The News Tribe Correspondent Khurram Sohail recently talked to renowned Pakistani TV actress Fazeela Qazi now known as Fazila Qaiser, here are excerpts from the interview.
The News Tribe: How do you view the popularity of Indian channels in Pakistan?
Fazeela Qazi: These dramas have only worsened the psyche of our women. They have become expert at backbiting, at spying on their in-laws and at making conspiracies against each other. These dramas have also had a devastating impact on our children.
THE NEWS TRIBE: You are more seen in cooking shows these days. Why are you not doing more dramas?
FAZEELA QAZI: It shows that my cooking shows are being watched more than my dramas. (Laughs) I am doing quite a few dramas these days.
THE NEWS TRIBE: It is a common perception that the women of show biz are not good at household work. Is it true?
FAZEELA QAZI: It is absolutely untrue. Laziness is not particular to the women of showbiz. Women of other fields might also not be interested in cooking and other household chores.
THE NEWS TRIBE: How do you found yourself changing from your first drama to what you are now? And how has drama changed?
FAZEELA QAZI: Drama acting has changed me for the better. I grew up in confidence and knowledge. I learnt a lot. I am still learning. Drama has changed a lot as well. Earlier there used to be script only. Now there is glamour as well. The most positive thing is that drama making has improved technically.
THE NEWS TRIBE: But people say that dramas have changed their very nature. They are anything but drama. Is it true?
FAZEELA QAZI: Every thing passes through the process of change. We should accept the change. There haven’t been only negative changes. If we don’t change, we might be left behind the world.
THE NEWS TRIBE: Any role that you might yearn to do?
FAZEELA QAZI: I always want to do something unique. And I am getting to do unique roles.
THE NEWS TRIBE: Which drama do you think gave you most satisfaction?
FAZEELA QAZI: The role that I played in Rozee was perhaps the best. I also like my work in Iqbal Ansari’s tele-theatres. Ab Mera Intizar Kar, Aitbaar, Achanak. I enjoyed working with Talat Hussain, Qazi Wajid, Khalid Anum, Iqbal Ansari, Zaheer Khan, Ali Rizvi, Haroon Rind, Sahir Kazmi.
THE NEWS TRIBE: Showbiz marriages usually fail to last. Didn’t you have any fear when you married in this world?
FAZEELA QAZI: There are good and bad people everywhere. The important thing is one’s own character. Time has proved that my decision was correct.
THE NEWS TRIBE: How did you take your career forward after marriage?
FAZEELA QAZI: I kept myself away from showbiz when my children were young. Now that they have grown up I have resumed working. But I never let my work affect my home. Qaiser is very cooperative and so are my children.
THE NEWS TRIBE: How did you enter this field?
FAZEELA QAZI: I always wanted to do this. I began from modeling. I was supported by my parents. I belong to a well-educated Sindhi family. I was never discouraged. I knew my limits. When people begin acting, they are quite confused, but I was confident because of my modeling experience. It was said in those days that models are not good actresses. But I proved this notion wrong.
THE NEWS TRIBE: While signing a contract what do you consider? Script or the director?
FAZEELA QAZI: I first consider the role being offered. But I also see if the director knows the work. Many people want to make something and end up making something else.
THE NEWS TRIBE: Would you like your children to work in this field?
FAZEELA QAZI: They are too young for this now. I have two sons: Ahmad Hamza and Zorain. Zorain has worked in Qaid-e-Tanhai. It is up to the children what they want to do. There was a time when Zorain didn’t even want to be photographed. Right now they are studying.
THE NEWS TRIBE: Any piece of advice for the girls who want to join this field.
FAZEELA QAZI: No field is bad in itself. It is up to you what you want. If you have a strong character, you will find every field good for you.
