PHOTO: PUBLICITY
KARACHI: Irtiza Rubab, famously known by her stage name Meera, was encouraged by her parents to become an actor when she was just 11 years old. This was a dream come true for the self-professed "free-spirited" Meera Jee who has not only always yearned to be the centre of attention but rose to fame quite rapidly, for both the right and wrong reasons.
She kicked off her film career with Kanta in 1995 and from thereon, made a place for herself in Lollywood, hopping from one film set to another. From Kanta to Hotal to Mahesh Bhatt’s Bollywood project Nazar, Meera soon became unstoppable. To me, she is someone with a great sense of humour, bright, thoughtful, confident and very down to earth. So, if looking pretty and having a vibrant personality is part and parcel of being an actor, then she hits the right notes.
PHOTO: PUBLICITYTalking to The Express Tribune, Meera got candid about film projects, gossip (including misunderstandings!) about her life, soul searching and not getting enough importance from the media, despite a large fan base. She also spoke about how several marriage rumours and court appearances have kept the spotlight shining on her.
The Express Tribune (ET): How did you start your career in the film industry? Tell me about your transformation from Irtiza Rubab to Meera?
Meera: I always wanted to be a doctor or educator. But that didn’t happen. Acting was never on the cards for me. It just happened. My family was on good terms with some renowned people in the industry. My father was a film producer. We had very close relations with Jawed Sheikh, Shamim Ara, Mahmood Sipra, Neeli and famous film producer, director and writer Dabirul Hassan. They were the ones who named me Meera too!
PHOTO: PUBLICITYI have always been very photogenic, like Madhuri Dixit and Julia Roberts. I did my first commercial at the age of nine. Director Saqib Malik conducted my first photo shoot and it all started from there. It was for my first movie role in film-maker Aman Mirza’s Kanta.
ET: How would you recount your first ever onscreen performance?
Meera: I remember very vividly how it felt to be the only child on a film set. I was just 11. And this memory is very important to hold on to. I realised that nobody was treating me according to my age as I looked quite “barhi” (older) than I actually was. My childhood was lost in that word “barhi” and it was upsetting for me. Other than that, everything went well and after that, there was no looking back.
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ET: You have gained critical acclaim and recognition. How will you explain your journey in Pakistani cinema?
Meera: Being a celebrity itself is a big responsibility. Since I started my acting career from a very young age, I had loads of responsibilities towards my profession as well as towards my family. I encountered criticism and competition from within and beyond my circle, and struggled a lot to survive in the industry. But I came out strong. I value my work, know my responsibilities and enjoy working every moment.
PHOTO: PUBLICITYET: You have won many awards for acting. How does it feel and which one is the most special to you?
Meera: I have won almost every award in Pakistan. I won the prestigious Nigar Award twice but I cannot forget the time I won the Pride of Performance Award for my contribution to the film industry. I was the happiest I have ever been.
ET: Tell me about your Bollywood debut film 'Nazar' and the experience of working in Indian cinema. How did it happen?
Meera: It was in 2005 when Mahesh jee approached me to play the lead role in Nazar, and since then, I have always wanted to work in Hollywood. I had no desire to go to Bollywood but Mahesh Bhatt was a big name so I had to say yes. Moreover, I had the financial responsibilities of my family and was offered a high pay so I agreed.
PHOTO: PUBLICITYIt was a big hurdle for me to get over. Working in Bollywood in 2005 was something like a taboo. No one was happy with my decision because there was a big wall between the two countries then. I was even discouraged by my own colleagues. I had to fight a lot but I was adamant to work there. Bollywood is a big industry and I never faced any adversities. They work well and pay well. I was very well received by the artists there.
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ET: Tell us something about your upcoming projects?
Meera: My last film was Hotal. I have been offered five films but have decided do just one every year. So I will be returning to the big screen with a Salma Iqbal film soon. I will also be starting a morning show titled Coffee with Meera.
ET: Who are your favourite actors?
Meera: I am huge fan of Leonardo Di Caprio and Salman Khan. In Pakistan I have worked with Shaan, Babar Ali and Saud, and found them very professional. I like Julia Roberts and Humaima Mallick a lot too.
PHOTO: PUBLICITYET: What’s your average day like?
Meera: It’s like any other woman’s normal day. I bond a lot with my family and we are very frank with each other. Spending quality time with them is important for me. I love sitting with them and gossiping for hours. Besides this, I am a very good cook. I love cooking fish whenever I have the time.
ET: Your marriage rumours and court appearances have often been the talk of town. Are you really a ‘scandal queen’?
Meera: It really hurts me when people label me as ‘scandal queen’. I don’t cultivate scandals. These are all cooked up rumours by some crazy enemies. I feel really sad when rumours about my multiple marriages are shown on TV. Those were all fabricated claims.
ET: Do you have a secret talent?
Meera: I can sing very well. Yet, it is undiscovered because I’ve never tried to make it public.
PHOTO: PUBLICITYET: Undoubtedly, you are one of the most beautiful faces in Pakistan. What is your beauty trick?
Meera: I would prefer ageing naturally. When wrinkles come I will accept them gracefully. To me wrinkles are a part of expression and not a sign of ageing. I want to ask all women – young and old – to accept life the way it comes. They should look beautiful naturally and should not run after cosmetic lifts or botox. Beauty comes with action and spirit.
Life will take its toll on all of us. Looks are not everything. I am not going to look beautiful all the time. But I can look beautiful if I take care naturally.
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