Sanam with Hum Tv Morning Show Team
Interview by Uzma Mazhar
Having
known Sania Saeed since our childhood days and with a mutual background in
theatre (I worked as an actor in Katha, a theatre group established by her
father and later run by Sania and Shahid Shafaat together), the interview seemed
like a long time coming.
Sania was busy watering plants when I reached her house in Gulistan-i-Johar.
Her Siamese cat, Makkhan, was more than welcoming, giving us company while she
wound up her chores. Once done, Sania sat with us for the interview answering
some pricking and other run-of-the-mill queries relating to her career,
increasing commercialism, theatre, drama production and her first television
commercial — all of which she replied to without mincing her words.
Q. You have always been a thinking man’s actress. Comment.
A. Well, thank you! It’s a very hard-earned reputation and I enjoy and
respect it. Although I see it just as a term I have come across while reading
stuff about myself. But if that is so I think that is how it should be,
shouldn’t it? I mean actors should make one think and if people feel that way
about me, I’m flattered.
Q. Having said that and while you are known for meaningful characters, of
late it seems that your caliber is being compromised.
A. Do you really think so? Secondly, what is meaningful is also questionable
as only talking about a certain aspect of struggle in a woman’s life and in a
certain way is not the only thing that is meaningful.
As an actor there aren’t many roles being written and I can only choose from
what is being offered to me… I can’t create them myself. Let me ask you: do you
have any role in mind that was done by someone else that should have been done
by me? The word compromise could be coined for my work in Jhumka Jaan where we
were short on time, the script kept changing while we were shooting which made
me demand a bound script or else. But with the kind of limitations that we work
in… no this is not an excuse for bad work but I still gave my hundred-and-one
per cent to that project.
Q. So is Sania the actress stuck in a rut today?
A. I stick by the rule of one play at a time but there are many actresses
whose dramas run on different channels at the same time. Is it my fault that
when Jhumka Jaan was on air another channel chose to repeat 2004’s Thori Si
Mohabaat around the same time? Or when Ghost was on air, Shayad Kay Bahar Aaye
and Aur Zindagi Badalti Hai was repeated by the same channel which I did way
back in 1999? Of late I haven’t done any serials so nothing will be going on air
till next year.
And what is all this talk about “suit nahi kiya?” If I did the kind of roles
that people think suit me, they would still say that “yaar, she is not a
versatile actress.” I have nothing to say to them.
Q. It is said that an actress’s shelf life is very limited. How do you see
this notion?
A. I don’t agree with it. It all depends on what kind of an actor you are and
what industry you are working in. Secondly, it also depends on the kind of actor
you were when you were young along with the kind of evolution the industry is
going through. People such as Meryl Streep and others in her age bracket also
face such problems in an industry as big as Hollywood.
Yes, looks do matter but there are women in our industry who have aged so
gracefully such as Uzma Gillani, Samina Peerzada… they have done and are still
doing varied roles so what’s shelf life? It is not that women stop existing
after 40. What we actually need to do is create female actors that can act
beyond 40.
Q. Drama critics say that you aspire to be the Shabana Azmi of Pakistan with
an inclination towards social work. Are you the rebel with a cause?
A. I’ve never aspired to be Shabana Azmi as an actress as I have always
admired the late Smita Patel more. I don’t take myself that seriously. I think
everybody should do what they have an aptitude for. I am very lucky that I got
the support and chances that I wanted and the way I wanted to do it. It is all
about the issues you are sensitive about not about being a rebel with a cause.
Take a poet for example, he will not go out on the streets and shout about
atrocities. Instead, he will write and put his protest in words. What an actor
will do is that s/he will play certain characters. I have been very lucky in
terms of television, though theatre was in accordance to what I initially and
really wanted to do. I don’t think anybody got the chance to play better and
different characters than I have been able to do during my career.
Q. Any plans to return to your first love, theatre?
A. Putting up a performance is a difficult proposition. We have decided to do
theatre but we will only be able to stage it in June this year. Though it would
be a busy time for Shahid and me, as we will be concentrating on our television
work, the venues are booked. It makes us extremely happy that there is so much
theatre happening in town with Napa, Sheema Kirmani’s Tlism festival that
concluded recently, Ajoka and with a dance festival to be held in April by
Sheema that there are no dates available.
While it is a positive sign, doing theatre all over the world is not easy. It
is a very expensive medium even with limited props and no sets, auditorium
bookings, publicity and stage lights. We are a group of five-eight people who
have to make sets, act, write the script and get costumes ready. For a few
acting is a full-time job while others will be putting in a lot of extra
efforts. It is not like I tell them let’s do theatre and we’ll manage to perform
the very next day. Nevertheless, we are determined to finally put up a
performance.
Q. Previously you had restricted yourself to voiceovers in commercials but
now you also appear in a high-end cellular company ad. Why?
A. Two things: 35 mm and then Saqib Malik was after me for the past 10 years.
I am very fond of him plus he is a creative person so I said yes. The reason why
I haven’t done commercials is I didn’t want to portray a stereotypical image of
woman in an ad. Even though the ad also carries such an image but I did it from
the fun point of view. I wanted to know what technically in terms of acting
would be different for 35 mm and I realised this was even worse because it was
only 30 seconds and I couldn’t prolong my expression. It was fun but quite a
challenge.
I don’t know if I would do another commercial but it was seemingly harmless
because it wasn’t that I was taking responsibility for any food item or a brand
of fairness cream. It was after a long time that I got to work with Humayun
Saeed also. The team was a nice bunch of young people who were excited to have
me on board even though I argued about why we always portray women in the same
light. But I liked the whole setup and they were open to my ideas and my
bantering which was fun.
Q. You have lived a very private life and curbed rumours regarding your
personal and professional life while staying in the limelight. How did you
manage?
A. I keep to myself mostly and I also think that an actor’s work is there for
public consumption but not their private lives. It is like you don’t share their
pain when they are old or when they are in poor health. I take acting as my job
and all this blown-out-of-proportion media jargon is mind-boggling. Actors are
normal human beings and they have the same emotional problems that anybody else
does. They have an edge because they are more sensitive which proves to be a
negative trait at times. I don’t want to lead my life for the four people who
appreciate me or see me in a particular way.
Q. The grapevine has it that you were to an extent responsible for the Fuzon
breakup and that you made the wrong decision by becoming their manager?
A. It’s the people who don’t know me… what can I say to them? They will
believe whatever they want to. The people who know me, the people who have
worked with me and those who matter to me can judge it themselves if I was
capable of breaking up a band. I have nothing to say to counter wagging tongues.
Courtesy: Dawn Images April 05, 2009
Samina Peerzada is a
Pakistani teveision and film actress and director who was born to Moinuddin
Butt and Almas Butt in Lahore. Her father is a mechanical engineer. She did
her graduation in Commerce. During her academic years she took an active
part in extracurricular activities. When she showed an inclination toward
acting, both her parents supported her in adopting it as a profession.
In 1975 she married Usman Peerzada, who was also an actor encouraged her
career. In 1976 she starred his film Nazdikiyan. This was followed by many
films, including “Bazar-e-Husn” and “Khawahish”. She has a long list of TV
plays to her credit, among them the popular “Raat” and “Hisar”. She has also
performed on stage for such successful productions as “Raaz-o-Niaz” and
“Gurya Ghar”.
She has travelled widely, performed in Oslo in an Ibsen festival, and won
many awards, including two presidential awards for her films and two
Graduate Awards for her work on stage. She has two daughters anum and amal
peerzada.
Now, she has become one of the more promising directors hailing from
Pakistan’s film industry based in Lahore. She initially directed a string of
successful television productions, such as Sophia and Karb for Pakistan
Tele-PTV, but later chose to move to the celluluoid world with her rather
controversial directorial debut Inteha, a film in which she also had a short
role. Inteha was well received in the major urban centers of Pakistan, and
paved way for Peerzada to direct Shararat, a film which lacked the slick
urban look which people related Peerzada’s films with. She has in recent
years put cinema on the backburner and has instead chosen to act in a number
of television serials for the plethora of new Pakistani cable / satellite
channels. However, Peerzada returns to cinema with Saqib Malik’s directorial
debut Ajnabee Shehr Mein where she stars alongside Shaan and Ali Zafar. The
film is expected to release sometimes this year.
Currently Samina Peerzada has returned to acting in Pakistani television
plays such as Sheeshay Ka Mahal, Kaanch, and Ghar Gharonda.
Recently, Samina Peerzada was invited by Amnesty International India in
New Delhi for International Week of Justice Festival, December 5-10, 2008,
commemorating the 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Samina participated in three public forums for the festival at Jamia Millia
Islamia and Alliance Francaise on the issues of women empowerment, democracy
and torture.
Some of Samina’s popular drama
serials
Drama Serial Mohabbat Kon Rokay on ARY Tv
Drama Serial Zard Dopehar on Ptv
Drama Serial Karb on Ptv
Drama Serial Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Be Nishan on Geo
Drama Serial Noor Pur Ki Rani on Hum Tv
Drama Serial Dil Diya Dehleez on Hum Tv
Drama Serial Ishq Ki Inteha on Geo Tv
Drama Soap Thori Door Saath Chalo Geo Tv
Drama Serial Sheeshay Ka Mahal on Ptv
Drama Serial Koi Lamha Gulab Ho on Hum Tv
Drama Serial Ana on Geo Tv
Drama Serial Chaar Chaand on Geo Tv
Drama Serial Dil e Nadan on Geo Tv
Drama Serial Tair e Lahooti on Hum Tv
Flilmography
Actress:
* Beyond the last mountain (Musafir)
* Zar Gul (1995) .
* Khwahish (1993)
* Darya Khan (1991)
* Bulandi (1990)
* Mukhra (1988)
* Nazdeekiyan (1986)
* The Blood of Hussain (1981)
Director: 2000s 1990s
* Inteha (1998)
* Shararat (2003)
“WhyAGHAST IS THE
LOOK on Mona Lisa’s face, when you talk to her regarding why her Indian
film, Kajra Re is is being considered a real no-no in local film circles!
She says when she was cast in the film by Pooja Bhatt, she hardly knew
anything about the communal side of this film.
“It’s all blown out of proportion,” the delicate and easy-going girl tells
you, when you mention this controversy. “I can’t understand why there is so
much negative publicity about my role, regarding Kajra Re. When I was told
about the role by Pooja, she basically narrated a story that sympathized
with the dancing girls at the bazaar. There was no talk of the religious
side, or the communal aspect. Neither is there any need to make an issue out
of it,” Mona said tongue-in-cheek.
But, it’s not actually the censors, but Suhail Khan, the famous
distributor-film-maker, who says that he won’t release Kajra Re in Pakistan.
He says that he doesn’t think it proper that such a subject should be risked
in this country, where it will certainly create a bad taste in the mouth of
the people, and it would never do well.
But Mona shakes her head on hearing the logic. “I am not sure if this is
realistic,” Mona says matter-of-factly. “The story is basically about the
tragic fact that the dancing girls are never approached by good family men.
Pooja shows that such women are also humans, and they also wait for their
Prince Charming. I play just such a girl, who is finally given protection,
and then married to a Hindu boy. But, that is at the end, and throughout the
film, there’s no such issue discussed. Let’s face it, I am an actress, and
if I have a good role, then such itsy bitsy facts have to be ignored.”
Well, Mona may be right. The fact is that we screened just such a film in
Pakistan, in early 2001, called Tere Pyar Mein, which had Zara Sheikh and
Shaan. It had a Muslim Pakistani boy, played by Shaan, who loves a Sikh
Indian girl, played by Zara. The film was well-made by Hasan Askari,
although the Mujahideen segment was not done properly. The censors did not
have any strong words for it. So how come Mona’s role in Kajra Re is such a
bother?
I’m referring to the Pakistani actress Mona Lisa here. Well, in case you’ve
forgotten her, she’s been in many TV dramas and time has now come for her to
make it big.
Mona Lisa earlier bagged a role in a major Indian film in which she was
paired with singer-cum-actor Himesh Reshamya. The film titled Kajrare is now
to be released soon, produced by Pooja Bhatt and promises to be an
action-packed production with just the right dash of emotions. In it, our
girl plays Himesh’s love interest and has more than a few lines to utter,
unlike some of the other Pakistani actresses and actors who’ve worked in
Bollywood ventures (hint, hint).
To boot, the sultry diva can now also be seen in a delectable makeover on
the cover of the November issue of one of Pakistan’s premier monthly fashion
and lifestyle magazines, and can hardly be recognised courtesy stylist
Altaf’s (Nabila’s) makeover and photographer Rizwan-ul-Haq.
As for Kajrare, let’s wait and see what the critics have to say.
Courtesy: Dawn Images
Mehreen Raheal is one of Pakistan’s leading
models, with dozens of product commercials, cover pages of magazines like Libaas,
and many, many photoshoots of clothes and jewelry to her credit. She is as
familiar a face to Head & Shoulders and Pantene users, as she is to Lipton tea
drinkers, and even Telenor phone users.
Mehreen was born to an artistic mother, Simi
Raheal, a talented, renowned TV artiste and a social activisit who works for a
leading NGO and is a gender trainer.
Since she was a child, Mehreen has had an
eye for fashion and her heart set on a media career. She is a leading face on TV
commercials and magazine pages now, but her vision’s already set on the next
rung of the career ladder, which may take her behind the camera as a director or
producer.
This talented young girl is delightful to
meet for her candid views, friendly nature, and many interesting experiences.
Read on to get to know Mehreen Raheal
better!
Let’s start with a bit about where you grew up
and your family…
Well, my family is basically from Lahore, but my father was in the Army, so
we’ve traveled a lot. After my father left the Army, we settled back here in
Lahore. There’s four of us in the family, my parents, my brother, and I. My
father was a weekend parent for many years because he was setting up a sugar
mill in Rahimyar Khan, and we were brought up mainly by my mother. My brother is
also an actor, he has studied film making and has done theater.
(Mehreen’s mother Simi Raheal is a renowned
actor, and has starred in many TV serials and also appeared in Ali Azmat’s
recent video for the song “Na Re Na”).
What about schooling and education?
I’ve changed many schools starting from the Lahore School of Arts & Sciences,
Lahore Grammar, and I’ve also done a diploma in dancing, drama, and script
writing from London. When I came back from London, I considered doing my BA but
the subjects were not interesting at all given where I was headed. I always
wanted to be in the media business and a traditional BA just didn’t appeal to me
at the time. So I started working.
How did you get into modeling?
I knew from when I was a child that I was going to be somebody in the media
business; a fashion model, an actor, or a designer - something to that effect!
So I knew where I was going in general and had my focus on the industry. I did a
lot of different stuff. My first commercial project was when I was around 8. I
think I got a little toy or Barbie for doing that commercial. I did a couple of
more commercials when I was around 13 or 14. I also did a play called Ajnabee
Rastay; not a particularly strong character or anything, but then it was only my
first project. After doing different projects, my aim became clearer and I knew
I wanted to be a model. I seriously started doing commercials when I was 18-19.
I joined Nabeela’s advertising, Munaf was my agent. I got my first project in
ICI, and my second commercial was with Ali Zafar. Since then I have gotten into
it aggressively.
Now, a typical question for models in our
culture – how did the family react to your career choice?
My mother is an actor; so media was already in the family. Most families have
a problem with their daughters entering the media but in my family it wasn’t
considered bad at all. In fact, my parents were very supportive. When I started
off, there weren’t many educated people in this line of work, and the media
wasn’t considered a good profession. Slowly, but surely, so many channels have
come up and so many educated people have stepped into this line, that people are
generally a lot more accepting of this choice.
In the past it was like “hamari bahoo ya beti nahi a saktee.’ But things are
changing now. Just to give you a personal example, I had a friend (not going
to mention who), but her mother told her that she couldn’t be friends with
me because I am on television. But a couple of years later, my friend herself
being an NCA graduate, became a strong part of the media, and now whenever her
mother sees me, she always says “it’s so wonderful to see you,” and praises me
and all that stuff. So, times have changed with more people entering the media
business and it’s broadening the cultural mindset.
It seems like you prefer commercials to ramps
(runway modeling) – is that true?
I’ve done ramps, but I’m not very fond of them. Not because of my height (laughs),
but generally I’m not very enthusiastic about that particular type of modeling.
I’ve done only two ramp fashion shows. But mostly, I’ve done ads and still
photography for clothes and jewelry. I like doing shoots; I love the camera and
I’m very comfortable around it. I’ve recently done some shoots that will be in
the next issue of Libaas. I’ve done most of the major product commercials, from
hair products to skin products to household products, detergents and everything,
thanks to my agent.
What products have you modeled for and which
commercials have been the most interesting for you?
I’ve done a lot of commercials – can’t count them! Name a major product and
I’ve done a commercial for it. I’ve done Head and Shoulders thrice, and I’ve
done Pantene four times. Lipton, Telenor, and PTCL too! It’s a great thing, it’s
a blessing.
I find the whole hair commercial process quite fascinating. We travel to
Thailand for all hair commercials because they have a whole team over there –
from Mongolian women who donate their long silky hair for making extensions to
the doubles for the pure “hair shots”. It’s easier for them to fly out the
directors and talent to Thailand for a day or two rather than bringing the hair
to wherever the ad is being shot. You are basically there for the beauty shots,
the face part. The hair part is done by doubles and to make it look consistent,
you need to get extensions either clipped on or woven into your own hair. That’s
quite an ordeal. I had to have my hair dyed blue-black and by the time I got
back I was “ganja” (bald). You are left with like four hair with all the
straightening and chemical treatments (laughs)
What’s been the most interesting moment or time?
When I was a child, I used to dream of traveling by myself without a
chaperone; staying in the most beautiful hotels, all expenses taken care of,
with a plasma TV, a big bed…like in Home Alone when he’s sitting on his big bed,
jumping around and eating ice cream! So I remember when I went to Karachi for
the first time, on my own, at a very young age, it was the most beautiful
moment. Because I realized that I’m an independent soul, my parents trust me,
I’m here and I’m doing so much!
Another time would be when I went to Thailand the first time for a commercial
and got the red carpet treatment. They gave me the best suite in the Emporium
and all that. The experience of working abroad with huge budgets compared to our
limited production resources was also tremendous. But the way they treat you,
like a princess! (Smiles). Finally, when I signed my first autograph,
obviously I had butterflies in my stomach…didn’t know what to say!!
What about the flip side – any particularly bad
memories or times?
Well, in general, Allah ka shuker hai, people have been wonderful to me, from
the key boys to the directors and everybody in between. But I remember once that
a director showed up drunk on the shoot, and there was this woman pestering him.
So he swore, in front of me and misbehaved with her. That’s when I walked off
the shoot. He came back and apologized and said that I wasn’t meant to hear what
he said, and that the woman was misbehaving, and he didn’t know what to do, and
all that. But I just said that listen, I understand if you have problems, but
whatever they are, don’t bring them to work and don’t spoil my work place.
Because it is like going to an office. If someone is going to bring their
problems and create a bad environment for other people who are working there,
it’s not going to fly.
Other than that, I can’t say I’ve had any particularly bad moments. It’s just
the delayed paychecks (laughs). Some people have a tendency of getting
others to work for them whenever they need a project done, but then they aren’t
as prompt about the payments, so there have been some issues of that nature. Now
basically what I do is that I ask them to give me the check before I start the
project, and if they want me then they have to!
Tell us about the international travel – you
mentioned Thailand, what other countries have you been to and how has that
experience been for you?
I traveled to India as an Ambassador for the Standard Chartered fundraising
marathon for the Tsunami. It was an unbelievable experience. Traveling for such
a cause and being able to do something meaningful based on your media presence
or image. I hadn’t thought of this aspect of being in the media and what it
enables you to do for others until I got this opportunity and it was really
great. I’ve also worked in London, did a play and a few other projects there.
How do you compare the modeling scene in
Pakistan with other countries?
In Pakistan, you have an edge because there are fewer models, plus the
model’s life is longer. In the west, your modeling life is very short. The
younger you, the better it is; and there are so many people in the field. Here
in Pakistan, we have a handful of good models and it’s easier to become an icon.
Once you are there, you can get into many other things like direction,
production, or other projects. I know that I will not be this young or vivacious
all my life, but I can be a character or I can use my name because I made my
name through something that is media related. I’m strictly talking about myself,
of course. I’d rather retire gracefully from modeling and do something different
than have people get sick of me!
What is the future of modeling in Pakistan?
It’s really going to rock the town and the world, because so many designers
are coming up and we are being recognized for our work. Plus, we have a lot of
new modeling talent coming up, some good some bad. I’m not going to say that
it’s perfect because it’s not. There are a lot of bad seeds also, which sort of
make us take a step back, because we are here to promote our culture and
clothes, and not to sell our bodies. And selling bodies has become really
intense. I guess it depends on how and where you take it but I hope that the
industry will go in a really positive direction and we’ll establish a very good
name and image for Pakistan through it. You know, it really means a lot when
images of a progressive culture are transmitted all over the world via
satellite; and I believe that our international recognition will benefit our
international image as well.
What do you do when you’re not modeling?
Procrastinate! Doing nothing, bumming around (laughs)! I enjoy good
food, so I cook. I like reading a lot, I write poetry, and I write columns. I
spend a lot of time with my parents. I travel. I have this hunger for traveling
and going to different places, seeing what the culture is about; going to art
galleries, exhibitions and stuff; and generally finding out about the world. The
little time that I have left, I do yoga.
Who is your favorite author?
Well I’m reading this book called Short Stories by Nabakov; he’s the Russian
author who wrote Lolita. I really like his work. I like Marquez a lot. It
depends on my mood, depends on whatever the book is about, and it doesn’t have
to be about anything in particular!
How do you stay fit?
I watch what I eat. I don’t eat meethas (dessert). I’ve always been into
fitness but I don’t want to be skinny, because in real life I’d like to look
like myself rather than a coat hanger roaming around with something draped on it
Any advice for future models?
As a wise man said once, “with great power comes great responsibility.” There
will be good days and there will be bad days; whatever you do, you will either
be condemned for it or complimented. It’s a tough life. Working hours are very
difficult. You need to be a strong individual to be in this field because
there’s a lot of bitchiness and backstabbing, because it’s a beauty based thing.
I would advise you to get a degree in something of interest, either related to
your modeling career or something which builds upon it that can come in handy
later on in your career. You will not be a pretty face all your life! But people
will know you and you will always have your identity, so think of ways in which
you can use that identity, like they do abroad to do something good, rather than
not using it at all.
Courtesy: The Saturday Post
There’sHere she was trying to interview fashion photographer (or is it
‘fatographer’) Tapu Javeri. The actress, as she’s is often seen and heard,
is striving hard to get the tête-à -tête take place in English and ends up
sounding like…well, herself really!
The clip begins with Meera hoping to pronounce ‘fashion photographer’
correctly. Then she goes, “main buhat lost ho rahi hoon” followed by the
repetition of the welcoming sentence, “its honour to have you on my show.”
It gets even better when she exclaims, “we will be the back after right… we
will be the back after right short break… ye toilet kitna duur hai… can we
rehase… reharse…rehearsal.”
The madness doesn’t die down soon readers. Meera goes on to shower praise
on Tapu Javeri by saying, “I admire your work quite some time,” and rounds
off the hilarious monologue (can’t be called an interview) by uttering, “I
hit to cut you off… I hat to cut you off… I hate cut you off… I’m very sorry
to cut you off, but we have to go to the bathroom break.”
After such a conversation who doesn’t need a ‘bathroom’ break? The
surfacing of this clip proves once and for all that everybody’s out to get
poor Meera, and not just Ateeq.
Meera to appear in Drama Husna aur Husan Ara
It’sThere’s no news whether Atiqur Rehman
(hubby, no-hubby) is also in North America. Gossip-mongers say he could be
while people with a serious disposition think he’s not.
Take your pick!
Shh… be quiet. Don’t make a sound. We may discover lots more so stick
around.
Hotstepper of the week: Meera
BeingThere’sHere she was trying to interview fashion photographer (or is it
‘fatographer’) Tapu Javeri. The actress, as she’s is often seen and heard,
is striving hard to get the tête-à -tête take place in English and ends up
sounding like…well, herself really!
The clip begins with Meera hoping to pronounce ‘fashion photographer’
correctly. Then she goes, “main buhat lost ho rahi hoon” followed by the
repetition of the welcoming sentence, “its honour to have you on my show.”
It gets even better when she exclaims, “we will be the back after right… we
will be the back after right short break… ye toilet kitna duur hai… can we
rehase… reharse…rehearsal.”
The madness doesn’t die down soon readers. Meera goes on to shower praise
on Tapu Javeri by saying, “I admire your work quite some time,” and rounds
off the hilarious monologue (can’t be called an interview) by uttering, “I
hit to cut you off… I hat to cut you off… I hate cut you off… I’m very sorry
to cut you off, but we have to go to the bathroom break.”
After such a conversation who doesn’t need a ‘bathroom’ break? The
surfacing of this clip proves once and for all that everybody’s out to get
poor Meera, and not just Ateeq.
It’sThere’s no news whether Atiqur Rehman
(hubby, no-hubby) is also in North America. Gossip-mongers say he could be
while people with a serious disposition think he’s not.
Take your pick!
Shh… be quiet. Don’t make a sound. We may discover lots more so stick
around.
Hotstepper of the week: Meera
Being
Don’tLast week the actress and her alleged hubby Atiqur Rehman were
reported to have moved towards the blissful direction of truce. Both took
back the court cases they had filed against each other in the span of six
episodes… sorry, I mean a couple of months. As they say in diplomatic
parlance, it’s a good beginning towards a peaceful settlement of the issue,
and well begun is half-done.
However, the ‘done’ part is a tad dodgy. What is Meera going to achieve
if things settle down? Or has she already achieved what she wanted to?
Stay tuned. There may be a twist in the tale.
By the way, there are pictures floating around on the Internet in which
Meera and Atiqur Rehman are having a whale of a time on a foreign beach like
a honeymooning couple. I said, like a honeymooning couple. It’s just a
simile. Don’t take it seriously!
Courtesy: Dawn Images
The Truth Behind Meera’s Marriage!
Just
when you thought that Lollywood’s self-proclaimed ruling diva had vanished
into thin air and would not be creating any more waves, Meera strikes again
with a big, billowy bang. This time she has fallen flat into the thick
marriage mire or so she claims. Let’s analyse the facts to see whether her
marriage scandal with Atiq-ur-Rahman, the man who undoubtedly possesses a
lot of mollah, is true or is it just the last flicker by the fading flame
before she vanishes into complete oblivion.
Meera and Atiq-ur-Rahman have mutually reached a settlement according to
which they will not be pursuing criminal proceedings against each other. Upon
hearing the news of settlement, a horde of reporters reached Meera’s abode for
her statement in this regard. In a brief press conference Meera said that she
did not know any person by the name of Atiq-ur-Rahman. “My statement regarding
the matter is the same as that of my lawyers. When I don’t know any person named
Atiq, then there is no question of any settlement. He is a fraudster who is
blackmailing me. The marriage pictures have been fabricated and doctored on the
computer by Faisal Saif, a director in India. He has even accepted that he
tampered with the photographs.”
Meera presented a recording of the conversation that she had with Faisal in
which he had said that he was sorry for whatever was happening with Meera in
Pakistan. He accepted that the pictures were tampered by him in India. He
further said that he never gauged how far things would go and if he had any
intentions of maligning Meera, he would have done that when she was in India. He
did all this because Meera gave him a hard time during the shooting of a film.
Meera said that she would file a case against Faisal both in Pakistan and India.
Now the question arises what does she want by presenting this audio tape to
media? Meera’s alleged husband Atiq-ur-Rahman has shown so many evidences in
court that all point towards the fact that Meera did actually marry him. Why she
doesn’t accept the marriage, boggles our mind. If Meera and Atiq-ur-Rahman do
not want to stay together, they can seek divorce. Atiq-ur-Rahman is ready for
the separation. Then why this hullabaloo? It seems this war will continue
despite news of compromise between the two parties.
The telephonic conversation between Meera and Faisal Saif, a director in
India
Meera: Hello.
Faisal Saif: Hello Assalam-o-Alaikum.
Meera: Walaikum Assalam.
Faisal: Meera ji, why are you spreading rumours in the press that I planned to
murder you? If I had planned to get rid of you, I would have shown you my power
during the shooting… you would never have been able to leave India.
Meera: The marriage photographs…
Faisal: The pictures are now in the open. What can I do now? I merged the
pictures on the computer. I would have told you but your behaviour was very
aggressive towards me. It was unintentional. That doesn’t mean that you start
slandering me in press that I intended to murder you. Why would I murder you? I
am a director and you are an actress. Meera: You brought my private pictures
into the open. You merged them and tried to prove that I am someone’s
girlfriend.
Faisal: I cannot give any explanation. But yes, I am sorry that the pictures
came into the open. I didn’t intend to do this. What can we do now?
Meera: Did you work on the photographs on the computer?
Faisal: Yes, I doctored them on the computer obviously. We cannot make such
pictures by hand. What kind of an idiotic question is that? Lets just forget the
whole matter. Let it cool down.
Meera: I will tell media that it is you who has made those pictures.
Faisal: You tortured me when you were in India. You made my life hell. My health
deteriorated because of you. You went away without realising what I went
through. The more you will trumpet the truth, the more you will drown in mire.
We are both in this together.
Meera: I never made anyone’s life miserable while I was in India.
Faisal: That is what you think. And it is far from truth.
Meera: Okay, thank you.
Faisal: Take care.
Meera brought this conversation to the forefront two and a half months after
her marriage scandal gained momentum. This shows that Meera needed publicity and
she has succeeded in gaining it. The whole country seems to be discussing the
depth of the quagmire Meera is in. Every day a new fact unfolds like in a
suspense film and it seems that the director of this film is none other than
Meera herself. She played her cards well. Though she is now withdrawing all the
criminal proceedings against Atiq-ur-Rahman and moving towards reconciliation,
this will not be an easy task. Both have agreed to accept whatever the court
will decide regarding the property and divorce. It has also come to the
forefront that Meera has paid Atiq-ur-Rahman a sum of Rs 35 lac. Atiq-ur-Rahman
told media that the agreement has been reached on request from Meera’s mother.
“Showbiz girls are not marriage material” - Atiq-ur-Rahman
In an interview, Meera’s alleged husband Atiq-ur-Rahman said that it has been
proved that she tied the nuptial knot with him. “We started dating each other in
June 2007, when she came to Dubai for shooting with Sangeeta. The friendship
with Meera soon turned into a serious relationship and we married in December
2007 in Defence, Lahore. Our wedding was attended by friends and family members.
Meera wanted to keep this marriage a secret since the very beginning. Whenever I
asked her to announce our relationship, she always declined saying that first we
must get established and have our own place. In 2008, Meera forced me to open a
production house and work on a drama serial. She convinced me that it would be a
profitable venture and we would earn millions. I invested in the project. I have
been with her throughout. If she wants to live with me as a wife, I am ready to
accept her but she will have to accept our relationship. After that, it is her
discretion whether she stays with me or leaves me. I don’t mind. If she hadn’t
been my wife, why would I have invested in her projects and bought a home for
her. I did the right thing by marrying her and giving her my name. As for her
allegation that I threatened to kill her, the FIA officials asked her to produce
the intimidating message I sent her. Even after so many days she has failed to
produce that message.
If she is not ready to accept me as her husband, I will not let her keep the
expensive gifts that I gave her. After all, they were worth four to five crores.
“In Pakistan, Meera used to get two to three lac for a film. Apart from the one
lac that I gave her monthly, she used to milk at least four lac more from me
every month. I used to bear all her expenses. Meera’s father Sarwar Shah and
uncle Pervaiz Bukhari are witness to our marriage. All the guests that were
there will testify that we tied the knot. I have paid all the medical expenses
for Meera and her family. I even donated my blood when she was being operated
for polycystic ovaries. I don’t know why she played the whole game with me. It
is clear that she was only interested in my money. I bought my Defence bungalow
while I was in America. When Meera came to know of the deal she blackmailed me
emotionally and told me to trust her. Thus the house was bought in her name.
“I first suspected her when she started ignoring me. I knew she talked to other
men as well. The relationship between a husband and wife is based on trust but I
realised I could not trust Meera at all. Gradually we started drifting apart. My
servants at home used to inform me about each and every person that came in the
house. I came to know that she had illicit relationship with a number of men. I
want to ask Meera, with so many people ready to prove the fact that we did get
married, why is she denying it? My predicament is a lesson for all men. I want
to tell them that girls in showbiz are not marriage material. Never have a
relationship with them. I am glad that I am out of this quagmire now. I have
begged forgiveness from Allah (SWT) and my family and I have realised that I was
wrong.
by YOUNUS BUTT
The Meera marriage scandal is making rounds in the sub-continent these days.
People have been speculating whether Meera has really married Atiq-ur-Rahman or
is it just a hoax, a drama conjured up to gain some limelight. In order to
understand the reality it is imperative to know who Meera and Atiq-ur-Rahman
are.
Meera, whose real name is Irtaza was born in Sheikhupura, Punjab. She came to
Lahore with her mother and uncle due to some domestic tiff. She always wanted to
step into the glamourous realm of showbiz. After trying her best for many years
to gain some limelight she finally made her presence felt. Her first film was
‘Kanta’ in which her name was changed to Meera.
Meera has worked in numerous films. Almost every producer/director says that
whenever she wants to work in a film, she gives them a hard time by getting on
their nerves. They say that her expenses also increase their budget. She delays
shooting and gives trouble to the film-makers. Meera’s life has become a joke
and her scandal with Atiq-ur-Rahman is the latest gag that has come to the
forefront.
Atiq-ur-Rahman belongs to Faisalabad. He is a businessman who imports children’s
games from China and sells them in the local market. Meera and Atiq-ur-Rahman
have been married since the last two years but it is only in 2009 that he
realised he should announce their relationship. Meera and Atiq-ur-Rahman don’t
see eye to eye because of her uncle Pervaiz. As Meera gained fame and publicity,
Pervaiz started becoming rich as well. He helped Meera reach for the stars. He
knew her secrets and also about her marriage to Atiq-ur-Rahman. Pervaiz
threatened Meera that if she would not continue giving him money, he would
publicise everything that she has been doing over the years, which includes a
lot of scandals. When she was not able to fulfill his demands, he joined forces
with Atiq-ur-Rehman.
The recent reports are that some elders have intervened to solve the matter but
Pervaiz has threatened that if Meera will not succumb, he will malign her even
more. This is just the first chapter of a book. He doesn’t know that she is a
cunning person. She will do anything to win.
 |
Around ten years ago, a dusky charmer appeared on our television screens in a state-owned play. She performed well and was immediately noticed by the movers and shakers of the industry. Here was somebody to reckon with. Here was a star, ready to be discovered. As for the girl, she had found something that would make her feel liberated; something that would allow her to live life on her own terms.
Maria Wasti consi
dered it an opportunity and pure luck to have landed in such a happening business. And fortunately she did not run out of that luck not even when it came to family matters. Her family supported her decision to take on acting as a career. Her mother was away and not in town when she made her debut in the play which was to be her line of work in the future. It all happened in a jiffy. One day she was not there and when she returned she found her daughter had become a TV actor. But one must say that her mom was quite cool about it and allowed Maria to continue acting. The girl was simultaneously pursuing her Business Management degree.
Maria was not the only one in the family who tried this form of art. Her sister had also dabbled in acting but didn't like the experience so she gave up the idea for good; whereas, Maria had found her calling. Today, she is a
beacon of style and talent. She's come a long way since her Kallu days (another one of her memorable dramas). She's loaded on the oomph factor something that makes her a darling with the media as well as with the audiences. It is hard work and dedication that goes in her favour, but above all it is luck that plays an important part in shaping your career or your life for that matter. It was luck, the right timing and most importantly talent that got her where she is today.
It may seem that the glitterati live in a different world, a world of glitz and dazzle with every moment a scintillating one. But in actuality, Maria, unlike many showbiz and glamour icons, is a down-to-earth and an unassuming person. It's her devotion and dedication that has made her one of the most sought after female actors of present times. Versatility, with a healthy dash of spiritualism and an intelligent mind describes her best. But who is she, really? That is something that has always remained somewhat of an enigma. For, whenever she gives an interview she deliberately manoeuvres the topic of her personal life and brings it to practical life.
A true Leo, Maria does not believe in deviating from her goals; acting is her first and last love. She has not even tried to dabble in the various genres of showbiz… except production. It has been heard that the girl has been involved in some production work in recent months. A witty soul, with a highly developed sense of humour, and a
keen observation, she could well have landed a successful director but she refrains from taking on that particular role. She calls herself a director's actor and has no plans of directing... not at the moment. Maybe at a later stage we might see Maria helming TV projects but that's not on the cards; for the time being she's content being an actor and producer. Maria likes her privacy and expects others (especially media) to respect that. She's quite aware of the prevalent lobby system in showbusiness, but always claims to hail from no specific lobby. However, she believes that there's nothing wrong in lobbying as long as you're not damaging anyone's cause. In her opinion, it exists for the reason that actors often do not want to risk working with people they do not know or are not sure of, which to quite an extent is true.
Success, for Maria does not hold much meaning as she believes that to be successful in Pakistan is not a big deal. It's not like it is in Hollywood. As humble as Maria tries to be, she cannot deny the fact that she is one of the most indispensable faces of showbiz. Considering the girl has sass, the girl has style it is surprising then that she has not opted for ramp modelling. And that's because she claims to have neither the height nor the size to be a model. Self- deprecating now, wouldn't you agree?
Always on the move and doing projects all over the hemisphere, it's Lahore where she heads to for relaxation. Basically she's stationed in Lahore, but in the recent few years she had been shuttling between various places, especially Karachi and Lahore and it was then that she realised she could no longer live out of a suitcase. Hence, Karachi is as much home to her as is Lahore.
At present, Maria is concentrating on her production ventures and equally devoting time to her acting career. She's someone who does not believe in long term planning and takes life as it comes. So she would much rather leave it all up to fate and would wait and see what the future holds for her. With the looks of a siren, she is still a little girl at heart, who feels life is to be valued and cherished without sulking over the unpleasant moments.
Juggun Kazim also known as Jay Kazim, is a
very talented and ambitious young woman. She has worked in numerous Pakistani
telefilms and even embarked on the Canadian film scene. Not only is she an
admirable actress, she is also a model and TV host for various shows airing on
Pakistani channels. Read on to learn how she got into acting and what her future
goals are…
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I would like to think that I’m a rather multifaceted personality. From
modeling to hosting to acting and lately the random bit of journalism; I seem to
want to do it all. I just love the arts, and more specifically the media. I’m
one of those people that wake up in the middle of the night because of having a
dream that could be converted into a scene. For me, this line of work is more
than a passion, it’s an obsession.
Tell us about where you grew up, your family and
education?
I grew up in Cantonment, Lahore with an elder sister and a younger brother.
My mother is still alive, but my father passed away 5 years ago. His murder was
one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. My own tiny family unit is
comprised of my two year old son, Hamza Ahmed and myself. I am a single mother
and adore my son to distraction; he is my motivation to do everything and truly
makes me want to be a better person.
I went to Lahore Grammar School, and then to Kinnaird College for my FA.
After completing that, I went to Canada to attend the University of Western
Ontario where I did my BA Honors in Media Information Technology and Sociology
with a minor in Psychology. One summer while in college, I also did my CCNA 2.0
just for fun. I guess I was bored and computers aren’t exactly rocket science,
so I decided to have fun and educate myself at the same time. After college, I
took a variety of courses in acting and commercial modeling. I am also now
planning to do my LLB privately. I have to admit, I miss college and I love to
constantly educate myself; it makes me feel like I’m still a kid.
You are an actress, a TV host and a model; how
did you get involved with working in the media?
When I was four, someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. My
reply was “mein bara ho kay actor banu ga.” At that age, I obviously hadn’t
quite realized that I was a girl, which of course came along as a rude awakening
at the age of thirteen.
My first commercial play was when I was fourteen years old and the director
was my best friend Mashal Peerzada. I must say, it was one of the most fun
theatre projects I have worked on till date. However, I started my professional
acting and modeling career under the name ‘Jay Kazim’ in Toronto. I was
approached by Sutherland Models in Canada to work as a ‘petite’ and ‘commercial’
model; because obviously I am way too short for the ramp. I did two music videos
with them and then was approached my current Canadian Agents, The Newton Landry
Management. Sandie Newton and Yanick Landry took me under their wing and started
sending me to auditions. I ended up doing a Diet Coke Ad which ran for 2 seasons
because it was so popular. I also then did a few more commercials and theatre
work, and in the process also auditioned for the movie Pink Ludoos. Never in my
wildest imagination did I think I would be chosen as the lead in this movie; but
Allah Mian was very kind to me and after only the 2nd stage of auditions, I was
offered the part. (You can google me under ‘Jay Kazim’ and the rest of my stage
and acting work in Canada will come up.)
Did your family support your decision to enter
this industry? What obstacles have you faced by entering this profession?
My family didn’t really approve of this line of work initially, but now I
think they have come to accept it and are secretly a little proud of me. I had
no major obstacles because I have always been very independent in my behavior
and thought process. Also, once I had finished my degree from college, my mother
was pretty much okay with whatever profession I chose to pursue.
Out of modeling, acting and hosting, what do you
enjoy most?
I have never really considered myself to be a model. I am essentially an
actress and enjoy hosting. Hosting is something I just fell into while I was
pregnant, and now I have to say I love acting and hosting just as much. Though,
I do have the soul of an actor. I host predominantly to change people’s
narrow-minded perception of the media industry and to promote positive social
change.
What type of modeling have you done? Have you
participated in fashion shows? If so, when and where?
I am mainly a print model, if you can call me a model that is. Modeling is
something I do just for fun; I have never participated in fashion shows despite
being trained by Sutherland Models to walk the ramp. I just think that at 5 feet
4 inches, I’d look rather stupid walking the ramp. One should learn to work
within the limitations of one’s body rather than make of fool of themselves.
Tell us about the shows you host on TV.
A.My career in hosting started with the program Beanbag, which I wrote and
conceptualized for Business Plus. After that, I hosted: CEO for Business Plus,
Aaj Entertainment Tonight for Aaj TV, Fashion Stop for Ary Digital, Sunday
Brunch for Aaj TV
My current programs on air are: Morning with Hum Weekend Edition for Hum TV,
Aik Din Juggun Kay Saath for Vibe TV (Celebrity and Media Personalities kay
interview.), Honestly Speaking with Juggun Kazim on PTV (Program deals with
social issues within Pakistan)
You have acted as well; what shows you have
acted in and what is your most memorable role in acting?
As of late, I have acted in various projects in Pakistan. The ones I was most
noted in 2007 were: Manosalva in the character of Sheena for
Hum TV, Sitam in the character of Kiran for PTV and
Piyasi in the character of Dolly for Hum TV. I have also acted in a
variety of series and telefilms. Just recently my new serial aired on ARY
Digital by the name of Sher Dil, on which I play the character
of Neelum. I am now working on 3 serials, Momal Productions ‘Saiqa,’
Shahid Zahoor’s ‘Chaat,’ Talking Filmein’s serial and a
television soap that has yet to be titled. The most favorite character I’ve
played was Maya in ‘Aik Pal,’ a telefilm which I producted and
which was directed by Mashal Peerzada. The film has been selected by Hum TV for
their telefilm competition.
They say there is a lot of competition in
modeling, what has your experience been? Would you recommend this profession to
the youngsters who want to enter this field?
Thank god I’m not a professional model! I just model for fun. If you are tall
and skinny, it’s easy to become a model in Pakistan. However, it’s a lot tougher
to be as good of an actor as Nadia Jamil or Faisal Qureshi. Twenty years ago I
wouldn’t recommend this profession to anyone, but now things have changed for
the better and that’s allowed a lot of people to enter this industry on a more
positive note.
You recently appeared in the latest Jal video,
tell us where that video was shot and how was the experience?
The video was shot in Lahore at Bari Studios. It was amazing to work with a
team of such talented professionals like DOP Neil Lisk and director Bilal
Lashari. Within the limited amount of technical facilities, they did a fabulous
job. The hair and makeup was done by Maram and Abaru, and the wardrobe was
provided by Rabya Butt and Munib Nawaz. Basically, there was no way that things
could’ve gone wrong. It’s the team that makes the production, not just the
talent!
To a lot of people, being a model means having a
glamorous lifestyle, hundreds of fans and traveling; how true is this and what
are the drawbacks?
People say that success goes to your head, but I wouldn’t know since I am not
even one hundredth as successful as I aim to be eventually. Of course the fans,
traveling and glamour are all part of the package that comes with acting,
hosting and modeling. But it’s not quite as glamorous at it may seem. It’s a lot
of hard work and effort at the end of the day. The drawbacks included constant
exhaustion, constant criticism and the fans that sometimes decide to start
stalking and harassing you. All in all, I love it because I don’t get caught up
in the issues.
What are your goals for the future? Where do you
see yourself professionally in the next 10 years?
I will hopefully have my book published and be working on the next few. In
terms of acting, I hope to be recognized as the Shabana Azmi or Meryl Streep of
Pakistan. As far as hosting is concerned, Oprah is my idol! And of course, I do
plan to start producing feature films. Those are the goals… I hope I can
supersede them.
Lastly, what is your message to the readers of
The Saturday Post?
Learn to love yourself. When you can honestly love yourself, only then can
you love others unconditionally. Learn to respect yourself and the opinions of
others. Be a good person; a clean and pure soul goes a long way. And ALWAYS
follow your dreams. One always gets those things that they want the most in
life… but you have to really have to want it.
Courtesy: The Saturday Post
