“I am a lot more positive as a person compared to the antagonistic roles I play on screen”
Yashma Gill made her debut with the drama serial Iltija, and went on to win accolades for her acting prowess in Qurban, Ki Jaana Main Kaun and Kab Mere Kehlaoge. She is now gearing up to make her film debut with Wrong No.2; the romantic comedy film is being directed by Yasir Nawaz and produced under the banner of YNH films.
OK! Pakistan has a rendezvous with the talented actress.
How did you step into acting? Tell us about your first project.
Yashma Gill: I started my career in acting in 2017. My first project was Mazhat Moin’s television directorial Iltija, where I played the role of a very simple, young, sweet, naughty yet sensitive girl. Becoming an actress was always part of my plan, and Iltija became the starting point. More than anything, it made me understand my potential and validated my conviction to pursue my dreams even more.
Is your family supportive of your career choices – do you feel a woman needs this support to succeed in our society?
YG: I did face some obstacles when I first started – there were a lot of questions regarding what I wanted to do, and reluctance. But I guess when you’re about to step into something new in life, proving yourself and making it acceptable takes time. I’m proud of myself today because not only was I able to earn my family’s trust but also helped them accept my career choices. They are one my biggest support pillars today – the strongest ones. Sure, there was a time at the beginning when I thought this was the biggest obstacle in my way, but I also feel a woman should be empowered enough to not have her success defined by anyone’s support. Having support might make the process easier and comfort you but it’s never completely the sole reason behind one’s success.
“I’m proud of myself today because not only was I able to earn my family’s trust but also helped them accept my career choices”.
– Yashma Gill
Which actor or actress have you always looked up to?
YG: I don’t have any role models to set any benchmarks for me. I try to find things that I feel are worth learning, from the people around me or anyone who I come across in life. I believe everyone has something to teach you; your job is to discover it and capitalise on it.
Name one local actor and one local actress whom you feel has tremendous potential – out of all the new lot.
YG: I feel it’s unfair to form biased opinions about anyone’s potential because potential is a perception and it varies for everyone. I believe we all have potential in our unique ways, and we just need to figure out the right places to project it. A lot of people lose themselves in the process; in finding their true potential, they try to be someone else, who they aren’t, or are in some place where they don’t belong.
Do you feel there’s nepotism and bias in the industry – do you feel only people with the right contacts get ahead in their career or does talent speak for itself?
YG: Contacts and nepotism may put you in the limelight [temporarily] but if you don’t have it in you, you won’t be able to sustain it.
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be and why?
YG: To answer that truthfully, I would first have to figure out what that one thing is about my life that if I change, it will bring me happiness. And then I’ll change it! Isn’t that what we all want at the end of the day – to feel happy and fulfilled?
What or who do you treasure most in life and why?
YG: My parents – for raising me in a way that helps keep my conscience alive. It makes me feel more human.
Words of wisdom or advice someone gave you that has stuck with you?
YG: Give your 100 percent, keep your intentions clear, and don’t ever think negatively or wish harm on others, especially people who cause you harm. And also, if something is meant to be, and is good for you, it will happen; if it doesn’t, it wasn’t for you and you should make peace with it.
Do you believe in love? Anyone special in your life?
YG: If someone asked me what I was best at, I would say at loving people; it’s definitely one of the strongest emotions I believe in. As far as having someone special in my life is concerned, I guess that is what Libras are known for – they’re hopeless lovers!
Do you believe in sitting and waiting for fate to take over or do you believe in making your own fate?
YG: I believe that even fate requires for you to look for it!
What do you like to do in your free time?
YG: I watch a lot of Netflix, devour Nutella and travel with my best friend.
If you weren’t an actor, what would you be?
YG: I’ve always wanted to be an air force pilot; or even a psychologist.
Any pet peeves?
YG: Diplomacy [in people].
Tell us about your fitness or beauty routines.
YG: I always start my day with some detox water and a morning jog. I’ve divided my workout routine into two sessions, daily. Cardio in the morning followed by strength-training at night. I guess exercising alone is the secret to maintaining both my physique and skin!
How is Yashma, the person different from Yashma, the actress?
YG: I feel I am a lot more positive as a person compared to the antagonistic roles that I play on screen!
Tell us about your upcoming projects.
YG: Let’s leave some room for surprises!
” If someone asked me what I was best at, I would say at loving people; it’s definitely one of the strongest emotions I believe in. “.
– Yashma Gill
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH YASHMA GILL
Favourite travel destination?
YG: It depends who I’m traveling with but London’s always at the top of my list.
Favourite person in the world?
YG: My sister.
What do you love about yourself?
YG: That I can rise up again from any falls, and that I’m a one-man army! I want to feel empowered, self-actualised and independent. I love this about my personality, and how it all comes to me naturally.
What do you dislike about yourself – something you would want to change?
YG:Overthinking – for sure!
Are you a tea person or coffee person?
YG: I’d love to have both but I’m caffeine-intolerant…
Do you have a sweet tooth?
YG: I wish there were weight-loss diets based on just desserts! I can go days without food but giving up on sugar is hard…
Secret/hidden talent?
YG: I can dance well – but I don’t know if that’s a secret! I counsel really well as well.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why?
YG: Nepotism.
If you could change one thing about Pakistan, what would it be and why?
YG: Change always starts from within so whatever changes I expect from Pakistan, I will first change in myself.
INTERVIEW: EIMAN MASROOR
HAIR & MAKE-UP: MALIHA MUBASHIR
PHOTOGRAPHS: JAFFER HASAN
