Kubra: Working hard for Pakistan success

MODEL TURNED ACTRESS KHAN ON MAKING IT BIG OVERSEAS AND HER NEW MOVIE

ONE of the biggest overseas success stories in recent years has been the impressive rise of model turned actress Kubra Khan, who has made an impressive mark in Pakistan.

The British-Pakistani star has delivered a number of winning performances in acclaimed

drama serials and major movies in the country. She next plays a lead role in high-profile Eid release Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2, which is set to be cinemas on August 22.

I caught up with Kubra in London to talk about her remarkable rise, how she made a mark overseas, her latest film and more.

How did you first get connected to working in Pakistan?

I was working as a model when I was invited to a wedding in Pakistan where I was told about an audition. I got through that and did a commercial, and after that I was asked to do another one. I then came back home to the UK.

The following year, Nabeel Qureshi – the director of Na Maloom Afraad – found me on Facebook via some random photographs and asked to work with me, but I didn’t take it seriously and thought it was just a guy trying to get attention. But he gave me the reference of the director I had worked with previously on a commercial to show he

was legitimate. So I auditioned for that movie and literally five days later, was in Pakistan

shooting for it.

Did you expect such a successful career in Pakistan?

No I didn’t, as even after the movie, I came back to the UK for two years. I thought it was not really my thing and forgot about that life completely. Then I got a call from Hum TV who wanted me to be part of a drama serial called Sang-e-Mar Mar and I think my career really started with that.

You have done a lot of roles since then, but which one of them has given you the greatest satisfaction?

Sang-e-Mar Mar, as that is where it started. Also I think Muqabil because in that serial, we talked about an important social issue that was a major concern in Pakistan which hadn’t been spoken of before – that of child abuse. I received so many messages from people

saying it had changed their lives. Kids had opened up to their parents finally about abuse they had suffered. It made a difference and that made me really happy.

How did you feel when you were cast in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2, which is a sequel to a blockbuster?

It felt brilliant. I had seen the first movie in London when I was modelling and studying,

and found it really funny. I never imagined I would be a part of it and it wasn’t something

that ever crossed my mind. When it happened, I was genuinely shocked.

Tell us about your character?

My character is important, I would say, since quite a bit of the film revolves around her. She is very similar to who I am as a person, in that she is a bit of a tomboy. Despite being rich, she isn’t fussed about having her hair blow-dried or having a tonne of make-up on. She is very natural and relatable to an everyday girl. So for that reason I really liked her.

What would you say is your favourite moment in the movie?

It would probably be my entry in the film. I really liked that and some of the songs.

You have done some serious roles, but how does comedy compare to that?

Comedy is so much more difficult. You crack jokes now and then on a day-to-day basis, but doing comedy on screen is really tough because you need perfect timing. My character isn’t really doing the comedy, but things that happen around her always become funny. I find comedy extremely hard. I would rather cry 10 times than do comedy.

Do you plan to carry on working in Pakistan?

I am pretty much booked up in Pakistan until the middle of next year and have already signed my next movie. I am also doing two drama serials, which are important to me because they both target beautiful issues. One of them is about a real-life subject and the other is about a spiritual one. So working in Pakistan is something I can’t let go of because that is what got me started in the first place. I think I will be staying there for a longer time now.

What is the secret of making it in another country?

Work really hard. I always say, whatever I lack in talent I make up for with hard work. I have never had anyone pushing me or opening doors for me in the industry. I just learned from my mistakes and worked really hard.

What will you be doing this Eid?

I will be involved in the release of the movie and spending Eid with the family.

Finally, why should we watch Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2?

The first film was just funny and a full-on comedy. This one has more than that. It has emotions, comedy, action and a lot more. It will be heart-warming for a lot of people. It caters for a wider audience and will appeal to those who want to laugh and have a good time.

• Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 is out on August 22.