US TALK
What does success mean to you?
When you are grateful for your achievements and when you are able to thrive after giving your hundred percent.
Something you learned early in your career which helped you become a better actor?
I had all sorts of experiences growing up. I lived abroad; I have been through a time of financial instability; changing cities and friends every now and then is another thing. So, all of these transitions helped me become stronger emotionally and mentally. Now, I understand people and situations in a better way and give my best!
What is the most challenging thing about this career?
I think it’s taking care of your commitments! You have to plan your social life and family events ahead of time; scheduling is very tough! But since what I do is my passion, nothing really feels like a huge challenge.
Did you get any formal education for this career? If not, then how did you learn the craft of acting?
No, formal education for this career! Most of my learning took place through working under the supervision of great directors and actors.
Who are some of your role model actors/actresses, and what do you like about their work?
Picking just one would be unfair because there are a lot of people I admire. So in every person, I look at specific quality; like, some are very committed, some are very professional or some are good at acting.
From all your roles so far, which role was the most meaningful to you, and why?
It was Maryam from Qurban and Noor ul Saba from Ab dekh khuda kia karta hai; both of the roles required a lot of emotional performance. I really enjoyed playing those roles.
Do you believe good looks and connections are the only things that make a star?
These things can help put spotlight on you, but to stay in that spotlight you need talent.
How has social media changed things for you? What’s the best and worst thing about social media?
Social media has made it easier for the actors to connect with their fans and the people who appreciate or criticize their work. You get to learn a lot about your craft.
At the same time, it puts too much pressure on you to compete with others. And, there are people who leave really rude and hurtful comments that affect you and take a toll on your mental health.
Reflecting on your career, what lessons have you learned and how have they helped you evolve?
Talent will obviously take you far, but if you don’t have consistency, professionalism and good manners, you can be replaced.
How do you deal with self-doubt?
I pray to God; take reassurance from friends, directors and my coworkers. Plus, I give my best which leaves no room for self-doubt.
Date of birth and star
Oct 19; Libra
The best thing about being a teenager was
Meeting lots of different people from different backgrounds and nationalities since I was living abroad at that time.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
Studying all the time
My favourite singer
Atif Aslam
My favourite super hero
Power Puff girls
My favourite book
Quran and The Secret
My closet was full of
Shoes and clothes
My first crush was
A kid who lived on my street
What hurt me the most was
A lot of wrong friends that I trusted
My dream was …
To become an air force pilot or a psychologist; and I am already a psychologist in process.
Relations with family were
Great. But back in the day I wasn’t as expressive as I am right now, so we had a lot of communication problems.
My favourite subject was
Maths
My least subject was
Psychology
I couldn’t stand
Hypocrisy
My favourite food
Chicken chutney roll
My favourite hangout
Beach
My favourite sport was
Soccer
Five things you couldn’t live without it
Lip balm
Dog
Friends
Parents
Phone