God has blessed Meera with a very expressive face: Amna Ilyas

‘Baaji’ starlets discuss upcoming film, their camaraderie and cinema in general with ‘The Express Tribune’

KARACHI: Whenever someone or something is late in the Pakistani showbiz industry, people start comparing them to actor Humaima Malick or film-maker Saqib Malik. Apparently, the Bol starlet shows up on the set way past her call times and Saqib big screen debut has been in the ‘making’ for at least a decade.

We are not sure if Humaima’s work ethic has improved or not but Saqib’s Baaji is finally hitting the screens on Friday, June 28. The lead stars of the upcoming drama, Meera and Amna Ilyas sat down with The Express Tribune recently and shared their nerves about what is being called the most anticipated release of the year.

PHOTO:FILE

Meera is one of those rare celebrities who, despite having a limited and not-so-celebrated body of work, manage to remain more relevant in pop-culture than many of her much-venerated colleagues. Yet, a film by a seasoned director like Saqib doesn’t hurt a dime. Choosing Baaji as her comeback to mainstream Urdu cinema was a no-brainer for Meera.



“I have always wanted to work with Saqib Malik on a film,” Meera shared. “In fact, I agreed to make a formal comeback to mainstream cinema only because the film was being directed by Saqib Malik.”

Meera is not only fond of the film-maker’s work ethic but believes that Saqib is one of the few people who understand the magic of the big screen. The character that he has written for Meera in Baaji is a diva – a film star who goes by the name of Shameera. The similarity between the names and personalities forces one to draw parallels between the real and the reel, even if they don’t exist.

PHOTO:SCREENGRAB

“I think Shameera is not similar to me as such,” says Meera, “But there are moments in her life that I can relate to. I can basically understand where Shameera is coming from.”

Neha, on the other hand, is Shameera’s confidant, best friend and someone who looks up to her. Eventually, they come at a crossroad where the line gets fuzzy. Amna is excited about playing Neha, who she believes represents the anti-thesis of Shameera: the ordinary girl whose epitome of leisure and entertainment is going to a shopping mall because she can’t afford it otherwise.



“I think the masses are really going to relate to my character,” said the model-turned-actor. “She represents the girl who works in a beauty parlour, who drives the local cab and yet, finds satisfaction in the ordinary pleasures of life.”



Amna belongs to a different generation of actors. The methods have evolved, the aesthetics have changed and the screens are getting smaller with time. Yet, charisma is something that continues to remain central to the frame and that is something that she believes Meera continues to personify.

“God has given Meera jee such an expressive face. She is made for the big screen,” said Amna. “Meera is a superstar. I have been so impressed by her professionalism that I can only call my work with Meera a learning experience.”

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