US TALK
Khushi Maheen is an incredible young artist who is loved for her outstanding performances in numerous serials and movies. Her understanding for intricate roles and her incredible performance have been appreciated by the audience. Let’s learn more about her journey …
How did the first offer come your way?
Once I accompanied my father to a shoot where the director spotted me and asked me if I can act. Reluctantly I delivered few lines in front of him. Later, I was told I got a part in the project. My first serial was Thora Sa Aasman.
What was it like to face the camera for the first time?
It went pretty well. I am good with the lines and don’t have issues with remembering dialogues.
How different are you in real life from Khushi we see on screen?
I don’t talk and mingle that much. I rehearse my lines or keep myself to my books, which often go with me to the sets.
Do you still have to go to auditions for the roles you are offered?
Yes, things are very professional and a good deal of focus is given to the casting and even established stars have to go for auditions for big projects.
Which serials and movies have you starred in?
There are so many but if I have to name a few then Khani, Aik Aam si Larki, Maazi, Andaz-e-Sitam, Tumse hi Tahluq Hai, Khoat , Mere Jeene ki Wajha, Saaya, Masoom, Maa Sadqe, Aik thi Mariyum, Beti hi Tu Hai, Mohabbat Dagh ki Soorat, Dua, and Pari.
How do you prepare for a character?
My father helps me understand a script. He reads it and explains the story so that I am able to comprehend my character.
Do seniors help you on the sets?
I get a lot of love, care and guidance from my seniors. They all are fantastic. They guide me how to emote and react in a given scene.
What has been the most challenging role so far?
It was the character I played in the movie Pari. Apart from being my first movie, it was a role in a horror movie that required different get-ups and styling.
Do you like comedy or tragedy? What’s easy?
I think serious roles offer better margin to express and emote. But I want to be versatile.
What do you want to become in future?
I want to become a doctor.
What are the hobbies which keep you engaged?
Crafting, sketching, cooking, and baking.
Families usually don’t like girls joining showbiz. Are your parents okay with it?
I feel blessed to have the loveliest parents. Especially, my papa who takes care of everything. I think he holds a magic wand that he sways and things get so easy for me to handle. If he wasn’t around, I couldn’t even do one project effortlessly and I’m nothing without his guidance, support and love.
Were you cool stepping into movies and that too with a horror movie Pari?
When my papa told me that it’s a horror flick, I refused to do it. On the other side, director Syed Atif Ali had already auditioned more than two hundred girls before me and couldn’t find anyone suitable for the role. So he convinced me to deliver few lines and it took him only five minutes to offer me that role. And I have to admit that I had so much fun during the entire shooting.
What was the most challenging situation that you experienced and feel proud of at the same time?
There is an upcoming serial where I had to record 68 scenes and that too in just six days, and it was really tough. But later on, director told me that he is adding four more scenes just because I was performing so well. It was really overwhelming but I felt proud of myself.
Who are your favourite actors?
Nimra Khan, Neelam Muneer, Bilal Abbas, Syed Jibran and Sohail Sameer are my favouirtes. Among child co-stars it’s Falak Shehzad, not because he is my brother but it’s because we have worked together in numerous projects.
As a teen, how do you strike a balance between your showbiz and studies?
I am a good, A-grade student and I make sure all my recordings are placed after my school timings.
What’s the funniest, non-scripted incident that’s happened on the set, which is too hard for you to erase from your memory?
Once actor Sohail Sameer hid my shoes on the sets so quietly that nobody on the set had any clue. After pack-up, everyone was looking for them and it was so funny.