Azfar Rehman is one of the most successful actors of his generation. This fortnight he speaks to Mehek Raza Rizvi about his start in acting, exploring new avenues, choosing responsible scripts and more.

Everyone knows Azfar Rehman the celebrity, but what’re you like at home? Tell us about your childhood. 

I’m very chilled out and easy going at home. I had a very wholesome childhood and I’m fortunate to be blessed with the best parents a child could ask for. I was born in Islamabad, but we moved to Karachi soon after, and that’s where I went to school. It was a comfortable and privileged childhood, for which I give complete credit to my parents.

You’re the first in your family to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. How supportive was your family of your passion for acting? 

I’m absolutely the first in my family to pursue a career in show business. It all happened accidently; I had completed a degree in advertising and got a job at an advertising agency that was starting an entertainment channel. Eventually, I was recruited for that channel. My parents were always adamant about their children first getting a solid degree and then choosing whatever path they wanted to take. I had both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in advertising, but I always wanted to be an actor. At that time the entertainment industry was booming and a lot of private channels came into being. My parents were supportive of my decision. They don’t get to watch a lot of my work, because they’re busy with their own businesses and travel a lot, but they respect my job and appreciate my success.

How do you feel the industry has evolved since you joined it and what’s been your biggest learning so far? 

It’s evolved a lot during the past couple of years. We’ve reclaimed the stature of the best drama serials in the subcontinent. The scripts are now better. There’re so many new productions and television channels, along with an abundance of very talented writers and directors. I’m very proud of where our entertainment industry is today; the writers deserve a lot of credit for their insight and depth.

Looking back at your career, would you do anything differently? 

I’d be a little more conscious of the friends I make and be more punctual. If I were to do things differently, I’d not accept projects just to support friends, nor would I give favours to the fickle and two-faced people I’ve encountered during my career. I’d not be as sweet and a little firmer perhaps.

What would you say have been the highlights of your career so far? 

I think I’m extremely privileged and cannot thank God enough. I’ve had one of the best talk shows called “Spotlight with Azfar Rehman”, when I first started my career. From that to doing numerous drama serials and getting several award nominations, hosting one of Pakistan’s biggest reality shows, “Miss Veet Pakistan,” doing feature films like “Chhalawa” and “Punjab Nahi Jaungi” and just staying relevant for almost twelve years—there’ve been multiple highlights.

Out of all the characters you’ve played, which one do you relate to the most and why? 

I did Pakistan’s first web series for Eros called “Enaaya.” My character in that, Jimmy, along with my character, Sheheryar in “Aatish,” a drama serial that aired on HUM TV, are two roles that I can relate to most. Both were easy going and realistic.

Being a public figure comes with immense responsibility towards your audience and fans. How conscious are you of that fact while selecting scripts? 

I think I’m more conscious now than I was earlier. I’ve started leaning more towards scripts with a social message. For example, these days I’m doing a drama serial called “Aakhir Kab Tak,” which creates social awareness regarding predators and harassers and how to report harassment. I do believe, though, that if you’re working on a project that provides comic relief or some sort of entertainment to your audience, that too is a social service. We’re living in stressful times; there’s so much depression because of the pandemic as it is and that’s made worse by constant bad news in the headlines. We all deserve some respite through entertainment.

In our interview with Ayesha Omar she mentioned how her road accident changed her as a person. You were in that accident with her. Did it change your outlook towards life in any way? 

It changed my outlook on life completely. The accident was like an awakening for me, a knock on the door. You know how they say a close encounter with death brings you closer to God? That’s true. I feel I’m a lot more religious now. I also work on being a better, more considerate and humble human being every day.

As of now, you have four drama serials airing on different TV channels. How does that leave behind any time for family or for yourself?

I believe I’m great with managing my time. I make it a point to take out time for family, which is why I don’t work on weekends, unless there’s something very important. I take annual vacations with my family, but people don’t get to see that on social media because I like to keep it private.

Do you think it’s important for actors these days to explore the web and other avenues apart from traditional television?

Regardless of which field you’re in—whether you’re an actor, model, director, or even a journalist—it’s always great to explore different avenues. You should be open to expanding, growing and improving your craft. The web gives you more room to experiment with projects, characters and voicing social issues, so making use of that platform is beneficial for all.

Photography: Yasser Sadiq Grooming: Sajid’s

The biggest misconception about skincare is that it’s to do with appearing fairer. Nothing can be further from the truth. Skincare deals with nourishing and protecting our existing skin tone from changing weather conditions. To shed more light on the issue, Haider Rifaat got in touch with dermatologist Dr Maleeha Jawaid for an insightful conversation about redefining beauty standards, switching to summer skincare and her new role as Pakistan’s official representative of the L’Oréal Paris Skin Expert MENA Dermatology Board

Maleeha, please introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a full-time doctor and a part-time blogger. I practice clinical and aesthetic dermatology in Karachi at a leading private skin clinic located in the heart of DHA. My practice revolves around helping my patients via medical means along with teaching them the importance of self-love and acceptance.

On the other hand, my Instagram blog (@inyourfacebymaleeha) is me in my unfiltered, raw form with content ranging from skincare and makeup advice to smashing society standards set upon us, especially women.

How does it feel to be a part of the L’Oréal Paris Skin Expert MENA Dermatology Board representing Pakistan?

It feels fantastic! It’s such an honour to be handpicked by the L’Oréal Skin Expert team in Paris to be on the MENA Dermatology Board and to represent Pakistan. It’s been extremely overwhelming and I’m extremely grateful for all the love and support I’ve gotten over this.

What core responsibilities come with this role?

Being a part of the MENA Board for L’Oréal Paris comes with a huge responsibility of validating formulae and ingredients for products that’re about to be launched or endorsing products that’re already in the market. The recent launch of the Hyaluron Expert Hyaluronic Acid Serum involved all of us from the board to be a part of a virtual tour of the very lab that developed this product. Learning about what goes on behind the scenes helps build more confidence in the product, and most importantly, helps us impart the right kind of information that’s needed, given the fact that there’s so much misinformation on the internet.

What would the new skincare products achieve differently this time around?

L’Oréal Paris, as a brand, has always been very progressive and up to date with consumer demand. This is something I can say for sure, since I’ve been using L’Oréal products forever. In the current day and age, with very little spare time on hand, everyone wants products that’re effective and can be used easily. Launching a key skincare ingredient like hyaluronic acid in serum form is just the right thing to do. It’s easy to apply, has great results, can be used by all age groups and genders, and does not burn a hole in your pocket in doing so.

As a dermatologist, what can women and men working outdoors throughout the day do to protect themselves against sunburn living in climatic conditions where temperatures are extremely hot all year round? Guide us through the skincare process here.

This is something I repeat so often in my clinic to all my patients. Skincare has to change according to the season and your geographical location. Skincare in summer is all about oil control, sun protection (this is all year round though), and keeping your skin as clean as possible, given the increase in sweat and sebum production.

Summer skincare involves gel-based products, SPF, oil blotting sheets and of course, lots and lots of water. A majority of the L’Oréal day creams contain SPF in them, which can be great for additional sun protection. Just because it’s hot, doesn’t mean your skin requires no hydration. The Hyaluron Expert Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps with this particularly as it retains moisture in the skin without making it feel too greasy or heavy.

In South Asia, appearing fairer than one’s actual skin tone is considered common practice. Light skin equates to beauty, which beauty brands shouldn’t encourage in the first place. What’re your thoughts?

This is something I come across in my clinic and my Instagram more often than I’d want it to. I’m a firm believer of self-love and acceptance and this is something I’ve been preaching through both platforms of mine. Most often, families and societal pressure push people to look for treatments that can change their skin tone, or they’ve been compared to their sibling or cousin who is fairer and that’s what they aspire to look like. Before I started working, I always thought this would be an issue for females only, but I was surprised to see how prevalent this is across genders.

Will L’Oréal Paris follow a similar footprint when it comes to embracing all skin types in their upcoming campaigns?

L’Oréal Paris is already based on inclusivity and empowerment. The products are made for use for all individuals regardless of their gender, colour, ethnicity, or age. I’m a hundred per cent sure that they’ll continue this practice in the future as well.

Hania and Kamil Chima are a dynamic sibling duo with a passion for filmmaking. Their debut film production was the critically and commercially acclaimed “Laal Kabootar”. This fortnight, Mehek Raza Rizvi speaks to them about their creative journey, their future projects and more

How did you get into filmmaking? 

Kamil: There was always a creative bug in me while growing up (I was a part of Ajoka Theater as a child actor), but I was more drawn to sports. It was upon returning from college that the opportunity to make a film and start a film company presented itself. Too naive to reject it, I kind of learnt on the job. These days my response to this question is that I’m an accidental filmmaker. That probably sums it up best.

Hania: My exposure to theatre got me interested in the art of storytelling at a young age. Although I started out as a theatre actor with Ajoka Theatre, I was drawn to working behind the scenes. I was interested in designing the story that gets told and I was interested in telling stories through a medium that can be preserved. But it all started with theatre for me.

Tell us the story behind “Laal Kabootar” and how both of you decided to start working on it together. 

It sounds haughty, but we liken the process of making “Laal Kabootar” to the parable of the ‘Ship of Theseus’ (if you keep replacing parts of a ship one by one, is it the same ship when you’ve replaced all parts?). “Laal Kabootar” was like that. We started off wanting to see what it would be like to see a boy and a girl from different strata of society interact. In trying to find an organic, real basis for such a relationship, we found ourselves making an urban crime caper.

Does the success that came with “Laal Kabootar” put pressure on you regarding future projects? 

Kamil: Initially, I did feel a lot of pressure if I’m honest. In my case it was also the first film project that I ever did. It seemed like a tall order to follow it up. Now that I look back, I find comfort in knowing that I was actually a part of a supremely talented team. And we made so many mistakes. Luckily we were humble enough to learn from them. As long as we can keep finding that humility, we should be good to go.

Hania: Yes, definitely. I felt freer to take chances before LK came out. After its success I’ve been restricting myself and my ideas. But I’m slowly trying to let that go.

What are the pros and cons of working with a sibling? 

The pros are that you really have your own blood by your side. It’s makes for a strong foundation. On the flip side it gets tough separating personal life from work. We’re still learning how to push each other, but also how to fly solo and enjoy each other’s journey’s.

How would you describe your relationship? 

Aik aur aik, gyaara (1+1=11)

Are there any projects you’re working on currently? 

Yes! We’re working on a couple of very exciting projects. One of them we have to remain a little tight-lipped about, but it’s an international collaboration. The process of working with a studio in LA has been an immense learning curve and we can’t wait to share more details when the project is further along in its development.

Are there any specific actors you wish to work with next? 

Kamil In Pakistan I think Fawad Khan is the gold standard. I’m drawn to brave choices, and his performance in “Kapoor & Sons” is one that I admire a lot. I would love to work with Mansha Pasha and Ahmed Ali Akbar again too. They became their characters, which is something you don’t see too often in Pakistan.

Congrats to both of you on your respective weddings! How has life changed? 

Kamil: We all get but one shot at life, and I’m the luckiest guy in the world that I get to spend it with someone I love.

Hania: It’s a wonderful change. I’m really enjoying this new chapter in my life and hope to live it as fully as the chapters before.

Hania, given your acting experience, can we expect to see you in a film or drama serial any time soon? 

There’s nothing on the horizon right now in terms of acting for me, so the answer is no.

What advice would you give aspiring filmmakers? 

Kamil: I’m an aspiring filmmaker myself, so please share some with me as well. I can share what I struggle with, and that’s thinking that I know it all. I have to be reminded that it’s a constant learning curve.