“I love playing emotionally demanding and challenging characters” - Madiha Iftikhar

interview

You! What inspired you to pursue a career in acting?

Madiha Iftikhar: The world of cameras and studios always fascinated me, and since I was a child, I had a deep desire to become an actor. Basically, my parents inspired me to work in media, even though they were in a different field, educating people through their show ‘Boltay Haath’ which was based on sign language for deaf and mute special people. The show was aired on PTV in the 1990s. My parents’ support and encouragement helped me a lot in following a career in acting.

You! How did you get your start in the showbiz industry?

MI: I landed the main lead role in a mega project called ‘Partition Ek Safar’ by Rana Sheikh, launched by Geo Entertainment, one of the most expensive TV dramas ever produced in Pakistan. This project will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s amazing how my parents’ inspiration and my own passion led me to this point in my career.

You! What are some of your most popular TV plays?

MI: ‘Sarkar Sahab’ (2007); ‘Aashti’ (2009); ‘Neelam’ (2011); ‘Jhoomer’ (2012); ‘Koi Deepak Ho’ (2015); ‘Mera Haq’ (2018); ‘Meri Guriya’ (2022) and ‘Chand Tara’ (2023).

You! In your opinion, what are the challenges and opportunities for female actors in the entertainment industry today?

MI: To be honest, Pakistani female artists continue to grapple with substantial hurdles in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, there seems to be a reluctance to embrace the beauty and talent of mature women, resulting in a dearth of meaningful roles for actresses once they cross a certain age threshold. Moreover, there is a noticeable absence of narratives that empower and inspire the viewers.

You! You have played a variety of roles in different genres. Is there a particular type of character you haven’t portrayed yet but would like to explore in the future?

MI: I have always harboured a strong desire to portray differently-abled characters in my work, with the aim of highlighting their unique abilities and contributions to society. Unfortunately, the entertainment industry has often overlooked such subjects, making it a challenging task to find such roles. These individuals are an integral part of our society, and their stories deserve to be highlighted or told. I am committed to pursuing opportunities that allow me to give a voice to these underrepresented individuals and showcase their strengths and resilience.

You! What type of characters do you like to play the most?

MI: From the beginning of my career, I have been drawn to emotionally demanding and challenging characters. These roles have always excited me and given me a sense of fulfilment. When I’m offered such roles, I feel ecstatic because they provide an opportunity for me to prove myself and dive deep into the complexities of the character. It’s a privilege to have the chance to bring these characters to life and explore their depths.

You! Could you tell us about any upcoming projects you are working on or any roles that you are particularly excited about?

MI: I am excited to share that I have embarked on a new project titled ‘Gair’ with Yasir Nawaz for Six Sigma. While you may have seen me portray negative characters in the past, this time, I’m taking on a role as a troublemaker with a pessimistic outlook, shaped by past scenarios. I believe you’ll find this character captivating and intriguing. I can’t wait for you to watch ‘Gair’ and witness the evolution of this character.

You! With the rise of digital platforms, what are your thoughts on the changing landscape of content consumption and its impact on the entertainment industry?

MI: The rise of digital platforms has brought about a significant transformation. It has had a profound impact on the entertainment industry. Digital platforms have made content more accessible than ever before. Viewers can watch their favourite shows, movies, and content on-demand, anytime, and anywhere. Digital platforms have opened up opportunities for a wide range of content creators, from established studios to independent filmmakers.

You! What message or takeaway do you hope your audience gets from the characters you portray on screen?

MI: I use my roles and characters to promote women’s empowerment by showcasing strong, independent women who can overcome obstacles and achieve their desires through determination and resilience.