Sanam Saeed's Candid and Insightful Interview to SanamSaeed.FP Blog!
Finally Sanam makes her presence on her blog with this very candid and insightful interview.
Q1: Ayesha Khan said that the one person she admires a lot is Sanam Saeed. Ms.Saba Hameed said that Sanam Saeed is the one young actress with the most potential right now. How does it feel to hear such praise from the fraternity?
Sanam: It felt extremely humbling and I felt honored to hear such talented and well known actors speak of me that way. I was touched and admire them both. Words like that, from successful actors, means a lot as it is encouraging and supportive. I wish to work with both of them soon.
Q2: What is your foremost consideration when you take up a role - script, the team or the role itself?
Sanam: The script has to make me feel something, make me believe in the story and connect with the characters first and foremost. Then I like to see who the director and cast is to gage how well the story can be bought to life as a team effort.
Q3: Which is your dream role?
Sanam: I don't think I have a dream role. I like to do roles as they come along. I like to play characters that stay with people, that girls can particularly look up to for hope, support and to find themselves in them. Kashaf was not a dream role..but she did become one!
Q4: How do you prepare for any character you are playing? Is it different preparations for the different mediums like theatre, dramas and films?
Sanam: Theatre requires a lot of rehearsals and in-depth character studies because you only have 2 hours max to tell your story and show who you are. Same with film. But for television, it is an on going story one hour every week for about 4 to 6 months. So you gradually become that character for a little while, she becomes a big part of you because she develops a little more and more each day at work. New characters are thrown in to interact with, new circumstances, new locations etc...all that affects your characters emotional chart. I like to read the whole script first and make my side notes and try to think of things that will make my character unique and come to life.
Q5: The way the industry is today, is it possible to survive purely on talent and not on PR?
Sanam: I'm not sure.. I think I'm surviving alright. But maybe that's the difference between surviving and flourishing. I don't have any one promoting me or getting me the right projects or selling me to the big fish. I've been working purely on merit and talent apparently. I don't know, maybe things would be different if I did have someone doing my PR for me. I think those of you managing my fan pages have definitely provided a platform for others to see what I'm up to and to interact with me. So, thank you for that.
Q6: What made you take up your upcoming drama - Dayar-e-Dil? Won't it be risky playing a mother to someone around your age?
Sanam: Roohi's character was very complicated and layered. I hated her, but I wanted to understand her so I took up the role. Also my biggest reason for taking on the role was Haseeb the director, I am a huge fan of his work.. he really tells a story beautifully. As far as playing a mother in her 40s to someone not so much younger is not something I considered a drawback, more of a challenge. Unfortunately we have not mastered the art of make up, or rather special effects make up yet, so we rely heavily on our acting and stereo typical aging tactics like glasses and white hair etc. Other than that I think it was fun. That is what acting is all about, being someone you are not. Why wait till I am 40 when I can pretend to be 40! And well done on Maya's part for being able to play a younger character and make that bond with my character.
Roohi.
Dyar.e.Dil BTS
Q7: You have done many theatre plays, which has been your favorite role and why?
Sanam: I think Roxie from Chicago was my favorite. She had many layers to her. Vulnerable, conniving, immature, sassy, desperate, confident. It was fun to play with such a range and perform the songs she had too!
Q8: How did you happen to read a few lines from the script of Raees?
Sanam: I was asked to audition for it. I was given two scenes to read and send back on video. I was getting married those days so was not able to go for a physical audition to India.
Q9: Any regrets?
Sanam: Never, every experience offers something to learn from.
Q10: Do you have any plans of doing theatre in the near future?
Sanam: I'd love to be able to make time and do a play for stage again. Its just very time consuming.
Q11: What are your projects in the pipeline?
Sanam: I have three films that I have done, all Pakistani, so just waiting for those to be released. But am most excited about the film Bachana. I think its a cute feel good movie.
On the sets of Bachana.
Q12: I didn't want to ask anything abt ZGH as it has been asked to death, but just can't help it. The power cut/ terrace scene is one of the most realistic, natural and romantic scene ever. Looks totally improvised. How did you guys do it?
Sanam: I think that was the most naturally done scene. You are right, there was a lot of improvising in that scene and giggles because of how cheesy we thought it was. So to overcome what we thought was really cheesy and filmy, I think, we both just took a deep breath and tried to tackle it as best we could while laughing through it, which is what made it so natural. And of course kudos to Sultana apa who kept pushing us to get over it and perform!
ZGH -Jhoola Scene!
& now some personal, rather not-so-personal questions:
Q13: Do you speak Gujarati?
Sanam: No. I understand Memoni. My mother is Memon.. she can also speak Gujarati.
Q14: What are your hobbies/ interests?
Sanam: I love music, I like to travel, I love the ocean, I love to eat and I enjoy outdoor activities.
Q15: Do you read books? Have you read Rhonda Byrne's The Secret' as you seem to incorporate the philosophy of positive thinking propagated in the book.
Sanam: Yes I do read but not as much as I used to. and yes I have read The Secret'. It just affirmed what I always believed in. Positive thinking will get you further in life than negative thinking. There is never one side to a coin, always two..its up to you which side you choose to see.
Q16: Who has been your inspiration?
Sanam: I think I get inspired almost every other day by someone I meet or something I read or watch. Many old Hollywood and Bollywood actors, many Pakistani TV actors and directors. Films have inspired me, Rumi has changed me, people I have worked with, known all my life or randomly interacted with have inspired me too, They have changed my approach to life, or motivated me, or removed my fears and inhibitions or brought me closer to myself.
Q17: What is your fitness mantra?
Sanam: A positive and active mind. Meditation or prayer and some form of exercise. I enjoy yoga or dance.
Q18: What advice would you give youngsters wanting to enter the acting field?
Sanam: Know what it is you want from your work and from life. It is not easy, but have a focus and stay on that track. Be true to yourself and your craft. Leave judgement and insecurities behind. Have an open mind. Try to practice mindfulness. It makes you a more understanding human being and a more sensitive actor.
Q19: There are so many fake IDs impersonating you. Any message for them?
Sanam: Fake ID's are something we have no control over. They are more than welcome to support me and gather followers. But to pretend to be me and talk, as if they were me, is not fair. They are robbing me of my personality and my privacy. They are being disrespectful and dishonest. I would appreciate it if they just stopped talking from first person and switched to third maybe. But all they want is attention. The more we make a big deal of it the more their job is done I suppose.
Q20: When do you plan to come to India?
Sanam: I have missed several invitations through Zee Zindagi and auditions as I had prior commitments. I think if they call me again and I'm busy for the 4th time they just might give up! I'll be there when I'm meant to be there, lets put it that way.
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