I would choose dramas over films: Saboor Aly

Actor shares her two cents on what acting really means to her, prerequisite while choosing scripts and more

KARACHI: Her sister Sajal Aly’s high-profile celebrity status definitely overshadows hers but fortunately Saboor Aly has no complaints. She considers her sister to be her role model, both personally and professionally. And, it never bogged her down when Sajal signed a Bollywood project so soon in her career. Well, this is the bond of true sisterhood between the star siblings, whose relationship Saboor describes as “we’re different individuals, yet associated as one.”

In an interview with The Express Tribune, Saboor talks how she has managed to hold her own in the industry, what acting really means to her and her prerequisite while choosing scripts.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ SABOOR ALY

The Express Tribune (ET): How did your career commence?

Saboor Aly (SA): Similar to any other child who loved watching TV and re-enacting scenes in front of a mirror, I too, fancied the life of an actor. The very idea of being a different person in every drama has always intrigued me. On screen, you get to be someone else entirely, with a completely different personality. I started with a small role in a drama serial only to be offered a bigger role in the next and the rest is now history.

ET: Everyone recognises you as Sajal Aly’s sister. How have you managed to hold your own? Does it bother you?

SA: Let’s be honest; who wouldn’t be proud of a person that the entire country adores? Her family, of course! Sajal being the older one has always been my greatest inspiration. We are not professionally dependable on each other as I have my own struggles when it comes to my career. I have never been offered nor have I ever approached a serial for the sole reason that I am Sajal’s sister. I believe in having a strong and independent personality because that is the role I have assumed in the house after the sad departure of my beloved mother.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ SABOOR ALY

ET: Let’s talk about your dramas. Do you like to experiment with your roles? What do you look at to choose scripts?

SA: In the early days of my career, I was just too fascinated with getting to play different roles and that seemed enough to me. Now when I receive a script, I take my time to imagine myself being in the character, the importance of that character and the moral of the serial. Do I as an individual agree with the choices my character has to make throughout the serial? I believe that the characters I choose should in some way depict my personal life, struggles and choices.

ET: Tell us about your upcoming roles? Is there anything interesting in the pipeline?

SA: At the moment I am working on a project called Meray Khudayaa, which focuses on a social flaw within our society. The serial addresses the subject of harassment in the most common ways, yet it remains unnoticed by the parents and family until it is too late. I believe that this drama will be extremely relatable and will help people in understanding how important it is to keep a constant check on your children.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ SABOOR ALY

ET: Tell us about the one project that is close to your heart?

SA: It has to be Rang Laga. I have always considered this project to be my reckoning. I got to show everyone what I was capable of as an actor and the character offered a lot of margin. The industry generally does not give respect so easily unless you get a certain performance under your belt and that is what Rang Laga gave me: a reason to act.

ET: What does acting mean to you?

SA: Acting means everything to me, especially now. My mother was my world, my best friend, my confidant, my saviour, my trusted ally and ironically, I lost it all in an instant. From that day till today, I wake up and get to work only for my passion, acting. This is what keeps me alive, keeps me connected and most importantly keeps me happy!

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ SABOOR ALY

ET: Difference between acting in films and acting in dramas? Which one do you prefer?

SA: Both mediums are very different to be compared in a nutshell. However, being fortunate enough to have fulfilled both duties as a film and drama actor, I would say that drama would be my pick. The continuity of a character in dramas offer you a lot of space to perform, to adapt, to live and to enjoy.

Trailer of 'Nanu Aur Main' will make you want to visit your grandparents

ET: What are your Bollywood dreams?

SA: Firstly, let me clarify something before someone makes a controversy out of this! If you are good at what you do, then you would want to showcase your talent to all the possible platforms in the world, be it Bollywood or Hollywood; there should no distinction in art or entertainment. Having said that, I have watched a lot of Bollywood while growing up. The likes of Madhuri Jee, Sri Devi Jee, Tabu Jee and a few more have tempted me into falling for this profession in the first place. I would definitely like to work for a Bollywood script if the character has something good to offer.

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