Moammar’s big comeback!

Moammar Rana has had big hits like Pal do Pal, Yeh Dil Aapka Huwa, Love Mein Ghum and, last but not least, Syed Noor directed Choorian, which became the highest grossing Pakistani Punjabi film earning Rs. 20 crores at the box office. He has also worked his magic in the Bollywood film Dobara in 2004 with actress Mahima Chaudhry in a special appearance and made his Bollywood debut in Ek Second… Jo Zindagi Badal De? opposite Manisha Koirala and former beauty pageant queen, Nikita Anand. And now, Moammar is back in the lead with Azaadi. Sana Zehra has a heart to heart with Moammar

Why do you think, apart from a few projects, movies almost always show women as the weaker sex?

I respect women a lot. The world over most movies are male oriented. But our Pakistani drama serials are sentimental and make women cry. In fact it’s been said that if the drama can make a woman cry, then it will be a hit. That’s the difference between movies and drama serials.

Do you think that needs to change?

We can’t make a Wonder Woman; we don’t have the resources. But films will predominantly almost always be about the hero and the heroine supporting him.

What is one thing apart from your movie that you are excited about that is coming up in 2018?

I’m excited about the elections! (Laughs)

If you can change one law of Pakistan what would it be?

Is there really a rule of law?

Do you think you are making a difference in people’s lives?

For those 2.5 hours the people are sitting in the cinema, they are staying out of trouble. So, yes, I think I’m making a difference in people’s lives. However, one time while shooting in a jail a prisoner told me that it is because of me that he was here. Please try to take good from the movies and leave the bad. It’s not real life.

You seem to be impervious to ageing. What do you do to yourself?

My secret is that I exercise a lot. I had to stop working out for a while because of my spine injury and my biceps were reduced to 7 inches. Everyone was worried about me but once I got a green flag from my doctor, I started working out again. I also always try to be happy and try not to stress,

Ultimate love advice?

Don’t just be husband and wife, be friends.

Best dating advice?

It’s just a date, relax.

If you were to be an expert of anything in the world what would it be?

Flying F-16

What excites you?

Hitting the gym excites me.

What is success to you?

Respect the success you get. Be humble to everyone and pray.

If you get a chance to spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would it be?

The Man of Steel’s

What would you do if you experienced an awkward silence in between conversation?

Rub my ear

What is the best age to get married?

I got married at 24 so I will say 24.

If you got a chance to make a remake of your own movie which one would you pick?

Deewanay Teray Pyar Kay

Rate the following actors according to their professionalism

Shaan, Saud or Babar Ali?

Babar Ali

Shaan and Saud are on the same level.

Rate the following actresses according to their professionalism.

Resham, Nimra and Saima?

Saima

Resham and Nimra are the same.

Best dancer in the industry right now is

No male. Sohai Ali is very good.

What is the phrase that comes to you following about the following?

Nawaz Sharif

Mujhay kyun nikala? (Why did you oust me?)

Syed Noor

Chain aye na (I can’t relax)

Sahiba

Rambo

Filmstar Saud

His wife, Javeria

If you were to write a book on yourself, what would the title be?

Patience

In your opinion, who says they enjoy being married but in reality they are not?

So many out there

What is that one thing that a person needs to rid of out of their life?

Anger

Name one word that comes to your mind when you think of?

Number 1

Allah

Competition

Life

Marriage

Beautiful

Money

Should have it

Award

Reward

Foreign passport

Pakistani passport

Living in the US

I love Pakistan

Item song

Only when needed

Dance in the rain

Again only when needed

Comedy or action

Both

Describe Sonya in three words:

Talented

Good co-star

Sleeps a lot

Heart breaker or rule breaker

Heart breaker

Who needs a stylist out of these three?

Mahira Khan, Mawra or Saba Qamar?

Mawra

Who needs a dietician really badly in this industry?

Adnan Sdidiqui or Gohar Rasheed?

Gohar Rasheed

Who needs a therapist?

Mubasher Luqman, Sahir lodhi or Waseem Badami?

Sahir Lodhi

Favourite director at the moment?

Imran Malik is brilliant.

Who do you think would do justice to the role of Godfather?

Nadeem Baig

Youth Wave: Sonya Hussain

Sonya Hussain entered the field of acting by chance. Having failed an audition to be a TV anchor, she instead caught the eye of director Ali Saeed who offered her a role in Don’t Jealous. Within  five years, Sonya has done has a long list of TV plays to her credit and has proved herself in projects likeMoor, Mere Humrahi, Mujhe Sandal Kardo, Mere Harjai, Shikwa, Shareek-i-Hayat, Mein Hari Piya, Marasim, and Dareecha. Azaadi her debut film is all set to release on Eid. Sonya talks to Sana Zehra about her inspiration and her recent breakup

Can body language be considered a language?

Yes, absolutely!

How would you start a conversation at a party if you didn’t know anyone?

I’d just smile!

What promises have you never carried through to yourself?

I always wanted to be independent but I think I still have a long way to go.

Really Sonya?

Yes, I think so. (Smiles)

Do you expect love in return? 

I’m lucky that a lot of people love me but, as far as expectation is concerned, I never expect love or money in return.

If you could spend ten minutes with your “hero” alive or dead what would you ask them?

Why are you so charming?

A lot of people in our industry do not have the training or background in acting. Do you think you need one?

Personally speaking, I don’t think you need training to act. I’ve seen people with a degree in acting and still they are really bad. To be a good actor you need to have good observational skills, be sensitive and need to know how to express emotions, then only you’d be able to act well. Acting is not something that you need to study but it’s something you need to feel.

Yes, as far as direction and filmmaking are concerned for that obviously you need to study.

If you were in the decision committee to make the next 8th wonder of the world what would you pick?

Sea Glass in the United States

What is the strangest compliment you ever received?

That I look like Priyanka Chopra

Any crazy fan moment?

A fan threatened to kill me if I didn’t marry him. Super scary!

We’ve heard great things about you. Where does all that greatness come from?

I think if a person recognizes himself/herself for who he/she is and where he/she is coming from, and stays humble and grounded that in itself is the start of his/her greatness. Recognize your purpose in life and make sure you are remembered for great things.

If you could erase an event from your mind, which one would you choose?

It’s a tough question. One event about my father I’d like to erase from my life forever.

If you got a chance to ask a question from the following celebrities what would you ask?

Fawad Khan?

Why don’t you do movies in Pakistan?

Mahira Khan

Next time you go to Cannes hopefully L’Oreal will make you take a film with you.

Adnan Siddiqui?

How do you have such a great sense of humour?

If you get a chance to talk to everyone for five minutes what would you ask them?

Their purpose in life

If you were given a chance to play a biopic who would you play between Nawaz Sharif, Musharraf or Benazir Bhutto?

BB she is my inspiration, (and also a woman).

Best story in one sentence?

Suna tha kay unkay baghair hum mar jaye gain

Kamal hay humain tu bukhar bhi nahin hoa.

(I had heard that I’d die without my significant other

But it’s remarkable that I didn’t even get fever.)

What is one thing that’s happening in our industry right now that needs to stop?

Insecurities. I feel like the producers are playing it safe and there is hardly any risk taking. We need to start taking risks and making history. Rom-com is not just the formula for a hit. Every genre of film should be made and explored.

What is that one event in your life that would make a good movie?

When I had my breakup

What is that one job that does not exist but should?

Pressing clothes

What is that one rumour that is not true?

That I’m egoistic. Not true. In reality I’m very down to earth.

One thing that makes you feel beautiful

I’m confident and know who I am; I don’t copy anyone.

If you were a brand, what would be your tagline?

Be original

Who do you think could run for a pageant from our industry?

Adnan Siddiqui and HSY

What is one thing that men should know about women and vice versa?

Men need to know that if a woman kicks you out of her life that is for real. She will forgive you once or twice but won’t take you back if it becomes a habit with you.

Women should know that being a feminist is a good thing but respect and be nice to your husband too.

Any message for your fans?

Don’t judge people based on the way they dress. My connection with Allah is between me and HIM. No one has the right to judge that.