If you are on the lookout for an actor who is deeply committed to focusing on philanthropy and repelled by the very notion of being a star, you would have to spare but a moment's thought before landing on Sania Saeed.
As for the unversed, this eloquent film, theatre and television actor's recent candid conversation on Gup Shab With Vasay Chaudhry will prove beyond measure that not all stars hog the limelight. Some hum along in the background with unassuming industry and make the world a better place for it.
Paying it forward
Alongside her acting endeavours that began with a catapult to fame in 1991 with Haseena Moin's Aahat, Sania has kept up her passion for animal rescue work and an equally robust commitment to improving the lives of children with cancer.
"My father didn't like it if we were sitting idle," recalls the Sammi actor. "He would always urge us to volunteer somewhere at organisations and send us out of the house in all weathers from age 15 or 16."
Sania credits her father for drumming the very cornerstone of charity in her upbringing, although she is touchingly averse to boasting about her efforts. "Whatever I do is tantamount to two drops in the ocean," she insists. "But it is a personal commitment. I don't have to tell anyone about it. To propel it forward is my job."
Embodying the adage that charity begins at home, Sania is adamant that everyone should get involved, however small a step it may seem. "Everyone should identify a cause that touches their hearts, whether it is with animals or children or women's rights or anything else. You can tutor kids in your neighbourhood. Start small and see it through."
Speaking of women
When it comes to her fellow women, Sania rues that we are a long way from giving them the credit or monetary compensation they deserve for the work they put in – in any field, be it farming or working in the home.
"We don't give equal opportunities," she laments. "If you study sociology, you will realise that in rural areas, all the women are working. They have been working alongside men for generations. A very, very large number of your farmers are all women – not since today, but for thousands of years. You just don't recognise the hard work that they put in."
Sania adds that until women are included in the mainstream economy, nothing will change. "You don't pay them monetarily for the work they do. All the work that women do at home – if a man has to do the cooking, the cleaning, the gardening, you pay him," she points out. "When your mother does any of it, you don't consider it work. That is the problem. We need to consciously rephrase our thought process. Your brain will start rewiring and you will be able to see the bigger picture."
Thoughts on stardom
She may be an actor, but Sania is almost repulsed by the notion of being branded a 'star'. She insists that from the very beginning, she went out of her way to ensure that she lives as 'normal' a life as possible.
"Aahat was an overnight success," she muses. "I was in college at the time. I used to travel by bus. For years, I didn't buy a car – on purpose, and because of that, I couldn't form too many friendships in the industry or mingle because I was doing something that was the complete opposite. I didn't want to be a star and didn't let myself become one."
Despite her best efforts to avoid becoming a star, no one can deny that Sania has become firmly entrenched in the entertainment industry – and she has been here long enough to recognise the one thing that can destroy a film or a show.
"A weak script is the most annoying thing for me," she remarks. "You can do a lot about anything else, but there is nothing you can do about a weak script."
Comparing a script to a human body, Sania elaborates, "When your body's cells deteriorate, there is nothing you can do – and sadly the level of writing has deteriorated and become very questionable. Everything is so shallow now."
Regardless of it all, Sania is determined to power through without giving too much thought to the roles that land before her. "I just want to do the best with whatever I am given," she insists. "Although it is ironic that the older you get and the more you have honed your craft, you just start getting roles that are not as challenging."
New generation of actors
For those who believe acting is a walk in the park, Sania is there to disabuse that notion. "Acting is not as easy as it looks," she maintains. "Your brain is doing so many things subliminally. Objective and subjective – an actor has to be all of these things when performing. You see yourself from a distance and simultaneously see yourself internally."
Does she carry over parts of other characters into her performances though? Absolutely. "You get a residue of every character you have played, but how much you imbibe them takes practice," she observes.
When it comes to the new generation of actors, Sania has reservations about the roles they are offered but is convinced there is untapped potential.
"Hania has improved significantly and is really focused on her work," she states. "As for other younger actors [such as Dananeer Mobeen], the problem is that they don't get challenging roles. Right now, they only get roles that are based on their existing personalities, so you are not exploring their acting talent."
As an afterthought, she adds, "Actually, our actors are wonderful – but the writers, not so much."
Favourite stars
It would be impossible to have been in the industry for three decades without having a list of favourite co-stars, and Sania is no exception, with the usual suspects cropping up in her list.
"Everyone is like family to me, but I love working with Naumaan Ijaz – I have done so many complicated roles with him," she says. "And Humayun [Saeed] is also a fabulous actor. He and Fawad can carry a film all on their own."
When it comes to the women, Sania has a separate list. "Sajal [Ali] is a very, very good co-star. If I ever get the chance, I would love to work with Yumna [Zaidi]. There are many other people whose names I can't recall right now."
When all is said and done, however, there is just one thing Sania really wants to do. "I just want to focus on my charity efforts with children and animal rescue more," she concludes.
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