Anoushey Ashraf is the first known female VJ of Pakistan. Ashraf has been in the showbiz since many years.
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Anoushey Ashraf is the first known female VJ of Pakistan. Ashraf has been in the showbiz since many years. She was introduced to TV by none other than producer/director Ghazanfar Ali, who has the credit of introducing many fresh faces in the industry. “I just walked in for an audition at a private channel and I was spotted by Ghazanfar Ali, the CEO of the channel, we just clicked and as they say, the rest is history,” says Ashraf.
Today, she is considered as one of the sought after faces of Pakistan. She has also acted in a drama serial, directed by Saira Kazmi. Ashraf is also into designing. She started her label ‘Block Seven’ in 2010 with her two partners Natasha Qizilbash and Alizeh Ashraf. It is a western clothing brand and Ashraf herself is the brand ambassador for her home venture.
These days Ashraf is hosting a morning show on a private channel. She is also working on a drama serial called ‘Chinaar Ghati’ that will be on air soon. Let’s see what are the likes & dislike of this cool VJ, host and actor...
How many TV shows you have done so far?
That’s a tough one. Let’s just say the list is endless and still growing.
What was your first TV show?
A show called ‘IM requested’ where I would take live calls, read letters and emails and play songs.
You started as a VJ and now you are hosting a morning show - how has the journey been?
The journey has been great. I started super duper early. It all just happened so quickly but they say life goes by fast when you’re having a good time. Hosted lots, made some dear friends and had lots of fun during this amazing journey. Hope it continues for many years to come.
What are your most memorable shows so far?
There was a travel show called ‘Sights and Sounds’. I also hosted ‘Pakistan Idol’, that was a lot of fun for me.
Is compering/hosting shows your passion or just a pass time? Or a way of making money?
It was initially a step to enter this field. I thought I’d pass time and make some money on the side. However, today it’s a passion, a career and so much more. I love hosting.
What do you enjoy the most - hosting stage programmes or TV shows or being a VJ?
It entirely depends on what the given show is all about. Live TV is a lot of fun, digital media has also taken off and given us a lot of exciting work. Variety is the spice of life, so I enjoy all things as long as it doesn’t get to be the same over and over again!
Your favourite international labels:
I love H&M.
Your favourite photographer:
Tapu Javari.
What do you usually wear in daily life:
Whatever is comfortable.
What is one cosmetic you cannot do without?
Blush.
Your idea of romance:
I think just giving each other quality time in this day and age is very romantic. Dinner, movie or just a heartfelt conversation, it’s all romantic.
One thing you like best about yourself...
I’m a people’s person.
You like guys who are:
I like guys who work hard and look clean! Haha.
Your favourite co-star:
I barely act. But my favourite co hosts could range from Faizan, Ali Safina, Ahmed Butt etc.
Your most irritating habit:
I bite my nails. Yuckkkk.
You don’t like people who...
Talk about others all the time.
You always feel happy in the company of...
My dogs!
You are afraid of...
Terrorism and terror related attacks.
Happiness is...
The ability to be free of all things that bog you down in your head.
Your most valuable possession...
My relationship with a few people.
Your favourite restaurant?
I like Xander’s!
Your all time favourite movie:
‘Andaz Apna Apna’
Are you a shopaholic?
Not really. That’s the last thing on my mind.
What bores you the most?
Small talk. My attention span gets all here and there.
When feeling low you prefer:
To sleep, just pass out and know that this too shall pass.
You are crazy about...
Travelling. I’d like to visit every country in the world some day. Be the first Pakistani woman to do so.
Among your friends you are known as...
The funny one... I guess.
Are you a social person or a loner?
Social enough but I’ve recently learned the importance of spending time alone.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
I love heading out to the beach. It’s my favourite pastime!
What’s your favourite breakfast?
I love my fruits early in the morning, so my green apples, bananas mixed with cereals etc are yum! Especially in this hot weather.
Your favourite exercise...
I’d rather dance, play badminton or swim than work out hardcore.
Your favourite holiday spot:
For a person who enjoys travelling, picking one spot is tough but I think countries like Thailand are good for people looking for value for money. Quick trip, cheap and fun!
The best gift you have ever received?
A little dog I got on my birthday recently.
The best thing that’s been said about you...
Am very professional. WHEW!!!
The biggest misconception about you...
Hmmm I sound SO boring when I say this but I don’t think there may be any. Am just such a ‘what you see is what you get’ person!
What would be your advice to someone who wants to become a VJ or TV anchor?
Be yourself, finish your schooling and work on your skills.
What do you like most about your job?
I get to speak for a living and I love talking nonstop so yeah! Haha. Also, I can work on my own terms!
If you weren’t doing what you are doing today, you would be...
A vet maybe!
