After Hours: Anoushey Ashraf
An exclusive interview with Anoushey Ashraf!
Anoushey Ashraf is one of the finest TV hosts Pakistan’s entertainment industry has today. She started her career with Indus Music in 2002 and has since become a force to be reckoned with. She has worked in multiple shows and projects throughout her career, making her one of the few artists that have a huge fan following; both locally and internationally. Not only is she a trend setter but her captivating personality connects with her audiences on every level
What is your idea of style?
I believe if you are genuinely comfortable in what you’re wearing, you have the ability to pull it off well! My idea of style is something that’s comfortable and looks good. It is something that you think you have the ability to carry off with confidence!
What turns you on creatively?
Travelling is definitely something that makes me more creative, since it’s the only time I have to myself without any distractions. I come up with a lot of new ideas and I instantly jot them down in my diary!
What is one common beauty mistake, in your opinion that women make?
A lot of women still don’t have their concealer right. Either it isn’t the same colour as their skin tone or it’s cracking up so I feel women should go towards something that complements their skin and makes it look as natural as possible!
Your most fulfilling project so far?
I feel there’s nothing more fulfilling than enjoying every project that one works on which is why I enjoy all my projects equally. This way my entire journey of work becomes fulfilling as compared to just one project in particular.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is very understated! If I’m really in the mood to experiment I go a little boho-chic otherwise I just like to keep my style simple and comfortable.
What are the few childhood memories that shaped you?
I have spent a lot of time interacting with nature and I strongly feel it has shaped the person I have become today. I used to spend a lot of time at the beach on boats while fishing, flying kites at the park, rescuing all sorts of animals and taking long road trips with my father. I would recommend parents to get children more acquainted with nature because that’s when you’re at your happiest!
Have you ever been jealous of another artist’s success?
There are times when one compares their work with another person who has performed extremely well and wishes to do the same but in my opinion that’s a sense of competitiveness and not jealousy and a little competition is always healthy.
What are the three signs of beauty for you in a woman?
Three signs of beauty in my eyes would definitely be a woman with a good humour, confidence and one who is tidy, smells good and is presentable!
Have you failed at anything?
I failed at Math in school if that means anything! Other than that I feel there is no such thing as “success” or “failure”, every step taken is a success whether you achieve what you desire or not. So I would say I haven’t failed at anything neither have I won anything – I’m just on my way!
Something you fear?
It really varies from situation to situation. Sometimes I’m scared of flying, sometimes I’m not. Sometimes I’m scared of going on stage, sometimes I’m not. I’m generally an anxious person but I’m working on it!
What gratifies you the most?
Being around loved ones, spending time with my dogs, having a good conversation, getting a genuine hug from a friend, making travel plans – all of these things bring me a lot of gratification and fulfillment.
Your favourite time of the day?
Whenever it’s time to eat and nap! My absolute favourite times of the day!
Three things that no one knows about you?
Well I’m not a very secretive person unfortunately but I guess not many people know that I am a left-handed, I doodle a lot in my free time and I may have a low level form of OCD!
Three hidden talents?
My ability to draw and sketch well is a hidden talent that recently came out and I’m amazed at myself, I’m a quick learner and I can cook well, just by the way!
The three most significant things in your life?
Significant “things” can include a lot! But in a broader picture, my family, my friends and my dreams are significant to me in my life.
What’s the secret behind your fitness?
I have my amazing instructor Hydro, who keeps me motivated all along and I keep my diet controlled whenever I can. I’m not really that fit but thank you for thinking that!
One life lesson that the entertainment industry has taught you?
“With great power comes great responsibility” that’s what the entertainment industry has taught me. With all the love and popularity I have gained, I have learned to be more careful in terms of where to voice my opinion, what to say and just be responsible!
If given a choice would you still host as a career or opt for another profession?
Yeah, I love talking to people, getting to know them and interacting with them so I would choose hosting all over again if I had to.
What ticks you off about people?
There’s not one quality in particular but you know sometimes when you meet someone and the feeling you have when your gut says this person is not a good one? That’s when I become weary of them.
Three qualities you’d want in a friend?
I would like my friends to be people who are intelligent, respectable and fun!
How do you keep your guests engaged throughout your show?
Well, practice makes perfect and I’ve been interviewing so many people over the years and I feel I’ve become a pro at engaging people while keeping the conversation personal, light and fun and asking questions without offending anyone.
How do you deal with an annoying or a boring guest?
I simply talk to my producers and ask to have their segment shortened! I usually have two to three guests at one time so I try and engage the other ones more than the boring ones!
One valuable advice to youngsters who want to enter the media industry?
This message would not just be for all the youngsters coming into the media field but whichever field you’re going into, remember to always respect the people around you, be professional, be hardworking and never look for shortcuts – just keep at it and be honest to your work and you’ll get there. Good luck guys!
What is your idea of style?
I believe if you are genuinely comfortable in what you’re wearing, you have the ability to pull it off well! My idea of style is something that’s comfortable and looks good. It is something that you think you have the ability to carry off with confidence!
What turns you on creatively?
Travelling is definitely something that makes me more creative, since it’s the only time I have to myself without any distractions. I come up with a lot of new ideas and I instantly jot them down in my diary!
What is one common beauty mistake, in your opinion that women make?
A lot of women still don’t have their concealer right. Either it isn’t the same colour as their skin tone or it’s cracking up so I feel women should go towards something that complements their skin and makes it look as natural as possible!
Your most fulfilling project so far?
I feel there’s nothing more fulfilling than enjoying every project that one works on which is why I enjoy all my projects equally. This way my entire journey of work becomes fulfilling as compared to just one project in particular.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is very understated! If I’m really in the mood to experiment I go a little boho-chic otherwise I just like to keep my style simple and comfortable.
What are the few childhood memories that shaped you?
I have spent a lot of time interacting with nature and I strongly feel it has shaped the person I have become today. I used to spend a lot of time at the beach on boats while fishing, flying kites at the park, rescuing all sorts of animals and taking long road trips with my father. I would recommend parents to get children more acquainted with nature because that’s when you’re at your happiest!
Have you ever been jealous of another artist’s success?
There are times when one compares their work with another person who has performed extremely well and wishes to do the same but in my opinion that’s a sense of competitiveness and not jealousy and a little competition is always healthy.
What are the three signs of beauty for you in a woman?
Three signs of beauty in my eyes would definitely be a woman with a good humour, confidence and one who is tidy, smells good and is presentable!
Have you failed at anything?
I failed at Math in school if that means anything! Other than that I feel there is no such thing as “success” or “failure”, every step taken is a success whether you achieve what you desire or not. So I would say I haven’t failed at anything neither have I won anything – I’m just on my way!
Something you fear?
It really varies from situation to situation. Sometimes I’m scared of flying, sometimes I’m not. Sometimes I’m scared of going on stage, sometimes I’m not. I’m generally an anxious person but I’m working on it!
What gratifies you the most?
Being around loved ones, spending time with my dogs, having a good conversation, getting a genuine hug from a friend, making travel plans – all of these things bring me a lot of gratification and fulfillment.
Your favourite time of the day?
Whenever it’s time to eat and nap! My absolute favourite times of the day!
Three things that no one knows about you?
Well I’m not a very secretive person unfortunately but I guess not many people know that I am a left-handed, I doodle a lot in my free time and I may have a low level form of OCD!
Three hidden talents?
My ability to draw and sketch well is a hidden talent that recently came out and I’m amazed at myself, I’m a quick learner and I can cook well, just by the way!
The three most significant things in your life?
Significant “things” can include a lot! But in a broader picture, my family, my friends and my dreams are significant to me in my life.
What’s the secret behind your fitness?
I have my amazing instructor Hydro, who keeps me motivated all along and I keep my diet controlled whenever I can. I’m not really that fit but thank you for thinking that!
One life lesson that the entertainment industry has taught you?
“With great power comes great responsibility” that’s what the entertainment industry has taught me. With all the love and popularity I have gained, I have learned to be more careful in terms of where to voice my opinion, what to say and just be responsible!
If given a choice would you still host as a career or opt for another profession?
Yeah, I love talking to people, getting to know them and interacting with them so I would choose hosting all over again if I had to.
What ticks you off about people?
There’s not one quality in particular but you know sometimes when you meet someone and the feeling you have when your gut says this person is not a good one? That’s when I become weary of them.
Three qualities you’d want in a friend?
I would like my friends to be people who are intelligent, respectable and fun!
How do you keep your guests engaged throughout your show?
Well, practice makes perfect and I’ve been interviewing so many people over the years and I feel I’ve become a pro at engaging people while keeping the conversation personal, light and fun and asking questions without offending anyone.
How do you deal with an annoying or a boring guest?
I simply talk to my producers and ask to have their segment shortened! I usually have two to three guests at one time so I try and engage the other ones more than the boring ones!
One valuable advice to youngsters who want to enter the media industry?
This message would not just be for all the youngsters coming into the media field but whichever field you’re going into, remember to always respect the people around you, be professional, be hardworking and never look for shortcuts – just keep at it and be honest to your work and you’ll get there. Good luck guys!