US TALK

At her young age – a mere 14! – Aina Asif has proudly accomplished more than most in the world of entertainment. With her 1000-watt smile, she can easily win the hearts of her audience.

She made her foray into the industry as a child model, doing TVCs and shoots, displaying abundant confidence and acting potential. It was no surprise when she started getting acting offers, and she couldn’t say no when she was given the chance to play the younger version of Maya Ali’s character in Pehli Si Muhabbat. After that, there has been no looking back for Aina. She has been cast in various serials, giving her the chance to portray varied characters to prove her versatility, which has been a breeze for this naturally blessed young star. The serial Badnaseeb showed her in a negative role, whereas in the rom-com Hum Tum, she portrayed a candid yet innocent role, followed by Pinjra, an utterly different story with a social message. And finally comes Mayi Ri, where she simply nailed it in the main lead role, illustrating how she has already established herself as one talented young star.

Us: What does success mean to you?

Aina Asif: Success means being happy, content, and feeling proud of who I’ve become. Most importantly seeing my parents brimming with this pride while telling someone that I’m their daughter.

Us: What is something you learned early in your career which helped you become a better actor?

AA: Be comfortable with the uncomfortable. You have to understand your character so well that no action they do makes you uncomfortable because you understand why they do it.

Us: What is the most challenging thing about this career?

AA: Managing my studies along with it has been a very tough job but I’ve also realized that when you love something, you will do anything to achieve it.

Us: Did you get any formal training for acting?

AA: I have not done any formal education for my career but when I first stepped in front of the camera I felt out of this world. I knew that this is what I want to do. One thing someone should know before getting into acting: have full control over your voice and your body because that transforms you into a profound actor and I’m still learning myself.

Us: Who are some of your role models and what do you like about their work?

AA: I absolutely love Saba Qamar and Yumna Zaidi being such incredible artists who handle every role with such detailing, no matter if it’s an intense scene or a normal tete-a-tete with friends.

Us: From all your roles so far, which role was the most meaningful to you, and why?

AA: Annie from Mayi Ri is the character that I loved the most because the story hits my heart, and her character was absolutely beautiful. I will forever be in debt with how much she taught me along the way.

Us: Do you believe good looks and connections are the only things that make a star?

AA: No, these are mere boosters, and in absence of talent and passion, one will sink just like the Sun sets every evening.

Us: How has social media changed things for you?

AA: Social media is very negative, yet so positive. You have to have a hard shell and don’t let words affect you.

Us: How do you deal with self-doubt?

AA: My mom is my safe haven, and she never fails to make me realise how much I’ve attained and how hard I’ve worked for it.

Us: Please share three pieces of advice for aspiring actors.

AA: Love yourself, never be narcissistic but know that you have potential, respect your seniors and never forget where you came from by staying.

My teenage years

Birthday and zodiac sign

27th September is my birthday, and my zodiac is Libra.

The best thing about being a teenager is

Not having to worry about adult responsibilities while I build my career.

The worst thing about being a teenager is

Sometimes I feel like I don’t have the mental capacity to handle hatred and negativity.

I am always listening to

My family. I love spending my time with them and talking for hours and hours on end.

My favourite singer is

Well, it’s a band called Chase Atlantic.

My favourite superhero is

Spider-Man.

My favourite movie and book are

Amongst movies Om Shanti Om, and in books The Twisted series.

My closet is full of

Black clothing.

My friends are

So supportive. I feel blessed to have them in my life.

What hurt me the most is

People not understanding that actors are also humans with feelings.

I wish I had known then

That giving up was never an option. Things will get better, slowly and gradually but someday I’ll be better.

Relations with family are

My connection with my family is amazing.

My favourite subject is

English. I love essay writing and creating stories and projecting them on paper.

My least favourite subject is

Urdu. My Urdu isn’t the best and I always feel lost.

I can’t stand

People who chew loudly.

My favourite food is

Pani puri and chai. A weird combination but I’m always in the mood for both of them.

My favourite hangout is

Creating forts and watching movies or memes.

My favourite sport is

Basketball or football. I’m not very good at playing them but I love watching them.