Ayesha Toor

Actress/TV host/model/painter Ayesha Toor is a multi-talented woman who gives off mysterious vibes when she walks into a room. Sana Zehra gets to know Ayesha

Have you ever two timed in a relationship?

NO!

Kill or marry?

Adnan Siddiqui:

Kill

Nauman Ijaz:

Adopt

Rahat Kazmi:

Eternal love

Which TV personality badly needs a stylist?

TBH I do.

Really Ayesha?

(Laughs) No, really. I haven’t had cable in my house for the past four years so I have no idea who needs it on the telly.

Who needs a nutritionist?

Everybody

Psychologist?

Most morning show hosts

Which TV character would you like to go out with and why?

Hannibal Lecter played by Mads Mikkelsen in Hannibal. He is the sexiest man alive given the fact that the man can cook, kill and still look good.

If you were to write a biography what would the title be?

Leave Her Alone

Best thing about doing what you are doing right now?

Hosting is great. I get to meet and talk to a lot of people. There are a lot of great interesting people in Pakistan who are camera shy. It’s fun to engage them and draw them out on my show.

Favourite romcom of all time?

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Movie or series that made you laugh the hardest?

Little Britain

Movie that made you cry?

Right after 9/11, I watched Road to Guantanamo and wept.

Who is your favourite living musician?

Trent Reznor

Look good or feel good?

I think if you look good, you will feel good.

Task oriented or people oriented?

Task oriented

One fear you would like to overcome?

Fear of public spaces

Your idea of a good time in a song?

I’d rather die than sing a song.

Three great things about living in Karachi.

Food

My house

The beach

Best pinch me moment?

I think when I got into college.

Would you ever shave your head for a role?

(Laughs) Not again!

What do you mean, You’ve done it? What was it for?

Yes, it was for a music video directed by Saqib Malik directing for the band Rushk that was shot in 2003.

How was the experience?

I felt a sense of liberation. I always had long hair and shaving it made me feel like I could do anything.

Who is your style icon?

Tilda Swinton and Sunrise Coigney

Other than your family, who would you call for advice?

I recently mastered the art of asking my friends, especially my friends Zhalay, Noor and Uns.

What did you learn from your previous relationships?

I learned that I am fantastic, I am awesome and that I should stay that way forever. Perhaps I can be a little kinder.

Most used emoji?

The pondering emoji

Which sports are you good at?

I went to a coed school and played sports with boys. I played everything: Hockey, football and basketball.

Best late night spot in Karachi?

My house

Describe yourself in 3 words?

That’s a tough one. Why don’t you describe me?

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird

One thing that amazes you?

Stupidity

One thing that insults your intelligence?

People who think I’m stupid

Pleasing people or speaking the truth?

Somewhere in the middle

One person whose survival skills you’d like to depend upon?

I would choose Noor Hassan for his survival skills because he is good at fixing things and Zhalay for entertainment.

How do you get your amazing skin?

I keep it clean and tan regularly. Sun if used the right way is good for your skin. It exfoliates and gives you a good colour.

You seem to be impervious to ageing.  What’s going on?

I’m a vampire! (Editor’s comment: A vampire who likes the sun? Perhaps a good dermatologist is also responsible.)

What does your tattoo say?

Every time I turn a number I do something. I’ve gotten piercings and this tattoo I got when I turned 25; it was a long time ago.

A lot is changing for women in Pakistan these days. Which women still struggle to have a voice?

Urban women have a voice, especially the women around me. I think they know they are privileged.

Women look at you and see an empowered woman who is strong and has a voice. Have you ever got into trouble for being yourself?

I don’t think so. I’ve been extremely lucky to be surrounded by intelligent and kind people who have encouraged me to be myself. I’ve had it very easy and a very comfortable life so, yes, I’ve been very lucky.

What does GT mean to you?

In 2003, GT first interviewed me so I’ve always kept an eye out for GT. The magazine has been around for so long and I am so glad it has survived.

Interview & coordination:

Sana Zehra

Photography Arsalan Bilgrami of abilgrami studio