Bollywood debutante

Mona Liza’s Kajraare is scheduled to release this fall. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

LAHORE: Making her debut in Pooja Bhatt’s Kajraare, Mona Liza’s sultry appearance in the film’s trailers has created quite a buzz. The actor who was picked by Bhatt because she “is good-looking and knows how to dance well,” features in the lead along with musician and actor Himesh Reshammiya.

She talked to The Express Tribune about her experience making the film and what the Pakistani film industry needs.

What was your experience of working in Kajraare?

This is my debut film and many things were new for me. They (the director and the team) made me very comfortable while working. The working atmosphere was very good and everybody was professional.

What did you do when you had free time on the set for Kajraare?

I used to have nice chats with Amrita Singh. And sometimes Poojaji, Bhatt sahib and everyone sat together. It was great listening to Mahesh Bhatt. Everybody is professional there as the Indian film industry is the largest film industry and you can’t make people wait for no reason. After my scenes (were shot), I often spent my time in the vanity van.

What are you future plans and current projects?

I am waiting for new projects. I will decide about new film ventures after Kajraare releases. Right now I am working on a drama called “Jal Pari”, which has been written by Zafar Miraj and produced by Humayun Saeed. I’m also working in another serial called “Sandal”, which is being directed by Faisal Qureshi.

What do you think of the state of artistes today?

I think our artistes are doing great in such bad circumstances. We have the worst floods and these days the condition in Karachi is also not conducive for artistes to work. Despite these circumstances, artistes are doing a great job.

Some people in Lollywood believe that Indian movies should not be released on occasions like Eid so there isn’t competition for Pakistani films. Do you support this?

It’s only possible if we have enough movies. This way we will desert our cinema houses which are also an industry. This is wrong to think that if Indian movies are banned people will stop watching them. We should have an open market and do good work.

If you are given Rs 1,000 billion which sector you will spend it on?

The film industry. I will invest this money into making films. I will launch several issue-based, small-budget films in the range of Rs 200 million. And then I will give chance to new people to work whether its directors, actors or technicians.

Is there a Pakistani actor you want to work with?

Shaan.

What do you do in your spare time?

I watch films or read novels. I recently saw and liked Ishqiya. I think such small budget movies should be made in Pakistan to revive Pakistani cinema. We should touch original things which people can connect to.

Are you brand conscious?

It depends on my mood. Sometimes I treat myself very simply but for durability and quality I rely on branded things.

What do you recommend for the revival of Pakistani cinema?

I think our film industry should unite first and then people should work with dedication. We cannot do anything big unless we got over the divisions within our industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2010.