Oct 12
Meera
She’s an actor; a dancer; a STAR! She’s gutsy, and she’s ventured where no other Pakistani female star has dared to before. Join Batool Habib for a peak into the real woman behind the on-screen Meera. Glitter and glam coupled with mysterious appeal, one thing is for sure — whether on-screen or off it… Meera is truly unique.
Q — Give us a little background into the woman that is Meera?
A — I am a completely self-made person. I have no godfather except God, who is my guide and saviour. Whatever I have achieved has been through my own effort, and completely on my own merit. I used to think people give you a boost in the industry, but have discovered there is much deception and artificiality there. I believe you yourself hold the keys to command respect from your peers, by upholding high moral standards and setting an example for others.
I have learned the world is a very cruel place, and you have to really work to carve a place out for yourself. You have to learn to identify the gems from the materialistic people. Always rely only on Allah, he is the true saviour – I think we have been asked to pray for that very reason: so that we can learn to depend on the ONE celestial being.
Q — How did you start your acting career?
A — I started my career as a child-star between the ages of nine and ten. At age ten, I did my first commercial for Toyonasik, in Istanbul. At the age of 11, I did ‘Kaanta’, and at 12, I did ‘Chief Saab’. People used to always make my age an issue, especially because as a child star, my looks were very stunning – I had healthy shiny hair and strong, sharp features. I think that talent is God-given; stars are born, not created. From the age of five, I had so much talent, that regardless of my youth, I appeared older, wiser and smarter. My mother greatly supported me, and I had to really prove myself. My mind was always on acting, so I invested all my time and energy in perfecting my talent.
Q — Can you tell us about the sacrifices you had to make to start your career?
A — I don’t think I needed to make many sacrifices. Javed Sheikh and Neeli loved me like their own child; I was in the industry from a very young age, and so, I was loved like a child by all my teachers, directors and mentors. I did have to work very, very hard, though. My school life was nothing extra-ordinary, but coming from a conservative family, I was never allowed sleepovers, or parties or things that other young girls enjoyed.
Courtesy: Humsay magazine
