instepINTERVIEW
The former film star, on a hiatus from showbiz post Love Mein Ghum, will be making an anticipated comeback on TV and film.
Reema’s illustrious career lasted two decades in Lollywood and passed through almost 200 films, many of which were box office hits. She took a break from showbiz to settle down with USA based cardiologist Tariq Shahab and start a family but then - to the delight of her fans - she made a surprise appearance at the Lux Style Awards last year and her elegant performance reignited a passion for the craft that drew her back to the spotlight.
Reema Khan, almost seven years after bidding her career in films adieu, has decided to make a comeback and I have to say that it will be a highly awaited one.
In a brief conversation we had two days ago, Reema revealed her plans for 2018, which include work on television and in films. She has already signed one serial, which she will wrap up by the end of March or April, she said. A second serial is in the talks.
What motivated her to foray into television; I asked the silver screen idol.
“I have been doing TV for many years and in fact I have done more TV appearances and shows in last 10 years than movies,” she replied, drawing attention to her frequent appearances. “The dramas that I will select on TV will not only be interesting, but will carry a strong social message as well. If I get a similar offer for a movie, I will do that too. Times have changed and TV has become as important a medium, if not more, than movies. I’m doing a play on TV because I want to understand the mechanism of the medium.”
“Let’s keep some things a secret,” she laughed when I asked for details on the production.
That’s not all. The diverse actor/producer/director will also be working on a movie, to be filmed in Pakistan and the USA. She spoke about the space Pakistan’s new age cinema had reclaimed and opined on the need to draw bridges between the older generation, that had experience, and the younger generation, that has the advanced technology and understanding of contemporary camera work. There was a need to include both in the picture if we wanted films to be at par with international cinema, she said.
Speaking of cinema, I asked Reema about Angels Within, the movie she had been working on in America.
“Angels Within is complete and has been submitted to the Oscars Committee, she said. “Let us hope it wins. It is mainly about Pakistani doctors serving in small and rural towns across America. It also highlights the difficulty they face, especially from immigration officers at the US airports.”
A good cause, Angels Within will also fortify Reema’s position as a good will ambassador from Pakistan in the USA. Anyone following her Facebook page will know how she has been working to keep the Pakistani community together by regularly hosting events and soirees for one cause or another.
Once a star, always a star and once a star is used to the spotlight, it is difficult to let go, especially when fans are holding on. This much was evident when Reema performed at the LSA stage and completely over shadowed everyone else. There was flair and a love for expression in her body language, which is exactly what one misses in most young actresses today. Will her re-entry into showbiz be a new chapter in her career, I asked?
“I have decided to work because of the pressure of fans, not to make a career,” she replied. “I have already made a career.”
Planning her comeback carefully, Reema shared that she would be activating her social media accounts very soon, as to keep her fans and followers informed with updates. We’ll be following, that’s for sure!
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Reema with her husband Tariq Shahab.