“My passion for acting keeps me going”
– Iqra Aziz
Born to conquer the world of showbiz, Iqra Aziz is here to stay. At a young age, she has mastered the art of acting and portrayed diverse characters in a string of successful dramas: Tabeer, Ranjha Ranjha Kardi and Sunno Chanda. The latter’s sequel premiered recently to positive reviews. Titled Sunno Chanda 2, Iqra maintains the unpredictable nature of Jiya’s character. In a personal interview, she talks about her early years and family. The promising star also puts the spotlight on her acting prowess.
Describe your best self in three words…
Iqra Aziz: Lovable, patient and passionate. The rest is an endless self-exploration process.
Your acclaimed drama Ranjha Ranjha Kardi has created quite an impact on Pakistan’s television landscape. Are you happy to be a part of its storyline?
IA: I am extremely proud of the storyline and Noori’s character. It is the most incredible role I have played in recent years. She is grey; there is no one side to her. Noori is close to reality in terms of emotions and has a complex personality. She experiences depths of conflicts, as we all do.
Was it a different headspace for you once the camera started rolling on the sets of Ranjha Ranjha Kardi? Did you ever feel vulnerable in that character?
IA: Yes – it was a different headspace. It was hard to portray someone who had a confused and overly emotional temperament. Each moment I had to decide what Noori would be thinking or doing in a given situation. It is quite tough to establish yourself as a fictional character who makes sense of something but expresses the contrary to what she actually feels.
“I am sensitive and often find it weird when people write harsh comments about me on social media. They are not going through my journey”
– Iqra Aziz
Moving on to your latest television venture, Sunno Chanda 2. How is the sequel different from the original?
IA: The writers have developed more charm and wit in Jiya’s character and we have introduced new faces. There is more laughter, however it is going to be tough for Arsal and Jiya to admit how much they love and want to be with each other. The sequel picks up immediately from their first day of marriage.
What are you geared to do next professionally?
IA: As a child, I had no clue that I would become an actor. Now that I am one today, I don’t know what I am inclined to do next. I just want to enjoy the present and not think about what would follow in the coming years.
What keeps you motivated in this line of work?
IA: My passion for acting keeps me going. I was born for this kind of work.
How do you desensitize yourself to cyberbullying on social media?
IA: It is hard because I am sensitive and often find it weird when people write harsh comments about me on social media. They are not going through my journey. As public figures, we can’t oppose their views either. Everyone thinks and perceives differently. Yes, it is impolite of them if they bully me. What I do is simply switch off my phone, distance myself from social media and be with my family and friends who appreciate me for who I am.
Looking back, how have you evolved as a person, and in what ways?
IA: Many years have passed and I have grown stronger. Change of any kind gives you a sense of confidence that maybe you are learning and coming to terms with what is right and wrong for you. I have evolved that way. As I grow older, I will find out more about myself.
“Jiya in Sunno Chanda 2 is progressive and she inspires women. She wants to study, explore the world and fulfill her dreams”.
– Iqra Aziz
At what point in your life have you felt the most vulnerable?
IA: Everyday – I feel vulnerable post-shoots. I recall playing a sensitive character in Tabeer. She had to endure intense circumstances. I, as an actor had to give so much to her role and was most vulnerable at the time.
Have you ever felt the pressure to be perfect? How do you overcome it?
IA: In my early years, I pressurized myself into looking perfect. I wanted to appear as I was on screen but when I turned 21, I said no. I don’t need to be perfect and appear as a character I play with good make-up and a hair do. I had to embrace the raw person I am today, in my comfortable clothes without any theatrics. You cannot make everyone around you happy.
Was there an incident that entirely changed your outlook on life?
IA: I would say my father’s demise. I was only 12 years old when he passed away. After working abroad for a while, he moved back to Pakistan. I knew him for just nine years of my life. I was unable to spend more time with him. That completely changed my outlook on life.
Where do you seek solace?
IA: In my family, especially my mother and sister.
What are you afraid of?
IA: Losing my mother.
What qualities in a person repel you?
IA: People who lie. I can’t appreciate anyone who lies. I like honest people.
How do you make use of your acting profession to invoke positive change?
IA: Look at my Instagram! I try to create positivity around people on social media but they choose not to talk about it. So many people share diverse views. You can try but not force them into understanding something. I hope to bring change through social media and my acting performances. Just like other characters, Jiya in Sunno Chanda 2 is progressive and she inspires women. She wants to study, explore the world and fulfill her dreams.
Do you find a link between feminism and misandry?
IA: It is a subtle topic. It isn’t a question that I can answer right away as it is more of a discussion involving different opinions.
If you had the ability to ‘fix’, what would you sort out in our society?
IA: Maybe their mentality and outlook on life and the way they treat people.
Have you ever experienced a fashion faux pas?
IA: I don’t know – I am usually happy with what I wear and how I present myself to the people I love and everyone else.
A talent you wish you had?
IA: I wish I had many talents (Laughs).
How do you relax after a long day on set?
IA: I listen to good music, have good food, sleep and watch a movie!
Are you more of an outgoing person or do you prefer staying at home and enjoying?
IA: Staying at home and enjoying is my ultimate goal every day!
” Noori in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi is the most incredible role I have played in recent years.”
– Iqra Aziz
INTERVIEW: HAIDER RIFAAT
STYLING: RAO ALI KHAN
PHOTOGRAPHS:DANIYAL NAQVI
HAIR & MAKE-UP: NABILA’S N PRO
