“I want to play characters that are powerful, strong and challenging”
It’s a sunny Tuesday morning and the rays of sunbeam are brightening Nabila’s bustling salon through the glass ceiling as we eagerly wait for Saba Qamar to arrive for her shoot. There is a lot of commotion around as blowdries, hair colour and other make-up appointments are in full swing. There’s coffee being served, nails getting prepped and people coming in for all types of consultations. Just then, amongst the chaos walks in a tall, svelte model-esque figure and the commotion stops. Her face is covered with big, dark sunglasses so onlookers cannot instantly tell who she is…but she has that charisma! An aura so strong, so fierce and so beautiful that you know she has to be a ‘someone’. She’s wearing a cotton, midi-length, pinstripe navy and white skirt with white Adidas Superstars and a white off-the-shoulder top. Not yet able to tell if this magnetic individual is Saba Qamar, we make our way to her to introduce ourselves because her energy resonates such confidence we are certain it has to be her (plus she’s arrived the same time Saba Qamar was meant to arrive).
As soon as she takes off her sunglasses, we are beguiled by the warmth in her eyes and captivated by her smile. She’s calm, composed, friendly and easy to talk to. She makes her way graciously to the make-up room where she is to be prepped for our shoot. We chat about the traffic, the shoot, hair and make-up looks for the day and she shares her beauty tips with us as well. When asked why and how her skin looks so fresh after a week of promoting Lahore Se Aagey, she credits it to Garnier’s BB Cream and happily offers it to us to give it a try.
Saba Qamar has just finished 23 interviews and 10 or more photo shoots along with other media endorsements to promote her new film, Lahore Se Aagey, and she is chirpy and enthusiastic about more. During the shoot, we discuss her latest work, her new Bollywood film, Hindi Medium, and differences pertaining to working in Bollywood as opposed to here. She mentions that the Pakistani industry has a lot of growing up to do (in both the literal and figurative sense). She’s grateful for all the opportunities given to her in her motherland but it is in India where she’s learned another degree of professionalism. “Every minute is scheduled during filming; even 15 minute power naps during filming are scheduled” the star states. “Attention is paid to every minute detail. There is a huge spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner and if you don’t want to eat that or if you’re on a particular diet – the food will be catered to you”, she informs us.
During the course of the shoot, Saba is helpful, professional and very down-to-earth. It’s hot and balmy and she wears the heaviest bridal ensembles and jewellery with a smile. Never once complaining about the heat, she provides more poses than asked and even takes a look at the photographer’s camera to see how the pictures turn out. It is evident during these last couple of hours that beauty coupled with perseverance and endurance pays off, and that a humble and kind persona can get far more work done than a snotty actress.
Read on to learn about Saba’s experiences and encounters during Lahore Se Aagey and Hindi Medium, and find out who she considers competition in the film industry.
You started your career with TV serials. What and who made you go into films?
Saba Qamar: Every actor and actress wants to grow and working in movies is a step forward as it surely helps us grow as performers. It is my passion for acting that led me to films.
What was it like being in Lahore Se Aagey?
SQ: It was an amazing and a beautiful experience.
How was Yasir Hussain as your co-star?
SQ: Yasir Hussain is an incredible actor and a superb writer. I had a great time working with him.
Did you have chemistry right away?
SQ: I think when both the actor and actress understand the needs of the characters they are playing and what is expected of them on screen then the magic just happens.
Describe the film.
SQ: The movie is about Moti and Taara and their fun filled journey through the northern areas of Pakistan.
Tell us about your role in Lahore Se Aagey?
SQ: I played Taara, a girl who is energetic, fun loving and very passionate about singing.
What did you love about your film, Lahore Se Aagey?
SQ: I loved everything about Lahore Se Aagey but I loved the music and songs the most.
Behroze Sabzwari was also in the film. How was it working with him?
SQ: It was amazing working with him. He is a very positive, fun loving and cheerful person.
Did the movie change you in any way?
SQ: I learned to be more patient.
What new films are you looking to work in?
SQ: I want to play characters that are powerful, strong and captivating.
Are you excited about your new Bollywood film, Hindi Medium? Can you tell us a little about it?
SQ: I’m super excited. Hindi Medium is a lighthearted, romantic comedy about a couple from Chandni Chowk, who want to move into Delhi’s upper class. It is a story revolving around the eventful lives of the couple’s journey together.
Can you tell us how it was working in India?
SQ: It was an amazing experience. Everyone over there was very welcoming. I never for a day felt that I was working away from home. It was fun and a very good learning experience for me.
What were the cast and crew like?
SQ: Each and every member of the cast and crew were extremely talented and it was an awesome experience.
Is there a big difference between working in Pakistan show biz versus Indian show biz?
SQ: Not really, the only difference is that their industry is more established whereas our industry is still in its development phase.
What do you enjoy most about being an actress?
SQ: Receiving all the love and appreciation from my fans.
Do you have a hidden talent?
SQ: I have an interest in writing.
“Every actor and actress wants to grow and working in movies is a step forward as it helps us grow as performers. It is my passion for acting that led me to films.”
RAPID FIRE
What local actress do you consider competition?
SQ: I consider each and every person working in our industry as competition.
Favourite actress?
SQ: Anne Hathaway.
Favourite actor?
SQ: Irrfan Khan.
Favourite producer?
SQ: Dinesh Vijan.
First love?
SQ: Well, he’s married now so won’t take any names.
What are you most passionate about?
SQ: Acting.
Are you close to your siblings?
SQ: Of course, I am.
Favourite pastime?
SQ: Just staying at home with my family and relaxing.
You can’t stand…
SQ: Disrespectful people.
Three words that describe you best…
SQ: Positive, caring and down to earth.
What does the future hold for you?
SQ: Only time will tell.
What’s important to you?
SQ: Peace of mind.
What kind of role or script are you waiting for?
SQ: Characters that challenge me as an actress.
“I think when both the actor and actress understand the needs of the characters they are playing and what is expected of them on screen then the magic just happens…”
Interview: ALIZEH PASHA
concept, coordination & Styling: Alizeh pasha
Photographs: Kashif Rashid
hair & makeup: N-Pro
