I would’ve loved to be a few inches taller: Meesha Shafi

L’Oreal Pakistan Spokesperson and singer Meesha Shafi on motherhood and ambition.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I must be truly blessed, because I think the answer to that would be the life I have at present. Wonderful friends, professional recognition and success, a loving husband, a family that supports me and is very dear to me, both mine and the one I’m married into and last but not least, the exciting prospect of motherhood right around the corner.

What is your greatest fear?

Having to live without my loved ones.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I find it difficult to forgive people who hurt or harm me or those close to me. For my own sake, I would like to overcome this.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I can’t stand insecure people who as a result are rude to others.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Vacations and our two Great Danes.

What is your current state of mind?

Extremely wired and restless to get back to work, but at the same time, very anxious to hold my baby for the first time.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Diplomacy.

On what occasion do you lie?

To avoid making a bigger mess of a situation, but rarely.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I would’ve loved to be a few inches taller. But I’m very grateful for all that God has given me.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

A man who is secure enough to truly consider a woman his equal and open minded and generous with his support. Such a man is difficult to find and I consider myself very lucky.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

I greatly respect women who balance the luxury of being independent with being morally sound and dignified. It’s a
delicate balance, especially in our country where independence really is a luxury for most women, and those who enjoy it are often irresponsible with it.

When and where were you happiest?

My wedding. Everything was perfect.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would love to have better control over my spending.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The slightest contribution that I might have made towards projecting a positive image of Pakistan through my singing and songwriting. Mainly after Coke Studio and my association with L’Oréal Paris as a spokesperson.

Where would you most like to live?

I’ve seen some great countries and plan to visit countless more, but I hope peace and prosperity prevail for Pakistan because I
always want to call my beautiful hometown of Lahore home.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

I’ve seen people consumed by their own bitterness, resulting in their being alone and angry. Nothing, to me, is more miserable.

If you didn’t do your current job, what would you choose to do?

Easy — I would paint. In fact I plan to do just that when I retire.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Imran Khan. Edhi. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

What is your greatest regret?

The work I did as a newcomer without paperwork and contracts.

What kind of super powers would you like to have?

I would love to be invisible at will. And super fast, like the Flash.

If you had a time machine, where would you go?

Back to college. Four years of the best times.

What’s the one thing you wish someone would invent?

A fork that also cuts like a knife from one side. A Kfife, or a Knork if you will.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, March 27^th, 2011.