Who exactly is Aleeze Nasser, you could be forgiven for thinking because this half-Turkish, half-Pakistani actress is still relatively unknown in Pakistan’s burgeoning film scene. But she is all set to make a debut through Yalghaar and is on the path, to what
Instep sat down with the young actress, who reveals why she chose Pakistani films over Turkish plays, amongst other things…
Instep: A lot of expatriate Pakistani girls like you have started venturing into Pakistan’s film industry … what do you think is the primary reason for that?
Aleeze Nasser: I believe that the current wave of new-age cinema in Pakistan is responsible for that. Pakistanis – be it those living in Pakistan or abroad – are mighty talented people who bring a different quality to the cinema. If I speak for myself, I hadn’t seen many Pakistani films (exceptKhuda Kay Liye, Bol) so had no idea what was being produced here. After I met Doc (Dr. Hassan Waqas Rana ofWaarfame) and sawWaar, I was quite impressed. Moreover, Doc is a very wholesome, positive and an intellectual person so when he offered me the role of Col. Imran’s wife inYalghaar, I didn’t hesitate at all.
Instep: How did Dr. Hassan Waqas Rana approach you in the first place?
AN: One of my professors introduced me to Doc who must have known that I was a trained actor from the New York Film Academy. At that time, I was doing an Air Tel campaign in Dubai when Doc approached me and briefed me about the project that was first titledDelta, Echo, Foxtrotand later renamedYalghaar. I am also part of his filmWaar 2and trust me, both the characters are worlds apart.
Instep: What character are you playing inYalghaarand opposite whom?
AN: It’s a role of an army officer’s wife who has a uniquely romantic relationship with her husband; she finds herself become a better person and a citizen for having him in her life. The husband is played by the brilliant veteran actor, Adnan Siddiqui, who needs no introduction.
Instep: Tell us something about yourself … where were you born and where did you study?
AN: My parents met when my mother was in Pakistan to study; my father is a PhD in Physics and when I was three years old, we shifted from Karachi to Dubai. Since my Dad wanted me to complete my degree before venturing into showbiz, I got a business degree first and then went to NYFA in Los Angeles for an acting degree.
Instep: Your mother is Turkish and father is a Pakistani … why didn’t you go for Turkish plays?
AN: (Laughs) I would love to do Turkish plays but my Urdu is better than my mother tongue; I will have to brush that up first. I however have taken up some modeling
Instep: Did you have any problems with scripts in Urdu since it isn’t your first language as well?
AN: Actually no … my parents are enthusiasts of Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. In fact my father is a very good sitar player hence we never forgot our roots. The first script I got from Doc was written in Roman English so I didn’t have much problem but yes, I have improved my reading skills so that wouldn’t be a barrier in the future.
Instep: We hear that you have a love for dance?
AN: Oh, I am crazy about dancing! Like all young girls, I too started off with initial ballet training and as I grew up, jazz, tap dancing, salsa and of course Indian classical all became a passion of mine. I continue to explore new dance forms to date.
Instep: What about modeling assignments in Pakistan?
AN: I haven’t done much modeling. My focus has primarily been acting but I am open to it.
Instep: Every actor has an inspiration … which actors inspired you?
AN: To tell you the truth, I don’t become a fan of a particular actor as such but their performances. Some of the characters done by Meryl Streep, Bradley Cooper and Tom Hanks, for example, are ingrained in my mind and have blown me away but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I watch every film they are in.
Instep: What about your scope in Hollywood and Bollywood?
AN: Right now the big buzz is in Pakistan and it should be our focus to bring our industry forward, to be recognized and respected all over the world. Yes, for any actor it is a dream to expand and I am already doing a movie with Denzel Washington as the director, but it’s my full intention to contribute to our Pakistani cinema primarily.
Instep: What’s next on your plate?
AN: Currently I am looking at many scripts from films and TV producers alike. I don’t want to regret not doing TV later in my career so yes, TV is one of the things I might try soon. I have also signed on forWaar 2,which will go on floors as soon asYalghaaris released.
- Omair Alavi is a freelance journalist and can be contacted at omair78gmail.com