Meera: ‘I am leaving Lollywood’

PHOTOS: PUBLICITY

KARACHI: Before Veena became controversy’s favourite child — there was the ever notorious Meera. The Express Tribune sat down with the sultry actor for an intimate interview where she shared details on her past relationships, the apparent copycat Reema and settling down for good.

About marriage to Naveed Shehzad

Meera: This marriage was completely decided and approved by my family. He is a family friend and also happens to be my brother Ahsan’s friend. My mother will decide the engagement and wedding dates. All I know about him is that he is a captain in an airline company and his family has shares in United Airways.

On her show ‘Kaun Banega Meera Pati’

Meera: It was a fun show but I don’t think I will ever do it again. I did it only for my fans.

On bidding farewell to Lollywood

Meera: Four days ago, I decided to leave the film industry. I have returned Rs5 million which were given to me in advance for upcoming projects. I no longer want to be associated with Lollywood. I am working on a new image for myself and planning a production with people from outside the Lollywood circle.

On copying Reema and Veena

Meera: I am not following Reema’s footsteps. If you’re referring to the marriage rumours, media speculations about my marriage have been rife for the past 10 years. I won’t lie; I always wanted to settle down. At first, it was with filmstar Saud. However, my mummy and Sangeeta Appa rejected the proposal. They asked me to concentrate on my career, as I was single-handedly supporting my family.

In reality, Reema follows me. If you research, you’ll see how Reema and Veena have copied everything I have done. I was the first one to go to India, I also co-produced the film Nazar and I was the first one to work with Mahesh Bhatt. Now look; Reema has produced her own film, Veena has gone to India and even befriended Ashmit Patel. It’s funny that Patel is the same man who proposed to me a long time ago. Additionally, Veena gained popularity doing parodies of me.

 About Veena’s bold shoot

Meera: Doing nude shoots is one of the easiest ways to gain popularity. Starring in a racy item number is a close second. For instance, I was offered Rs500 million to participate in “Bigg Boss” but I did not take up the offer.

On her relationship with Shoaib Akhtar

Meera: Two years ago the media spread rumours about my affair with Shoaib Akhtar and I admit I was involved with him. However, Shoaib does not take his relationships seriously. He proposed to my cousin and me on the exact same day. He even hit me in front of PTV staff. Even then, I never brought it out in front of the media. He is a man who wasted a year of my life and hurt me tremendously. Still, I wish him all the best.

About her controversial Bollywood kiss

Meera: When the media attacked me, there was no one to support me. Even Mahesh Bhatt disappeared at the time. Due to this media upheaval, there came a point in my life that I did not have a penny in my name. These were tough times but made me a stronger person. I am confident about who I am as a person and what my goals are in life.

On acting in Bollywood again

Meera: If a really good offer comes my way, only then will I accept it. I want to change my image completely. It saddens me that I haven’t produced any good work for the past four years. I want my fans to finally say: “nobody can compete with Meera”.

Meera: Years gone by

1995 – Meera makes an entrance into Lollywood

1997 — Meera and Saud’s friendship blossoms

1999 — Plays the lead role in Samina Peerzada’s debut film Inteha

2004 — Plays a significant role in Lollywood film Salakhain

2005 — Plays a leading role in Mahesh Bhatt’s Nazar where she is seen kissing her co-star. Shaukat Aziz promises security on her arrival in Pakistan

2008 — Meera and cricketer Shoaib Akhtar become close

2009 — Rumours about fake marriage to Atiqur Rehman surface

2010 — Meera served legal notice to vacate house

2011 — Meera searches for a husband through “Kaun Banega Meera Pati”

2012 — News about marrying US-based pilot Naveed Shehzad surface

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2012.