Bold and beautiful

interview

Saheefa Jabbar Khattak, a stylish model-turned-actor, is known for her quirky sense of style. She started her career as a model and was noted for her short hair looks on the ramp. After receiving an award for Best Emerging Talent at Lux Style Awards, she moved on to acting and made her debut with ‘Teri Meri Kahani’ in 2018 followed by ‘Beti’. Armed with a degree in Business Economics, Khattak showed her acting skills in hit drama serials ‘Choti Choti Batain’ and ‘Log Kya Kahenge’ in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

Now, after a hiatus of four years Khattak is back on the TV screen with ‘Rafta Rafta’, a light comedy play, alongside Zaviyar Nauman Ejaz and Hina Dilpazeer. Her comeback was well received by her fans. In an exclusive interview with You! this bold and beautiful actor talks about her passion for acting. Read on…

What made you interested in pursuing career in showbiz?

Though I studied business, it wasn’t my cup of tea. I knew that I wanted to do something different. Since my college days I was naturally inclined towards acting and modelling. I was determined to make my career in showbiz. I gave it a shot to modelling and was pleasantly surprised when I received ‘Best Emerging Talent’ Award. Soon, I was offered roles in dramas that I gladly accepted and then there was no looking back.

We are watching you on the screen after four years, what was the reason of your absence?

I am frequently asked this question these days. It wasn’t that I did not want to work, I was sick and tired of doing stereotypical roles. I was actually waiting for a good script. Although I was getting a lot of offers in those years, none of them caught my fancy. However, when I got to read the script of ‘Rafta Rafta’, I instantly said ‘yes’ as it offered me a different and interesting role.

What about your roles in Log Kya Kahenge and Beti?

I started acting in 2017 and by 2019 I had done four projects. Since I was new, I had no idea what kind of roles I should choose. In most plays I portrayed the role of a mazloom aurat. In ‘Log Kya Kahenge’ I played the role of Meerab, a simple housewife who was happily married but then after her husband’s demise, she had to face life’s adversities. Before LKK, I also did a serial ‘Beti’ in which I played an almost 50-year-old woman. Saboor Aly was my daughter in that play. However, I learned a lot from both these serials.

What is your role in Rafta Rafta?

My role in ‘Rafta Rafta’ is a far cry from my previous roles. It is a light comedy serial. I am playing the role of Savera who is the only daughter of a single mom (Hina Dilpazeer). Savera is not like typical girls who are waiting for their prince charm to come to their rescue. Savera is a young bold girl who knows exactly what she wants in life.

What kind of characters you want to do in future?

I would like to play characters that are complex and challenging. I have checked two scripts yet. They are interesting. I would not say they are out of this world but I have learned that after going through 10 to 15 scripts, you finally get one that you find amazing. For my viewers, they are going to see me regularly on TV screen now. Hopefully, I am not going to take long breaks from acting.

Any particular character you want to do?

Not really. I can do any character that appeals to me. I am a firm believer in team work. I am particular about my script, director and co-actors. One person cannot take the credit of a successful drama or series. It’s the effort from the writer, director, producer and actors. Yes, I would like to work with a strong cast. I think that one can also enhance one’s acting skills by working with good actors.

Who are your favourite actors you want to work with?

There are so many great actors. I have performed with ace actors like Azfar Rehman, Noman Masood (Teri Meri Kahani); Zahid Ahmed (Choti Choti Baatein); Faisal Qureshi, Sakina Samo and Aijaz Aslam (Log Kya Kahenge). I had an amazing experience working with all these actors. I have also enjoyed working with Hina Dilpazeer in ‘Rafta Rafta’. There is a long list of actors with whom I would like to perform in future.

What are some of the issues that are close to your heart?

I think we need to raise awareness regarding mental health. It is an important issue that needs to be highlighted but sadly it is ignored by most of us. I have been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. We should empathise with those who are struggling with anxiety, stress, grief and depression. Mind you, severe depression may lead you on the verge of committing suicide.

Would you like to try your luck in films?

It’s a tough question. Our film industry is going through a transition. I may consider doing films if I offer a good role but I cannot say anything for sure at the moment.