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Pakistani actress Meera, who started her career with Chief Sahib directed by Javed Sheikh, is now eyeing work with Indian directors. She has almost completed her first film Nazar directed by Soni Razdan. Excerpts from an interview with Vickey Lalwani.
The designer of my first film named me Meera. My mother has instructed me not to reveal my real first and second names But if you insist, my first name is Rubab. How did Nazar happen? I have always loved Indian films, dances and songs. When Mahesh Bhatt came to Kara Film Festival earlier this year and told me that he wanted to sign me, it was a great honour for me. What is Nazar all about? Nazar is a thriller and I can't give away much about the story. It's the first time that a woman is directing a thriller and it's very exciting. Do you think Mahesh Bhatt will be able to premiere Nazar in Pakistan, especially when Anu and Shashi Ranjan failed to premiere Dobara there? Bhattsaab is very famous in Pakistan. I am hopeful that he'll be able to do it. Is working in India more taxing than working in Pakistan? My day back home would begin in the morning around nine and end as late as two at night. I have always done double shifts and 8-10 films at one time. It's never been a problem with my family, though someone would always accompany me to work. What are the differences you have noticed between the two countries? I have always been fascinated by India. I am glad that the barriers are broken today. We have so much in common. I think we actors have contributed more than politicians in bringing the two countries closer. And of course, how could I forget the cricketers? Cinema and sports can bridge the gap between Pakistan and India. I would like to dedicate my performance in Nazar to good relations between the two countries. I feel society is a bit advanced in India. We have no discos or pubs there, for example. What I love immensely about Indian culture is the sanctity of marriage — where every man spends his life with just one woman. I love this culture and the symbols of this relationship like sindoor and bindi. How is shooting for movies different in India? Things are advanced on that front too. Bollywood is close Hollywood. What about Mr Right? He is yet to come in my life. When I was coming to India, elders at home were very worried lest I fall in love with someone in India. I have not given marriage a thought as yet and do not intend to settle down till I am 27 or so. I guess my Mr. Right would be someone settled in life, a nice and loving person with a great sense of humour. What if you fall for an Indian or for someone from the film industry? Hypothetical question. But well, since you ask, my answer is that I can't foretell my destiny, can I? There is a buzz that you are slated to feature in an Adnan-Sami video. Adnan and I go back a long way. I know his ex-wife Zeba on a personal level. His son has played in my lap. He and I held meetings in Mumbai and have agreed in principle. Yes, he has offered me work in his next video and hopefully I will be working in it. The concept is still being worked out. Do you meet up with producers and tell them that you want to work with them? Not really. Bollywood has a lot of players today, but still it's a small world. If someone wants to get in touch with you, it's not difficult at all. It's not that I haven't met some big producers, but I am not in a hurry. There have been offers too, but I am taking it easy and making doubly sure that I don't sign on any frivolous stuff. Having completed my first film, I am going back home for a while. But I'll soon be back. That's a promise. — TWF |
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Is Meera your real
name?