I never had a dating controversy in Pakistan: Mawra Hocane

Pakistani actor talks rumoured link-ups with Bollywood actors and how she has matured with time

LAHORE: Mawra Hocane’s debut Bollywood project Sanam Teri Kasam may have received lukewarm reviews, but the actor’s presence in the Indian film industry is quite the hot topic. Long before the film even came out, the Pakistani beauty began making headlines on account of alleged link-ups with her co-star Harshvardhan Rane, Sooraj Pancholi and even Ranbir Kapoor.

But by now, Mawra has become immune to speculation from the media. “I never actually had a dating controversy here in Pakistan. In India, on the other hand, such rumours are part of the deal,” she told The Express Tribune. “None of it is true but I’ve realised that it’s all part of the work I do. So now, I simply enjoy whatever is written about me. Yes, sometimes it is hurtful but in the end, the truth always reveals itself, no matter what.”

The 23-year-old has indeed learnt from her mistakes. She recalled the incident of how rumours of a secret romance between Ranbir and herself surfaced after she expressed her admiration for the Tamasha actor over social media. “You see, everyone matures. I am well aware of where I stand today and how what I say or do can become a headline. I don’t mention Ranbir anymore, but still get his name in scripts at award shows, so I avoid the topic altogether.”



Clearly, she has come a long way since then. Her maturity shows, even when she discusses her upcoming film projects. “If I share more information too early, the pressure becomes too much by the time the film is released,” explained the starlet, who is currently working on a serial with another Indian film in tow. However, she only revealed that the director of the latter is “critically acclaimed” and that is why she chose to do it.

The seriel, on the other hand, is set in rural Sindh during the yesteryears and depicts various social issues. “There is massive pressure on Pakistani actors to take up serials as fans connect with those, more than films,” said Mawra, about her career choices. Both projects come a few months after she took a break to unwind from her last offering, Sanam Teri Kasam. The film was shot over a period of six months and its intense storyline took a toll on the youngster. “It was a very emotional project as I had to live the life of a girl dying every day for so long and be okay with it after the shoot ended. It made me kind and passionate but vulnerable too,” confessed Mawra. “The miseries portrayed in just one hour of the film stayed with me much longer. I hope I can become a less sensitive actor one day, because I won’t be able to take a break after every film.”

In this regard, Mawra looks up to Priyanka Chopra. She feels the Indian diva, who has worked in both Bollywood and Hollywood, can do anything.

“Social pressure isn’t just in Pakistan but across the globe and actors feel it from their respective societies. Priyanka handles it so well and everyone is just applauding her. I hope to do different things just like her and be proud of them, someday.” Of the things Mawra wishes to be a part of, a period drama or biopic of late singer Nazia Hassan would be it. “I used to hear Nazia’s stories from my mother while growing up and feel a deep connection with her.”

Mawra brims with a refreshing vibe which makes her unstoppable. For detractors who feel Sanam Teri Kasam was not a good launch pad for her, she had to say, “I had a lot of offers before the film but I didn’t do them as I felt Sanam Teri Kasam could portray me at my best. People don’t recognise you if an actor’s part is not influential enough,” she stated. “I needed a part like Saru [her character in the film] to arrive in films, whether in India or Pakistan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2016.

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