Back then , every day we would go live and just be ourselves – it was the best thing about being a VJ .”
CELEBRITY
With relatively newer names in the film industry , we asked Mahira how was it working with the cast of Verna , “ the cast was great to work with . Majority of the cast was working in a film for the first time . However , I never questioned , ‘ Oh no , why am I doing this ?’ The scenes were not easy to shoot , it is a pretty intense film , and during such scenes , you need the support of the actor you are in frame with ,” said Mahira while exchanging glances with Zarrar .
“ Whether it was Zarrar , Haroon or Naimal , they all handled everything
“ so well . In fact , there is a scene in the film that is shot on a boat , and Shoaib sahab was not with us during that scene . We shot the whole scene ourselves . We gave cues to each other and reviewed each other ’ s performances ,” described Mahira with fervour .
Back then , every day we would go live and just be ourselves – it was the best thing about being a VJ .”
Seeing Mahira ’ s excitement about the project , we asked her if there were any fun and memorable moments to share from the set , “ I can just tell you that this is the most serious film I have worked in and the most non-serious set I have been on ,” she said with a laugh .
“ Sometimes the whole cast would be laughing out loud , and I would constantly worry that I will get in trouble for it . At one point , when we were shooting a death scene in the film , I was supposed to go down the stairs as the other actors awaited me . I saw Haroon giggling amongst them . I had to shut him up as it was a very intense scene and I wouldn ’ t have been able to shoot it in that atmosphere . Regardless , we were constantly having fun as though it was a long , on-going party .”
We asked Mahira and Zarrar if they would like to change anything about their characters , to which Mahira shook her head instantly , “ as a character , I don ’ t think I would change anything about Sara . Zarrar ’ s role , however , was so dark , perhaps he would tone it down , would you Zarrar ?” asked Mahira as she turned to Zarrar , “ No way !” said Zarrar , “ I wouldn ’ t take anything out of Sultan , my character . It was just perfect . It was supposed to be dark and loathsome .”
“ Sometimes , Shoaib sahab would say ‘ this persona is so you ’ which I am not at all ,” Mahira continued , “ But I feel it was his way to encourage us .”
“ I think it is a very positive thing to hear as an actor when the director actually sees the character in you ,” added Zarrar .
Seeing the spirited discussion between Mahira and Zarrar , we wondered if the chemistry and relationships shown in the film were transpired by onset friendships ?
“ To be honest , Zarrar and I were not friends before this film , and we wouldn ’ t talk much . That really helped us ,” Mahira said , smiling , “ had we been friends , we would have gotten comfortable , which was not needed for our roles . We didn ’ t even rehearse lines together . We would just appear in front of one another and perform . Now , we are friends of course .”
As we reminisced , we asked Mahira if there is anything she misses about being a VJ and if there is something she wishes she could incorporate into her profession as an actor . She beamed as we glided her into the past and said , “ You know as a VJ , I was so honest . I think I still try to be honest . You see , that VJ was me ,” she said , leaning back into her chair with a big smile , “ obviously , we change with time , but even now when I do interviews , the VJ side of me comes out , and I as a person come out .”
“ Back then , every day we would go live and just be ourselves – it was the best thing about being a VJ . People would either appreciate you , for being you or not . I don ’ t miss it now because I think when I give interviews today , I am myself , and that is why I enjoy going for interviews ; I can say what I want and be candid .” She explained .
In the end , we asked Mahira if she has any message for our readers , to which she pleasantly replied , “ I hope you enjoy reading the interview . I would like to take this opportunity to thank and send lots of love to all the readers . I have always received a lot of appreciation , and the only way to give back is to work harder . I promise never to give up .”
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