“I never feel that I am just reading lines from a script. I feel that I am living those characters on-screen. ”
Actress, model and singer, Mehwish Hayat is truly a multifaceted performer and has made a niche for herself in Pakistan’s burgeoning media industry. Starting out as a child star in the ’80s, she has an expansive body of work to her credit and is regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading and most versatile actresses today. Over the years, she has garnered the adulation of audiences in Pakistan as well as the South Asian diaspora, with several record-breaking TV serials including Dil Lagi, Manjali, Mere Qatil Mere Dildar and Kabhi Kabhi, to name a few.
Since 2014, she has been on a roll, and has featured in some of the biggest blockbuster films in recent years: Actor in Law, Na Maloom Afraad, and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. Her latest venture Punjab Nahi Jaungi, which also stars industry stalwarts Humayun Saeed and Urwa Hocane, is poised for release around Eid-ul-Azha and the trailer certainly looks promising. Punjab Nahi Jaungi is a romantic-drama directed by Nadeem Baig and features an A-list ensemble cast. Will Mehwish Hayat make waves yet again with her new film? Time will tell, but if her repertoire of work is anything to go by, it would not be presumptuous to say that she will deliver yet another finely nuanced performance.
Always one to tread her own path, Mehwish Hayat has made eclectic choices over the years, varying from demure roles such as Aima in Mirat-ul-Uroos to spunky characters with gumption, such as Anmol in Dil Lagi. She admits to a disdain for “glamorous, showpiece” roles and says she is now in a position to refuse such projects. Instead, she prefers performance-oriented scripts that push her as an actress and give her the opportunity to demonstrate her acting skills.
OK! Pakistan has a conversation with the talented Mehwish Hayat about work, inspirations in life and what the future holds for her!
How did you foray into the world of acting? When and how were you discovered?
Mehwish Hayat: My mother, Rukhsar was an established drama artiste so showbiz was very much in the family. As a child my first appearance on the screen was for a bubble gum television commercial when I was six-years-old. I think that they were looking for a confident child who could emote on screen and I must have fit the bill. I was a very cheeky and outgoing child and loved playacting. Appearing on screen was just an extension of that and I loved all the attention.
From a child star in Wajood e Laraib to becoming one of the biggest names of the industry, you have come a long way indeed. Tell us about the journey that has brought you this far.
MH: I feel very blessed with the way that my career has progressed and will always be grateful to God for all the opportunities I have been offered. Like any journey it has been full of ups and downs, a real roller coaster. But I guess that what maybe helped me establish myself in the public’s psyche was the revival of the nascent Pakistani film industry. With very many talented people coming into films from the drama and commercial industries there were some very good projects being made. I was fortunate to be involved with three of the biggest films in Pakistan; the films and fortunately my roles clicked with audiences.
There’s a lot of hype about your new movie, Punjab Nahi Jaungi. The trailer looks good and it’s resonated with film buffs. Can you tell us about your role in the movie?
MH: I think that the trailers have given the public a very good idea of what my role entails. I play a modern girl, educated abroad, with very strong independent views. Through the relationship with Humayun’s character – who is much more traditional – those views are well and truly tested. Romance, comedy, drama and tears all ensue as the story reaches resolution. I cannot say much more but audiences are in for a really entertaining ride, I promise you.
How was your experience of working on Punjab Nahi Jaungi?
MH: Working with this team never feels like I am working! The atmosphere is very relaxed and jovial on set which helps create the on-screen chemistry that the audiences see. Having said that, Nadeem is a perfectionist and a hard task master but he inspires us all to give our best. Working with him, and filming is very much a collaborative effort. I never feel that I am just reading lines from a script, I feel that I am living those characters on-screen.
What kind of rapport did you share with your co-stars, Humayun Saeed and Urwa Hocane?
MH: Humayun and Urwa are dear friends and respected professionals in their own right. The rapport on set is one of mutual respect and utmost trust. On-screen we bounce off each other and inspire each other to deliver our best. Off-screen we are very relaxed and enjoy each other’s company. There is so much waiting around on set that it would be very difficult if we didn’t get on with each other.
Any special memory you’d like to share from the set of the movie?
MH: There is not just one single moment that stands out. For me acting is what I enjoy doing so the whole shoot was an enjoyable process. Nothing beats giving a take and then watching it on playback. Seeing what were just words on a page come to life is an exhilarating feeling which I will never tire of.
You gave a very convincing performance in Actor in Law. What was it like working on the movie? Did you anticipate such a fantastic response to it?
MH: Nabeel is another director I respect very much and working with him and Fizza is always a pleasure. Again it is like being with family. The role was very challenging and one that I enjoyed playing. I knew that it was a fantastic role when I first read the script but to anticipate the response from the audience would have been arrogant. I am thankful that the audiences reacted so positively to a character that was so dear to me.
Over the years you have generally given precedence to performance-oriented scripts such as Manjali and Mere Qatil Mere Dildar, rather than typical glamorous fare. What motivates you to say ‘yes’ to a project?
MH: While I was initially obliged to play characters that fit into the norms expected by drama audiences in Pakistan, I also took on roles that pushed me as an actress. I did theatre and experimental shoots which all helped me develop my art. I am not content with playing the stereotypical Pakistani drama heroine and have always believed in pushing the boundaries of my art. So what spurs me on to sign a role is whether the character will push me as an actress; I am not interested in just being a glamorous showpiece.
Your character in Dil Lagi was impulsive and gutsy, and really clicked with viewers. It was quite a departure from the demure, submissive roles we normally see on TV. What are your own thoughts on this?
MH: My own mother is a spirited woman, who has been a major influence and inspiration in my life.
“I am a firm believer in women’s empowerment and look to taking on roles that can inspire young girls. Not all women are demure or submissive as often portrayed on-screen, we are independent and aware of our rights.”
It is only by portraying these characters on-screen that we can instill a change in society.Girls cannot underestimate the role that they can play in society, and must stand up for themselves to achieve their goals.
Which directors and co-stars do you share a good rapport with?
MH: I stay above industry politics, thus enjoy a great rapport with all my co-stars. As regards to directors, over the past few years I have been working almost exclusively with Nabeel and Nadeem, two of the finest in our country. I enjoy a tremendous rapport with both; they in their own respective ways know how to bring out the best in me.
Your special appearance in the song ‘Billi’ in Na Maloom Afraad came as a shock to some of your fans…would you like to comment on this?
MH: I have always pushed the boundaries with what I do and I wanted my first film role to be the same. Without doubt, doing an item number in Pakistan was a big risk that could have spectacularly backfired. It was something that was well outside my comfort zone. I discussed this a great deal with my family and got their blessing before I agreed to anything. It was important that I was not doing anything that would in any way shame them. Also I discussed every minute detail with the production team and had utmost trust in both the director and producer in that they would not do anything that crossed the line. The end result was sexy without being vulgar, which is the effect that I was looking for.
Have you had formal training in dance or are you self-taught?
MH: I am totally self-taught.
How do you think you will evolve and develop your career in the coming years? You have a lovely voice and have already added singing to your repertoire; do you see yourself branching out into other creative fields as well?
MH: I am perfectly content with sticking to singing and acting for the time being. I think that my best is still to come.
Has success changed your perspective of life? How do you feel you have changed as a person over the years?
MH: I was always a little detached from the ‘famous’ aspect of it all – fame and fortune was really a peripheral thing, it was never a reason. I was never one of those people who’re desperate to be famous. So while fame has limited what I can often do these days I still try and maintain as normal a life as possible. I still have a family and group of friends that keep me firmly grounded in reality.
We hear you are an avid reader – tell us about some of your favourite books.
MH: I have a very eclectic taste in books and enjoy a variety of different genres. My current favourite is 40 Rules of Love by the Turkish writer Elif Shafak. The way in which she weaves the modern day quest for love with the mystical story of Rumi and Shams is both enlightening and enthralling. I also enjoyed very much reading Good Morning Afghanistan by a dear friend and mentor, Waseem Mahmood. To learn about his adventures and what he went through in setting up a radio station in post war Afghanistan was a real eye-opener to me. Of course, like everybody else I am totally taken with The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In the simple story of the shepherd boy and his journey perhaps we see a metaphor for our own lives – I know that I certainly do.
What is a typical day like for you? How do you spend your time when you are not working?
MH: I think that work is so intense and full on that when I do get time to myself I take pleasure in the simple things that many would take for granted. I sleep a lot and love eating my mother’s home-cooked food; she makes a mean biryani that is simply to kill for. I also enjoy being around my nephews and nieces who I simply adore. My brother is an accomplished musician, we spend a lot of time in his home studio jamming and making music. I also have a very close group of friends with whom I hang out.
Can you share some beauty and wellness tips with our readers? What are some of your favourite beauty products?
MH: My beauty regime revolves around the concept of ‘clean living’. I take care to eat the right foods and exercise a lot. I am a particular devotee of yoga which I find very relaxing and helpful – highly recommended. Drinking a lot of water and keeping the skin hydrated is also a must, as is a good sun block. Finally, a good cleansing and moisturizing routine is essential. I have a guilty secret: I have become addicted to Guerlain and Crème de la Mer products – I really believe that they have helped keep my complexion very clear in spite of the heavy punishment that screen makeup and bright studio lights inflict on a daily basis.
And finally, how would you describe this time in your life? What’s next for Mehwish Hayat?
MH: I think that I am very grateful for the success that the public has afforded me. I could not have even imagined achieving so much when I started out. However,
“ With fame comes a certain responsibility and I do feel that it is my responsibility to spread a more positive image of Pakistan around the world. ”
Arts, culture and music are universal levellers and I believe through these mediums we can reach out beyond our borders. In the West there is a lot of noise about the misrepresentation of Muslims on screen, but isn’t it our own responsibility to be telling our stories to the West? This is something that I am passionate about. How that will translate into projects let’s see.
On work, I have just read the most amazing script which I am hoping will be announced in the coming weeks. Cannot say much more but it will be really amazing if it happens. What is exciting is that I am heavily involved in the development process and am enjoying learning about the mechanics of production and what goes into putting together a film before it even gets to the floors.
More immediately, I am about to undertake a month long singing tour of the US. Billed as a Pak US friendship tour, I will be on stage performing with my brother Zeeshan and sister, Afsheen for the very first time. I’m very excited to be reaching out to a new audience and being on stage with my talented family!
INTERVIEW: SARA AMIR TURAB
STYLING: RAO ALI KHAN
MAKE-UP, HAIR & PHOTOGRAPHY: AKIF ILYAS
WARDROBE: SANIA MASKATIYA
JEWELLERY: SUNAINA JEWELLERY, MAHRUKH AKULY
