For Nadia Jamil, it’s Indian films over Indian soaps

As much as the actor admires Bollywood, she is not interested in joining the industry

NEW DELHI:

Pakistani actor Nadia Jamil who was recently seen in a theatre play with Sania Saeed titled Lorilei, is happy with the “wonderful stir” created by television shows from her country in India. However she is not as excited about watching Indian soaps and instead is die-hard fan of Indian movies.

Many Pakistani shows, which are being aired on Hindi entertainment channel Zindagi, have been praised by Indian viewers and her show Dhoop Chhaon is one of them, making her delighted. “I knew people would like the plays, because I know the themes across both our borders, our stories, our relationships inside the family network are similar,” Nadia wrote in an email interaction from Lahore. “I didn’t realise they would create such a wonderful stir. Feel blessed we can share our talent across the border,” she added.



The actor’s opinion on Indian soaps is, however, completely different. Asked about Indian shows, she said: “I find them very boring. It’s surprising that in a country as diverse and exciting as India, TV soaps remain trapped in the same formula of tacky glamour and stock shots. “They don’t express or explore the textures, light, locations, incredible strong women and dynamics of today’s India. I can’t watch it. I fall asleep. No offence please, it’s probably just a matter of different tastes,” she added.

Jamil the “romance addict” is in admiration of Bollywood films and stars. She loves the work of Guru Dutt, Satyajit Ray, David Dhawan and Vishal Bhardwaj. Among actors, she likes Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Deepika Padukone, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher. “I’m very fond of many Indian films! A film I can watch a 100 times... Abhimaan, Wake Up Sid, Silsila and Kabhie Kabhie,” she says.

However, the actor is not interested in joining the Indian film industry. Asked if she would like to try her hand at Bollywood, she said: “Nope. I’m hoping to become a better actor. However, whenever, wherever.”



Married for 14 years and a mother of two boys, she is currently seen as Shandana, a working woman who is not happy in her marriage, in Dhoop Chhaon. She says she, “felt sorry for my poor struggling character”. “I wished I could give her some tips but she had to take her own path and find her own truth,” said Jamil, who started acting at the age of 13.

She enjoys acting, but selecting projects isn’t easy for her. “I guess choosing the project is the scariest part. It’s like choosing a life partner! I’m never really sure if I want to commit,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2014.

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