Author of ‘In the ruins of Solitude’, Zia Gurchani is an established writer/ actor. Gurchani has been in showbiz since many years.
you & me
Author of ‘In the ruins of Solitude’, Zia Gurchani is an established writer/ actor. Gurchani has been in showbiz since many years. “I used to host a children’s program every Sunday from Radio Pakistan, Quetta. And as a child learnt the On Air sign outside recording studio. Back then my salary was only Rs 35 but I was happy and content,” says Gurchani. However, he started his acting career with PTV dramas. “I was always asked by random people to act, which I did not take seriously. Credit goes to Late Zafar Samdani for introducing me to showbiz. He persuaded me to meet Sahira Kazmi, who was doing ‘Khaleej’ - that was the golden era of PTV,” tells Gurchani who also dabbled in modeling for a short period in the ‘90s.
Armed with a degree in Political Science, this veteran actor is busy working these days in different drama serials including ‘Husn-e-Jaana’, ‘Mah-e-Tammam’, ‘Romeo weds Heer’, ‘Aangan’, ‘Alif Allah Aur Insaan’, ‘Husn-e-Betaab’, ‘Nibaah’ and ‘Betaab’ for Geo and other private channels. Let’s see what are the likes & dislikes of this multi-talented actor...
What are your most memorable drama serials to-date?
Each serial has its good and bad moments; joys and stresses.
Your favourite international labels:
I am no longer fascinated by labels. It’s all fabric and stitching. I buy things, which I like and match them. Shoes yes; Ferragamo.
What do you usually wear in daily life?
Casuals. Casuals. All the way.
Your idea of romance:
Where there is no bickering. And no need to explain.
One thing you like best about yourself
I am genuine and very loyal.
You like girls who are...
Not full of themselves.
Your favourite co-star:
I find something good in every co-star.
Your most irritating habit:
I trust too easily.
You don’t like people who are...
Arrogant and mannerless.
You are afraid of...
Allah’s wrath on the Judgment Day.
Happiness is...
A bonded loving family and some sincere friends.
Your most valuable possession:
My written manuscripts and scripts.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Hardly any. Hate going to the same place over and over again.
Your all time favourite movie:
‘Gone with the Wind’.
Are you a shopaholic?
I used to be a compulsive buyer and accumulated lot of junk. No longer.
What bores you the most?
When people repeat the same story or when they force you to see the pictures of their newborn in hospital. I mean seriously.
When feeling low you prefer:
I read inspirational quotes and phrases.
You are crazy about...
My parents, siblings, nephews and nieces.
Among your friends you are known as...
Intelligent and witty.
Are you a social person or a loner?
Neither. I cannot show up at every party and event. I enjoy soulful moments with wise minds.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
Rest. Relax. Recuperate. Tune out the world.
What’s your favourite breakfast food?
Apple and cinnamon oatmeal.
Things you can’t live without would be...
Books. Strong tea. Headline news.
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
I have been to 60 countries when flying as a crew member so seen it all. Now, I would love to go to Tahiti and Fiji.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Writing novels, academic books with immaculate research and also in media.
Things that turn you off would be...
Rudeness. Conceit. Poor manners. Discourtesy.
Things that turn you on would be...
Intelligent thought-provoking conversations without getting worked up.
If you had access to a time machine which era would you revisit?
Mughal era.
Coffee shops or dhabaas:
Dhabaas, of course! Plastic environment is not conducive to intelligence. It generates artificiality.
What do you think this country needs the most?
Education at grassroot level. Ban all the useless talk shows. Respect for others. Humanity; not just fundamentalist dogmatic attitude.
The best gift you have ever received:
Little drawings made by my tiny little nephews and nieces when they were kids.
The best thing that’s been said about you:
That I have wisdom and kindness.
The biggest misconception about you...
That I am arrogant and proud.
What do you like most about your job?
I can play various characters and take different roles on different days.
If you weren’t doing what you are doing today, you would be
An academic scholar.
