“I see myself as a warrior”
-Navin Waqar
A household name, Navin Waqar has come a long way in her career. We witnessed her acting prowess as an antagonist in the acclaimed TV serial, Humsafar. She followed its success with a comedic role in Annie Ki Ayegi Baraat and the recent Tajdeed-e-Wafa. She is ready for her next gig in the new play Bewafa. Read further as Navin opens up about her life behind the camera.
What best defines you?
NAVIN WAQAR: I am creative, loyal and compassionate. I see myself as a warrior.
What was your household environment like as a child?
NW: It was quite stable. Although we travelled a lot, I didn’t get to see my dad as much as a normal kid would. I was a naughty child so I was always getting into trouble for something stupid, like climbing walls or falling off trees but I got away with it because I was a very good student.
Who do you consider your support system?
NW: My family – my mom is one of the strongest women I know. She is a fighter, a warrior, and I get my strength from her. My dad is the voice of reason and my brother is the best friend I run to with my issues. I am blessed to have friends who love and support me no matter what I do. I am very lucky!
Share your thoughts on success and fame.
NW: Focus on your work, give it your best and leave the rest to God. Whatever is meant to come my way will not pass me by.
Speaking of fame, after working in a string of successful dramas, you will now appear in Bewafa, which is your first Big Band Entertainment project. What more can you share about the play? How is the drama relevant to the Pakistani audience?
NW: Yes, it is my first time working with ARY Digital and Big Bang Entertainment. I star alongside Ushna Shah and Ali Rehman Khan. Bewafa revolves around the power dynamics of love – the strength and commitment it requires. The play represents different shades of women and their potential to make or break a household. There are three central characters to the story, and every action has its consequences. The drama illustrates how desires drive different women.
Of all your past portrayals, which character is the closest to your heart?
NW: Playing Shehla in Saya-e-Deewar Bhi Nahi. That script is dear to me and I would cite it as one of the strongest stories I have ever been a part of.
“I welcome constructive criticism regarding work, but I no longer tolerate people who get personal.”
-Navin Waqar
Is it high time to come to terms with harassment in Pakistan’s show business?
NW: Yes – it is something that not only women experience; many men do too. Harassment is not bound to the entertainment industry alone. People are now beginning to step forward and it is a very brave thing to do because we mock and denigrate the victims in our society for taking a stand. We need to educate people about sexual harassment. We also need to tell them how to treat others who have been through something similar instead of shaming them.
Is justice dead in our society?
NW: Justice is in a deep slumber. I hope that it awakens soon and punishes those who are prancing around thinking that there won’t be any consequences for their unlawful actions. To keep the justice system going, we, as a nation need to wake up before it is too late.
In the realm of media, why would women want to change themselves in any way?
NW: Women have a time-stamp across their foreheads in our society. They are made to feel that they have to keep up with everything. While a man apparently matures at forty (those who have the capability), life supposedly ends for a woman at thirty, especially if she is single. In our industry, powerful characters aren’t written for women of a certain age, while abroad you see Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep play lead roles despite their age. Here, you cross 40 and are dubbed a mom forever.
What is your response to hate?
NW: People generally hate what they cannot understand. People despise everyone today for no reason. I dreaded it before but I have a new motto in life; I don’t have time for negativity anymore because I have better things to do. If you hate me, that is your problem, not mine. It is really your loss for wasting valuable time hating someone you don’t even know. I welcome constructive criticism regarding work, but I no longer tolerate people who get personal. Just because I am a public figure, it does not entitle anyone to discuss my personal life openly. People know me for my work so stick to that. Keep it professional and classy.
“Women have a time-stamp across their foreheads in our society. They are made to feel that they have to keep up with everything.”
-Navin Waqar
Which international magazine would you cover shoot for?
NW: Vogue maybe. I like their editorials. Slick, fashionable and edgy.
Who is your ideal match?
NW: I don’t look for a soul mate. Instead, I look for someone who is real and not fake. Respect, trust and understanding. These things are of utmost importance to me in any relationship.
What is humanitarianism to you?
NW: Kindness! People are unnecessarily cruel and it is unbelievable how much hate they have for others. They disguise it as an opinion but really, they are just being nasty. Words can make or break a person, so please if you can’t be kind, don’t say or do anything vile either.
What is your fitness regimen?
NW: A lot of work goes into my fitness. Gym, swimming, kickboxing and a combination of a well-balanced diet. I have a tendency to gain weight because I love food.
Your thoughts on modernity?
NW: I believe there is a balance to modernity. It is a state of mind. You can be modern and still value your traditional roots. There is a fine line between modernity and vulgarity, whether it is in thought, lifestyle or what you wear.
How does confidence empower you?
NW: The experiences in my life have empowered me to become more confident. I have learned so much. Everything I have been through has given me the power to combat whatever comes my way.
Which shade of colour matches your persona?
NW: Personality wise, I would say deep blue. It is positive, vibrant and comforting. It has many shades, just like me. Some are dark, while others are bright. It is a happy, dependable colour.
A slogan you adhere to?
NW: Be happy with what you have and you won’t ever have to worry. Do what you want, as life is short. You are a person, not a jar of Nutella that can make everyone happy.
We all have our definition of creative art. What is yours?
NW: Anything that makes you feel strongly about something, be it written, painted, performed or sung. You can’t label it. Art to me is the ability to express emotion. What I do as an actor is art because that gets a reaction out of people.
Where do you seek comfort?
NW: My home, my family. Whenever I want to run away from negativity in my life, I sit at home with my family and play with my dog. Suddenly, everything feels right!
How do you intend to bring change in your community?
NW: By being the change I want to see. I only ask people to do what I do myself. I work on myself before asking someone else to do the same. The one thing I hope I can change is the negative mindset of people and their actions. The constant need to tear others down is what I would like to alter. Being kind is the best thing you can do for anyone. It can save someone’s life and doesn’t cost a thing!
What would you like to say to your Instagram pundits?
NW: For me personally, I would first have to care about that person enough to give a damn. It is a new way to kill time these days; get behind a keyboard and spew hate. Those who are saying anything remotely constructive get an equally respectful response from me. Those who cross the line, won’t. By the end of the day, I will do what I want. If you don’t like me, don’t follow me. Simple.
“Whatever is meant to come my way will not pass me by.”
-Navin Waqar
INTERVIEW: HAIDER RIFAAT
STYLING: RAO ALI KHAN
PHOTOGRAPHS: SHAHBAZ Shazi
