My Top 10 films: Mehwish Hayat

Maula Jatt: This is the quintessential Pakistani-Punjabi movie of that era. A real hidden

masterpiece when viewed in the context of its time. It is loud, brash and unflinching – a

perfect antidote to the realities of 1980s Pakistan. It went on to become one of the biggest commercial successes in history.

Na Maloom Afraad: This film will always be very special to me and it was my first big

screen role. This gave birth to Billi, a character that still lives on in the hearts of cinemagoers everywhere Pakistani films are shown. The film was a major hit and helped fuel the revival of Pakistani cinema.

Jawani Phir Nahi Ani: I am biased in that this was my first film playing a leading lady, albeit as part of an ensemble. It was a really fun experience. We all had a hoot and that

showed on screen. We must have got something right because the movie went on to

become the biggest box office hit in Pakistan.

Actor In Law: This film was my first as a solo heroine, but all of that was overshadowed

by the fact that I got to share the screen with the legendary Om Puri Ji in what was to be

one of his last movie roles before his untimely passing. For me, it remains an epitaph to a

great talent and privilege to have worked with such a great cinematic icon.

Punjab Nahi Jaungi: As an actress, it is difficult to choose a favourite from one’s own

repertoire, but Punjab Nahi Jaungi will always be special. After three successive hits, a

lot was expected and thankfully this film was able to deliver. The script, music, visual

grandeur and performances of my fellow cast all came together, and the audiences just

loved it. It remains my biggest box office hit to date.

Mr and Mrs Adelman: I saw this French masterpiece on a flight partly out of curiosity and partly because I had already seen all the other films that were on offer. I was so glad that I did watch it - it totally blew me away. This story of marital strife set over 45 years had it all; love and ambition, betrayals and secrets, tears and laughter all brought together in one hell of a cinematic odyssey.

A Separation: This Oscar-winning movie from Iran is a real masterpiece. The simplicity

of the film is ultimately what appeals to me. With no flashy set pieces, the film relies on

the richness of the script and some of the most natural performances I have seen on

screen. I adore the realism of Iranian cinema, which takes its cues from the contemporary

French movement.

Ladybird: Coming of age stories are all too common, but Greta Gerwig’s Ladybird really

stood out for me. Again, another film that stays away from cinematic tricks; its strengths lie in a strong script, stellar performances and beautifully-observed directing.

Mughal-e-Azam: No list of my favourite movies would be complete without K Asif’s

magnum opus. Grandeur, memorable dialogues, timeless music, and above all

Madhubala and Dilip Kumar in perhaps the finest performances of their lives - what

is there not to like about this movie?

Breakfast At Tiffany’s: This stars one of my favourite actresses, Audrey Hepburn,

whose portrayal of Holly Golightly as the naïve, eccentric socialite is generally considered

to be her most memorable and identifiable roles. It is an iconic role I would love to

have played, and who knows I may do so on stage one day in one of the many revivals.

• Acclaimed actress Mehwish Hayat plays the lead role in Load Wedding, which is in

  cinemas now.