Interview: Reema

She is the undisputed Queen Bee of Lollywood. Armed with
talent , grace and charm, Reema has come a long way from the shy lass who made
her debut in Bulandi more then 10 years ago. Today she is not only
going places but has hit an all-time high with her mega film project, KOI TUJH
SA KAHAN , which is currently in the making , and her debut appearance on Geo
Television in the Drama serial Yaad Toh Ayaen Gay which was aired recently. Here
Reema talks about her life , work and the controversies which somehow always
seem to sourround her.


People
are saying that Reema is looking more gorgeous than ever! So have you gone under
the knife?



All this has been started off by one of my dear contemporaries. It is said that
one rotten egg spoils the pudding. Everybody is asking this question as to what
is the secret of my beauty? I would say it is in the eye of the beholder. But
seriously, if I had gone under the knife, my features would have changed. I call
plastic surgery a curse. You get caught in a rut and constantly keep on going
back for it because if you don't follow up, you will end up scarred for life. I
believe in eating right, exercising and taking care of my health. Yes my weight
does fluctuate, but I try controlling it through my diet. People want to see a
heroine who looks cute and pretty, but if we get too thin, they think there is
something wrong with us or we are ill. So one has to maintain a balance.

The general impression is that surgery is like a magic want -
a light or laser is put on one's face and hey presto! You become younger and
more beautiful. Your natural features are God-gifted and trying to go against
nature doesn't sound sane. I would much rather improve myself personally, pay
attention to my studies, groom myself and work hard. Another aspect of my
personality that I have given utmost importance to is conducting myself with
grace and dignity in regard to my profession and my dealings with the public and
media. That is what counts.

So when is the beautiful Reema getting married?



Not right now. I am busy with my debut film as a director. What I would like to
say is that all my concentration is on work right now. At the moment, I have no
inclination of getting married for at least two years

Tell us about you much talked about film venture, Koi Tujh
Sa Kahan.



It's a female-oriented film and carries a family subject. Inshallah, people will
like the dialogues, the make-up, dresses and costumes, as all of these are
according to the characters. I have paid utmost attention to small details. I am
shooting on the latest camera 4.35, on which Hollywood films are shot. The story
has been written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar with whom I worked for one and a half
years to develop the story. From characterization to costumes, I have done
whatever my story demanded - meeting with the designers and discussing each and
every role and selecting the clothes in accordance to that. The viewers will get
to see a detailed and different film. For the husband-wife duo (Momi and me), I
had a special bridal shoot taken, to put up weding pictures on the set, so that
their house looks like the authentic home of a happily married couple. In short,
I have tried to maintain authenticity in the environment, story, characters and
every other aspect of my film so that it appears true to life.

You faced a lot of difficulties in finalizing the cast and
the location. Tell us about that.



Yes, I did face a few hitches, but all's well that ends well. My cast includes
Nadeem Baig in an important role. As an actress I started my career with him and
I also wanted to start my directorial career with him. Beside myself, there will
be Moammer Rana who will be portraying a very different role. He will definitely
create an impact and will not be just a 'chocolate hero' - that's what he's
usually referred to as. For the central female character, at first I had signed
Resham but she showed a lot of attitude, so she is out of the project. Then I
signed Sofia Mirza, the Jazz girl, but at the eleventh hour she got married and
that choice went kaput. She would have been a fresh face that I was introducing,
but she got married before she was launched, so naturally that becomes a
negative point for the film. So again I went heroine hunting and met this nice
girl who lives in Karachi. She was very interested in working in films but her
family was against it, as they would not allow her to work with a male director,
but they agreed to let her work with me. I don't want to reveal her identity
right now, but she is going to Malaysia with me for the initial schedule. In due
time. I will introduce her to the media. I am also introducing a new boy, Babrak
Shah. Then Veena Malik is also essaying an important role. My film is
collaboration between senior actors and newcomers.

As for the shootings going haywire, first I have planned to
shoot in London. We got the NOC and other details were also taken care of, but
we couldn't get visas for some of my technicians. I didn't ant to compromise on
this issue, hence I decided to shoot in Malaysia instead.


A
rumor that was doing the rounds recently was that your recent visit to India was
not really a goodwill trip but an effort to get some work done on the music of
your film. Your comments?



I did not go to India for the music of my film. These are just rumors, but when
you set out to do a big project these rumors do circulate. I went to India in
February and the music for my film was over and done with in October 2003, in
October, I did go there to make use of their instruments, equipment and
recording facilities. I didn't just go there for the heck of it - there were
some finer details that I could only get in India. For example, for the chorus.
I wanted some powerful voices, which unfortunately we didn't have here, so I
took those from there. No doubt we have an abundance of talent here, but few
singers whom I approached were asking for a bomb and I was getting big names in
playback singing from India for almost half the price, so obviously, I went
where I could not only save money and but also get quality and known voices.
When I started working on the music of my film. I had a chat with Adnan Sami
last year in july because I wanted to take him as the music director, but his
album had just been released and he was on a world tour. He was, naturally,
extremely busy and he declined. So I approached Amjad Bobby who is now my music
director. The songs have been written by Aqeel Ruby. I have worked on a
professional level throughout.

Our industry is basically dead at this point, not because we
lack talent, but because movie-goers have started to demand the quality that
they see in international films - clarity in picture, sound, storyline, etc.
when one doesn't find these facilities here, naturally one will go to India,
Bangkok, London or America - wherever the budget permits. I have no intention of
having an Indian tag pasted on my project, but the simple aim is to produce
quality work. I am, after all, making the film for Pakistan and using my
hard-earned money to work towards the betterment of my project and to give my
industry a good image. Our films, that the public has rejected and forgotten,
should be revived.

Another story that the gossip-mongers are talking about is
that your India yatra was to hunt for some plum acting assignments. So Reema,
what's the truth?



I simply went for a peace mission. I wanted to give a peaceful and positive
image of the country as well as of our film industry. It wasn't the first time
that I had gone to India. I have been moving in that circle for four years, from
the days when relations between the two nations were not as cordial as they are
today. I have also interacted with Indians while touring abroad for concerts.



Offers have also been made to me but I am not like other actresses who just want
to gain publicity claiming kay ji I have received a lot of offers from Bollywood.
When I was questioned by the Indian media if I had come to work in Indian films,
I told them, 'I don't have any sort of complex because I have already done 175
films in my own country. To be very honest, I have not come here for movies.
I'll think about it, but right no I am here for a peace mission. My first
priority is to help build a good relationship between Pakistan and India.'
Believe me. The film and media people were stunned that this girl who has come
to meet the people of one of the biggest film industries in the world says she
hasn't come looking for work. I truly respect the Indian industry and their
media because they respect me a lot, to the extent that I was compared to
Ashwariya Rai! All the big names of the industry personally invited me over -
from Amitabh Bachchan, and Rakesh Roshan to Dilip Kumar. So far the actresses
who have gone to India haven't been given the kind of projection that I was
given or bestowed the same welcome. Here I would like to say that some girls who
are going there and paying money to work in Indian films. It is not just
disrespectful towards oneself but disrespectful towards Pakistan as well. As for
me, a lot of discussions did take place, but you see, I would demand a certain
price, also my costumes and the scenes shouldn't be demeaning.

Right now I want to do something for my own industry, the
industry that has made Reema a star. I feel the one who doesn't respect his/her
own roots, cannot climb the ladder of success. Whatever I am today is because of
my country. Inshallah, as things improve more between the two countries and then
if my government and my public gives me permission and I get a worthwhile
project, I'll think about it.

Reema on the small screen means Reema doesn't have any work
left on the big screen. What do you say to that?



At this point of time, our whole industry is working in television projects,
then why not me? The general view is that the girls who don't have any film work
left opt for television, but I signed up for this project, Yaad Toh Ayen Gay (a
13-episode serial), two years ago. Since then, I haven't accepted any other
offer to work for a tally play, because my dream is not to work on television. I
am here because I was interested in being here. Not that my film career is going
haywire, but when good films are not being made, I have to satisfy the actress
within me, hence I am here. And here too I haven't done a role that requires me
to look like a glam doll only - the role has some substance. I have truly worked
on my character and made a point not overdo anything and keep it as true to life
as possible.


Recently
there was a huge controversy surrounding the Zee Cine Awards where your industry
friends did not allow you to make a speech in English. What was that all about?



I don't have any kind of inferiority complex that makes me talk in English but
the simple reason was that I was representing Pakistan in a global ceremony, so
I felt I should converse in English. I feel it is matter of pride to be able to
talk in English, it is nothing personal. The circumstances that were created at
that point by my colleagues and the organizers were such that they insisted that
I talk in Urdu. My point was that there were Indians who could very well talk in
Hindi, but they were conversing in English. Why? So I felt I should converse in
a language that the majority was speaking, that's all. But my contemporaries
felt that it was a matter of pride and honour that I converse in our national
language.



I feel my fans and the media expect me to make an impression and the fact is
that wherever Reema goes her conduct speaks for itself. So I decided I would not
speak a single work in any language. But let me tell you, I took sweet revenge
by winning the hearts of my fans when I was in Atlantic City recently for the
Bollywood Awards. I performed on a classical number wholly and solely made in
Pakistan and the speech that I made was in English! I am also very proud to say
that I am the first actress from the Pakistani film industry who has been given
the goodwill Ambassador Award by the UN. You know, one should not think
individually and make a big issue out of things but think collectively. If
someone is trying to put forth a better image of their country as well as the
industry, that person should be encouraged.

Lastly let's talk about the crisis that our film
industry is going through and all the brouhaha over allowing Indian films to be
exhibited in Pakistan, and of course the recent trend for co-productions. Your
comments?



I do not want to get into an argument or say something just to get applauded. I
am not going to talk against the Indian film industry. People have a dual
personality here. Just to get appreciation from their own personality here. Just
to get appreciation from their own crowd, they talk against the Indian film
industry, but on the other hand, they pamper them aur unhein minatey kar rahe
hotay hai? I don't have double standards. If we release Indian films here, only
the theatre owners and the film industry will benefit and our artistes will not
get anything from it, period. But if we work on co-production at a mutual level,
with actors and other technical facilities taken from both sides, with the film
also getting released simultaneously in both countries, that would be
beneficial. Also, in return we would be able to get some financial backing as
well as extra exposure. In any case, our public will get to see competition and
will be able to compare. Finally, we will land up with films with rich
production values. But if Indian films are individually released here then our
industry will vanish forever.

Interview: Mehreen Raheal

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.

Download Songs Of Majajan - Punjabi Film Of Lollywood

Download Songs Of Majajan

• Chhati Moreen Ve Tabiba - Mp3


• Dil Di Lagiyan - Mp3


• Dil Verey Tere Naa Di Tasbih - Mp3


• Hai Ve Tere Naina - Mp3


• Hogai Ve Saver - Mp3


• Jave Kachiyan Ghariyan - Mp3


• Jindri - Mp3


• Kadi A Mil Dholna Ve - Mp3


• Mitti De Khadaone - Mp3


• Ni Ariyo Dil Na Kise - Mp3


• Uchaan Tera Naam Mula - Mp3

Download Songs Of Soha Jora - Punjabi Film Of Lollywood

Soha Jora



Starring: Nargis, Shan, Nawaz Khan, Shaffgat Cheema, Sidra Nur, Naseem Vicky



Director: Parvez Rana

Song : Budhey Warey Ishq Pay Kerna Ay

Singer: Naseebo Laal

Film: Soha Jora

Language : Punjabi

Type : Mp3

Song : Chan Ton Sohni Meri Pabhi

Singer: Naseebo Laal, Zubair Shah

Film: Soha Jora

Language : Punjabi

Type : Mp3

Song : Chitti Ve Chitte Ve

Singer: Naseebo Laal, Zubair Shah

Film: Soha Jora

Language : Punjabi

Type : Mp3

Song : Main Soha Jora Paya

Singer: Naseebo Laal

Film: Soha Jora

Language : Punjabi

Type : Mp3

Song : Mere Lus Lus Kerdey Angh ( Jawani Jorran Di )

Singer: Naseebo Laal

Film: Soha Jora

Language : Punjabi

Type : Mp3

Song : Meri Hik Naal Laake Gilaas

Singer: Naseebo Laal

Film: Soha Jora

Language : Punjabi

Type : Mp3

Song : Naak Di Nathli

Singer: Naseebo Laal, Humera Channa

Film: Soha Jora

Language : Punjabi

Type : Mp3

Song : Tere Mere Pyar Di

Singer: Naseebo Laal, Humera Channa

Film: Soha Jora

Language : Punjabi

Type : Mp3

Song : Yaar Ve Pata Te Mukkia tu Maar

Singer: Naseebo Laal, Humera Channa

Film: Soha Jora

Language : Punjabi

Type : Mp3

Sabiha Khanum The First Lady of Pakistani Cinema

Sabiha
Khanum ruled the silver screen in Pakistan
much like Rekha, Madhuri, or Aishwarya. Her glamorous presence, an impeccable
character, and her marriage to leading man Santosh Kumar (Musa Raza) were all
a part of this wonderful lady's charisma.

We met with Sabiha at her daughter's house in Virginia, where she has been
living for the last few years. It was overwhelming to say the least, and at
the same time, enlightening and entertaining.

From the time that she sat down with us and checked in with her daughter to
make sure we'd been properly entertained with food and drinks, till the time
we left, Sabiha kept us engaged in a wonderfully told story of a remarkable
life. She is soft spoken, articulate, with a great command over English, Urdu,
and Punjabi. She is witty and funny, modern and yet very religious. Her daughter
Fariha captured it really well, ''My mother is an example of an ideal woman
- she has balanced marriage, children, a very demanding career, and stayed very
pious and religious throughout with no mark on her reputation or character.''

Let us not keep you any more from the fascinating stuff we got to know
first hand...



Sabiha Khanum was born in a village near Gujrat in Pakistan. At that time, she
was known as Mukhtar Begum. Her mother passed away when Sabiha was six. ''There
were no kids of my age in my father's house, so I was sent to the village, so
I could grow up in the company of other kids.'' And so Sabiha lived in a
village and learned to milk cows, get water from the well, make ''rotis''
and churn butter. After a few years, her father took her home, and Sabiha went
through a major adjustment period. ''I fell sick because I wasn't used to
eating too much meat!'' It was after Sabiha returned to her paternal home
that she met Sultan Khoosat, a friend of her father's. Mr. Khoosat took her
to see Lahore and for the first time in her life, Sabiha watched a movie on
the big screen. ''Everyone in the theater kept looking at me because I was
laughing out loud...the whole thing was so funny to me.'' Soon after, Sabiha
visited Radio Pakistan, where Mr. Khoosat worked, and on the spur of the moment,
she got the chance to sing in a live program, which was much appreciated by
the audience. A few days later, she saw a play in the theater, where they
were holding an audition. Sabiha tried for that part and got it. The rest as
they say is history.

How come you were able to do all these things in such conservative
times?

''My father never stopped me from doing anything because he was scared
that I'll go back to the village to live with my grandfather.'' (Laughs).

How was the first acting experience on stage? ''I had developed a sharp
memory from having read the Quran at a young age, and reciting it, so I was
also able to remember my lines really well. I did not have any stage fright
either. The lights were so bright that I was blinded and couldn't see the audience
at all. So I walked out and did my part with full confidence.''

Tell us about your film career. ''When I was performing on stage, a famous
director of the time, Anwer Kamal Pasha, was in the audience. He liked my performance
and asked if I would act in his upcoming movie, ''Dau Ansoo''. I agreed.
I was paired opposite another new comer, Musa Raza. Our film names were changed
to Sabiha Khanum and Santosh Kumar. The movie was a big hit. Then we were cast
again as a couple in a movie called ''Vaada''. I won my first film award
for my role in Vaada. I was very nervous because I was competing against Mussarat
Nazir, and it took a lot of convincing for me to go there. After that, I won
an award almost every year and have about 29 awards from Pakistan, and one from
Bangladesh, when it was part of Pakistan. But I was never overconfident. I always
prayed for success. In fact, offering my prayers regularly is a childhood habit.
Even while on the set, I used to take a break and discreetly go and offer my
prayers, without making a show of it.

So is that how you met your husband, Santosh Kumar, through your first
movie?

It was a strange coincidence. When I was little, and my mother was still alive,
our family lived in Delhi for a while. Santosh's family were our neighbors.
He didn't live with them, because he was studying out of town and living with
his grandfather. But his sister and I were playmates. Then, yes, through Mr.
Pasha's movie, Dau Ansoo, we met. We became very good friends. He was a great
man, my husband. Honest, educated, decent. He hated lies and liars. He was a
perfect man. We starred in many movies together and it was great working with
him.

How
did you two get married?

We were such good friends and yet both of us were so shy that we never confessed
our love to each other. In fact, one day, on a movie set, Santosh came and handed
me a wedding card - his own. I was devastated. I thought what kind of a man
is he that he won't confess his love to me and is getting married to another
woman? But after a few years, I guess we found the courage to admit to ourselves
and each other that we were deeply in love. It was a companionship we couldn't
do without. My father was of course completely against the marriage. He couldn't
reconcile to me becoming Santosh's second wife, while he was still married to
his first wife and also had two daughters. But I told my father that Santosh
was a true gentleman and there was nobody I'd rather marry. Finally, my father
relented. And I've never for a day regretted that decision. In fact, Santosh's
first wife and I are very good friends. She is a really nice woman. In fact,
the reason that we could make it work was that we both loved Santosh very much
and we got along so he would never face a conflict. It's worked out so well
that our children don't consider each other half-brothers or half-sisters. It's
all a tightly knit family, Masha Allah..



What was it like - being married and having such a demanding career?

It worked out fine. Being single and working in movies was quite challenging.
People used to think of me as a snob because I didn't mix up with them too much.
It was only because I was very shy and was not used to talking to men. My father
didn't have any exposure of this nature either so he couldn't help much. It
was really God's support that sustained me throughout my career. After working
for a few years and being married to Santosh, I opened up and was comfortable
giving interviews and mixing with other professionals in the film industry and
media. Santosh being my greatest friend always gave me good advice. You'd laugh
that my biggest interest was cars. I just used to spend my money on new cars.
One day, Santosh asked me ''Are you a man or a woman? I've never seen you
spend money on jewelry or anything else but cars.'' After that, I bought
a house! The hardest part of being in the movies was having to travel without
my children. But fortunately, I was able to keep a balance and my children have
grown up to be very nice people.

How did you cope with losing such a good friend and companion?

He died in 1982 and I faced a lot of hardships. It was like that Indian movie
Baghban. The only differences were that my husband died, and in the movie they
were just separated. They became successful because they were together, but
I couldn't, because I was by myself. It was a big change for me. I stopped accepting
lead roles, even though a lot of people said I was too young to give up the
leading parts. But I loved and cared for Santosh and his family a lot. We were
both from respectable families and I did not want any scandals or controversy
after his death. So I only played older roles. It was funny too, because I had
to impose such restrictions that no man could hug or embrace me in the movie,
even if he was playing my brother or son. When a director asked me how he should
manage to film a son apologizing to his mother, I said, ''make him kneel
down and touch my knees.'' (Laughs out loud). But that's how I maintained
my reputation and Masha Allah, no one has ever spoken ill of me in all the years
I've worked in the movies

What was your most memorable experience?

When I won an international award in Tashkent. We were competing among 95 countries.
It was an exhilarating experience for me to be chosen as the winner. I was nominated
for ''Ek Gunaah Aur Sahi''. I had played the part of a Christian mother,
not a glamor girl. Raj Kapoor, Shahi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi were all there representing
the Indian film industry. From Pakistan it was Santosh jee, myself, Zeba, and
Mohammad Ali. It was a great experience - we all used to get together and sing
songs after the day's events were over. But after being there for many days
I got very homesick. I missed my children terribly and wanted to buy some things
for them. There was nothing available in Tashkent so I wanted to go to Kabul.
But the Russians were so in love with us that they kept saying ''Mummy (the
name of my character in the movie), we can't let you go. You have to stay, Mummy!''.
(Laughs). I was terrified that they might keep us there for good! So I kept
trying to leave but they kept forcing me to stay. Actually, it turned out that
all of them knew that I would be receiving the award and were making sure I
was there to receive it. My husband also knew and Mohammad Ali also knew - he
came up to me and said ''Bhabi, your prayers have been answered''. When
I learned that I had been selected from among 95 countries as the Best Actress,
I was speechless. It was a great honor.

Unfortunately, at that time, the political situation in Pakistan was in turmoil.
Bhutto was overthrown by Gen. Zia and was in jail. Everything else took a sideline
those days. So the recognition or pleasure that the Pakistani people would have
felt at the honor received by one of their own was left untested. But my country
has acknowledged me with its greatest honor, the President's Pride of Performance
Award, so I have no complaints, just a lot of gratitude to God.



What were some of your most memorable roles?

I liked all my roles - but my favorite roles were in Vaada, in which I played
a very simple role Shikwa and Qaatil were also very memorable for me. In the
movie Gumnaam, I played the role of a ''pagli'' (crazy girl). For that
role, I had to practice a very shrill and crazy laugh. So I used to practice
that laugh at home. Until, one day, our neighbors came knocking at our door
and asked if everything was alright. After that I found a ''gharra''
in our house and I used to put my face on that gharra and laugh inside it so
that the voice wouldn't travel outside and disturb the neighbors. The famous
song ''Paayal Mein Geet Hain Chum Chum Kay'' was filmed on me in this
movie. I still remember that laugh!

What
has happened to Pakistani cinema now - from those glory days to the present
situation?

There was a lot of competition when we were in our hey day. Our films were
as good as Indian movies. Aan (India) and Naila (Pakistan) were released around
the same time and were equally big hits. But then the government started imposing
restrictions and gradually there was no competition left. That's what brought
down the quality of films initially. It isn't as though we had a

choice. When our movies were taken to India, they were burned down and people
protested. The same started happening in Pakistan and the government had to
impose the ban. Even Santosh protested in the streets against the screening
of Indian movies, because he said that if Indians won't allow our movies to
show in India, then why should we screen their movies? Still, I feel that this
was not a good move on either country's part. Gradually, the market got smaller,
stories took a different turn, and film makers turned towards violence and vulgarity
to attract crowds. To me it's more a reflection on the film makers than the
artists. Santosh gave up movies because he couldn't stand to play roles that
went against his character. He was a soft spoken man and could not perform shouting
and screaming roles. But nobody really wrote stories and characters to make
use of the great talent they had among the artists of the time. If Santosh had
lived and had received the kind of characters that Amitabh Bachan is now playing,
he could have been as successful if not more than Amitabh.

What do you feel is the recourse for this downward trend in Pakistani
cinema?

It's not just Pakistani cinema, although more of the Pakistani movies suffer
from this phenomenon. In our times, stories made sense, and songs made sense.
Everything was related. Now a very few movies that I've seen use music and songs
to support the story line. As an example, Veer Zara's songs go very well with
the story. Songs have to carry the story they are like dialog. You can't just
change the setting and throw in a song, which is what a lot of film makers have
started doing. That just spoils the execution of the movie and doesn't leave
a good impact. Also, there's little emphasis on acting - I call it a ''kath
putli ka tamasha'' - sit down, stand up, do this, do that. They don't allow
you to act naturally - everything is melodramatic. Plus there is too much emphasis
on showing skin.

Would you consider acting at this stage?

Yes, of course. I have not retired! My brother in law is a producer and I have
an offer from him to do a television serial. I am open to films as well

. I have actually done quite a lot of television in the last few years. There
was a play by Nusrat Thakur, a family drama with a story of four daughters and
the problems they face. I've starred with Abid Ali and Atiqa Odho in other TV
serials. I like doing television.

What else have you been doing in the last few years?

I have been in the US for the last five or six years now. My daughter and her
family made a move from Pakistan after her husband passed away. I came with
her and have stayed on to ensure that she settles down okay. Now she's doing
well Masha Allah and her children are settled. So now I am considering going
back.

You seem to be a strong, practicing Muslim - how do you characterize
yourself from a religious point of view?

I'm not a fundamentalist but I believe in the principles of our religion, and
I believe that Islam is a beautiful religion. It teaches us to be honest and
kind to people, to not talk behind other people's backs, to rely on God's will
and thank Him for his blessings. I have worked in a profession that some may
say is unIslamic but I have always believed in Allah, offered my prayers, and
stayed steadfast in my beliefs. Actually, it is God's blessing and my belief
in Him that I have been so successful. Over here, I am very active in the local
Pakistani and Muslim community. I joined up with some ladies in the Leesburg
area and we gather at each others' houses to discuss our social and family issues
in the light of religion. There are many issues like Sadqa (welfare) and practical
issues like funeral arrangements, for which we research and share knowledge
with each other. We also teach children how to read the Quran in Arabic. We
have to know our religion to love it and respect its teachings.

Sana to wed Fakhar in this December

The date for Lollywood Film Star Sana's marriage with model Fakhar Imam has been finalised at the end of this year on December 13.



The mehndi will be on December 14, baraat on December 15 and walima on December 16.



Sources said the marriage is scheduled in December because Fakhar is busy in building a house to present it to Sana as the marriage gift.

Shaan And Nargis - the most expensive actors

Super star film hero Shaan earned 10,8 mill rupees from 18 films in 2007. Nargis was on second place with 9,5 mill rupees from only 9 films. Saima was on third place with 9,6 mill rupees in 16 films. Moamar Rana got 5 mill from 22 films.