Mother of the moment

Actor Atiqa Odho on upcoming film ‘Dobara Phir Se’, breaking stereotypes

KARACHI:

Television veteran Atiqa Odho is a household name for all connoisseurs of Pakistani dramas. Having spent nearly two decades in the entertainment industry, the actor occupies a permanent place in their hearts. And when she ventured into films, her status was solidified even further. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Odho reveals what 2016 has in store for her: she is working on three television dramas and will also be starring in a film scheduled for release this year. Odho says she will be essaying different roles of a mother in all four projects, instead of playing the stereotypical character of a mother in each production.

“My role of a mother is different in all four projects. From behaviour to mannerism to belonging to different strata of society, I will be seen enacting different personalities,” shares Odho. “Besides, there are many issues faced by middle-aged women which have not been addressed. All the scripts I have accepted talk about the different problems encountered by women. My character is important because any supporting role gives an opportunity to develop the main lead.”

This is perhaps why the actor has no qualms about playing a supporting role even after playing the lead character for most of her career. “I’ve always played the lead character in the past. However, I will be playing supporting roles in all upcoming projects. Needless to say, my work is getting challenging, yet exciting, by the day.”

Citing the drama serial Mushrik, which is being shot in Mauritius, Odho says it depicts cultural and religious conflicts as the storyline is based on two individuals of different nationalities. “I’m playing the mother of the lead character in the serial,” she says.

And with the roles as diverse as they are, Odho will have to exhibit a fair bit of versatility. After Mushrik, 2016 will see the actor portraying the role of a woman struck by financial troubles in Aik Khamoshi Ka Matlab. “I haven’t done a role like this since the 1993 TV drama Nijaat. So, I’m excited about it,” she adds. In Odho’s third project, Besharam, her character leads a seemingly happy and content life, but is heartbroken when her two daughters lead her astray and break her trust.

On the silver screen, Odho will play the role of a mother-in-law to actor Hareem Farooq in Mehreen Jabbar’s upcoming film Dobara Phir Se. The film has been shot in New York and Karachi, and also stars Ali Kazmi and Adeel Hussain.

On how her decision to accept the four projects, Odho says she looks at three things before finalising an offer. “Firstly, I look at the script and understand the character. And then, my decision is mainly based on what the audience will think of it. How will it affect them? I want my audience to connect with me emotionally. My ultimate goal is to involve them with my character.”

As a shout out to her fans, Odho has a piece of advice for them. “Life is a journey. Humans hesitate to grow old and mature with dignity, but every age has its own set of qualities. One should live with poise and face the challenges with dignity.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th,  2016.

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