatever way you can.