For my first interview ever, I chose the multi-talented and multi-faceted, not to mention extremely respected, Salma Hassan. Most people have seen her be a bridge in soaps like “Dareecha” as Bebo Khala and as Maryam Phuppo in the recently telecasted, “Chubhan.” She hadn’t played the so-called ‘lead’ in a long time until the telefilm, “Tum,” written by Syed Ahmed and Directed by Marina Khan, where she plays the role of Meena, a girl suffering from Schizophrenia. When I saw her performance in that, I knew she would be the first person I would sit down with (in this case virtually via Skype). I sent her a message via Facebook and she was happy to do this. After initial technical difficulties when we started talking, (midnight USA time) I have no clue as to where the time went because all of a sudden it was 2:30 in the morning. This lady not only has a heart of gold, she is also hilarious beyond belief!! Unfortunately I cannot share the Skype session, but I hope you enjoy the Q&A.

Q: How did you get into show business?
A: As a child I wanted to be Amitabh Bachan. That obviously wasn’t possible so I decided to become a teacher. My mother said her friend was looking for someone to audition and if any of my friends were interested. It was for a kids program called “Kids Club” which aired on NTM from 1992/94.  I was like well why not me? So out of stubbornness (because I wasn’t asked) I went and auditioned got the part of the host and did that for a year. Then I did a Pantene commercial, and after that I did my first serial, which  was “Dhoop Mein Sawan” directed by Mehreen Jabbar.

Q: Did you have support from your family?
A: No way, my father was ready to kill me, but because it was a kids show that was the saving grace. I got a lecture (that I now understand) He said I’m too young for this and fame is temporary. As a child I won’t understand what happened and I should not let fame get to my head. He then read my first interview and my father cried…after that he was okay.

Q: How does Fatima deal her mother being a star?
A: She knows I have to work… but a couple of days ago I got a lecture from her. She sat me down and very maturely said “I know you need to work to take care of me, but you need to be home to take care of me also.” (This girl is 6 years old ladies and gentlemen)! It’s hard as I leave in the morning at nine and I come back at night at 9 by which time she is asleep.

Q: What does Fatima want to do when she grows up? Would you be ok with her also entering this field?
A: Fatima wants to be director by night and a vet by day  I would be ok with her entering the field after her O-Levels…nothing before that.

Q: What is your favorite play of anyone else? Favorite writer, director, or actor? What was your inspiration?
A: Inspiration was really no one but I really admired Khalida Riyasat…Her play “Ab Tum Ja Sakte Ho,” directed by Mehreen Jabbar, really left a mark. As to favorites, I’m comfortable with everyone…writers, ho directors, or co-actors, everyone respects me and I respect them.

Q: What is the role you been waiting for… something that you would do anything to do?
A: Nothing really…I wanted to play a handicapped girl and I did that in Eik Gana Eik Afsana’s “Kuch bhi na kaha” with Shahood Alvi. I wanted to do a psychologically distressed person and I did that in Tele-Film Tum.

Q: Why is there no social media presence of you? No Twitter or FB fan page?
A: Because a page means someone is doing a lot of work and in my opinion I’m not doing enough! Plus I’m terrible at self-promotion, just not a part of my nature but I’m trying to learn now.
Q: You have very little free time obviously due to your work, what do you do when you’re free?
A: Free time is all spent with Fatima (her 6 year old and extremely adorable daughter)! I have a sister and she organizes these trips everywhere and on top of that she even drives us…so free time is just lots of family time.

Q: You went through some very difficult times the last couple years, how was the experience?
A: It was difficult, but manageable. Being a single mother obviously it’s not easy but we manage. Fatima can see her father anytime she wants, there’s no restriction from me on that…She sees and talks to him whenever she wants. Azfar and I attend all of Fatima’s school events together so she knows her parents are there for her all the time. He has always been there for Fatima and looks out for us. It’s a different relationship than most people living in Pakistan have after a divorce. A child should never be pulled in different directions. Fatima knows that both her parents are always there for her.

Q: What are your next projects?
A: There is A&Bs “Choti Chingari” which is on child domestic abuse. I play the mother of 2 kids. There’s also another telefilm and a new serial which is starting soon.

Q: Are you satisfied that you are in your career?
A: No, because I think I could have done a lot of more. I was very indecisive and was juggling acting, production and motherhood. I was never ambitious really and I never looked at acting as a career, it was just something I enjoyed doing…it was not an effort. Even today because of Fatima, I have constraints which restrict the number of projects I can take.

Q: You were part of “Tanhaiyan- Naye Silsile,” how did it feel being part of such a historical project?
A: Yes I was a very small part of “Tanhaiyan- Naye Silsile,” but a part of it none the less. It was an interesting experience and fun as well. I wasn’t enacting a character that had been done before, so obviously there was less pressure on me. But it felt good to be part of a project which was one of my favorites as a child.

Q: What drama/s are you watching these days? Any favorites?
A: I try my best to follow a few at least. I’ve been watching “Ishq Tumhari Galion Mein,” “Aseer Zadi,” Asmano pe Likha,” and “Kankar.” Out of these I really liked “Aseer Zadi.”

Q: What message would you like to give your fans?
A: Message would be believe in yourself, know what you want, and you can make it happen. Never give up.

And with that, at 2:30 in the morning we wrapped up this interview session. I can honestly say that it was one of the best 2.5 hours I’ve spent talking to someone. There is not an ounce of fakeness in her. She is kind, generous, and as I said in the beginning, absolutely hilarious! Thank You Salma Hasan for giving me this opportunity. I had a blast!