She’s dazzled us with her charm, wowed us with her style and captivated us with her performances—Nausheen Shah is truly a force to be reckoned with. Here, the face of 9Lines’s new Resort Collection 2020, speaks to Mehek Raza Rizvi talks to her about her goals, her views on the industry and more

Nausheen, I’m a huge admirer of your style, as are many others. Do you ever feel that that takes away from your work as an actress though? 

I don’t think fashion and acting are at odds with each other. It’s actually beneficial for an actor to dress well. In fact, that’s true for every profession; if someone knows how to carry themselves and look presentable, they’ll leave a good impression.

As far as my sense of style taking away from my craft is concerned, I would completely disagree. I’ve never felt any such thing. I’ve received appreciation for both, my acting skills and my flair for fashion.

“I’m perhaps one of the very few actresses who’ve happily played characters way older than my actual age, because that’s what our job is”

You’re one of the few Pakistani public figures who’ve been brave enough to speak about mental health. Do you think about using your influence to help those in need? 

I’ve been talking about mental health because it’s an issue close to my heart. In our country, depression and anxiety aren’t discussed as openly and as frequently as they should be, but I wish to create more awareness. I’ve experienced the helplessness myself; I’ve suffered a lot and would never want anyone else to go through the same.

I have a lot of plans that I’ll be executing with some of my fellow actors. You’ll hear more about this in the future. I’m definitely not going to give up on this cause easily, because I understand what a grave subject it is and how depression affects one’s life.

“I’ve definitely found it hard to detach myself a couple of times. The trick is to take some time off, unwind and spend alone time until you’re ready to bounce back with renewed energy”

You’ve mentioned choosing quality over quantity at this point in your career. What kind of scripts appeal to you? 

Quality is far better than quantity. Less is always more. I’m not inspired by one-dimensional characters. I need acting margin, even if that means opting for a second lead. I don’t want to be remembered as just a pretty face; I look for challenging roles that allow me to get out of my comfort zone. I’m perhaps one of the very few actresses who’ve happily played characters way older than my actual age, because that’s what our job is — to mould ourselves according to the script.

In the future, I’d like to push my limits even more. I want to pick up interesting, complex roles that leave an impact and allow me to grow further as an actor. When I look back at my professional journey so far, I feel I’ve tried doing just that and given my 100% each time.

“I’ve experienced the helplessness myself; I’ve suffered a lot and would never want anyone else to go through the same”

With the conversation on gender equality and feminism on the rise, how important is it for actresses to choose their roles carefully and avoid playing the damsel in distress?

Our audience is very intelligent. If people follow us and look up to us as role models, it’s for a reason and comes with a responsibility. It’s certainly important for actors to be mindful of the roles they pick, but this isn’t gender specific. I think both, female and male actors should choose scripts carefully and try being part of more substantial projects — something real, different and evocative.

It’s important to portray strong female characters and not always show women crying, getting beaten up and feeling helpless, but it’s equally important to not always show men as evil. We have so any real life stories of resilience, so many unsung national heroes in this country — we need to make serials and movies based on them to inspire people.

“My childhood was beautiful; I’ve been blessed. I was a naughty child and have many fond memories that I cherish”

As a woman, have you experienced any inherent prejudices in your line of work?

Well, as women I feel we’re faced with multiple issues on a daily basis that we unconsciously overlook and just move on. It’s like we’ve become immune to them. Of course, I’ve experienced those too, but honestly overall I can’t complain of any major prejudice based on my gender.

Very recently though, I was taken aback by an occurrence, unlike any other in my entire career of sixteen years. I signed a legal contract with a well reputed production house and much to my surprise, they detached me from the project without notice, casting someone else instead. I could’ve taken them to court for this, but decided against it and just took it as a lesson. I’m pretty disappointed by the unprofessionalism and still can’t wrap my head around how such a big company can do this.

Apart from this one incident, I’m pretty grateful for the way I’ve been treated. I’ve received a lot of love and support and have no complaints.

Have you ever found it hard to detach yourself from an intense or complex role you’ve played? Does some part of the characters you essay stay with you?

Yes, sometimes it’s hard to get out of certain characters. Many a time, I’ve found it hard to fall asleep after an intense scene. It’s not uncommon for me to get deeply absorbed into a character and become that person. I don’t think it happens to every actor, but I’ve definitely found it hard to detach myself a couple of times.  The trick is to take some time off, unwind and spend alone time until you’re ready to bounce back with renewed energy.

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

It’s so hard to pick a favourite. I’ve done so much work, sometimes it’s honestly hard to keep track and think of the multiple characters I’ve essayed.

I have, however, learnt from each one of them and carry a part of them with me. One role in particular that’s close to my heart was that of Dua, from a drama serial called “Pani Jaisa Pyar” by Sarmad Khoosat.

What is Nausheen Shah like at home? Tell us about your childhood and family?

I’m like any other girl, very regular. I’m super chill and lazy. I don’t really do much at home and like enjoying time unwinding. My childhood was beautiful; I’ve been blessed. I was a naughty child and have many fond memories that I cherish.

I don’t like talking much about my family because they aren’t part of showbiz, I am. I keep them out of the public eye because they wouldn’t appreciate being spoken about.

 

 SHORT & SWEET

Wardrobe staples you can’t live without?

A good pair of jeans, a white shirt and red lipstick

Your favourite current fashion trends? 

Jeans, white button-down shirt and nude coloured heels

Describe your personal style in three words? 

Personal, personal and personal

Which Pakistani celebrities do you think have good style? 

Meesha Shafi and Nabila

And the ones in dire need of a stylist? 

Everyone has their own style, so I can’t recommend things for others.

What irks you most about social media?

Too many people with a lot of time on their hands.

Favorite ‘90s jam?

There are quite a few by Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and Lauryn Hill. I can’t pick one.

What’s the last photo you took? 

I don’t usually take selfies, but took one on set.

Do you have a nickname?

Naush — but only close friends and family call me that.

“I don’t regret anything. I follow my heart and if things don’t work out as planned, I consider it a lesson”

What was the last lie you told?

Currently in the mix, so can’t say now.

What’s one choice you really regret?

I don’t regret anything. I follow my heart and if things don’t work out as planned, I consider it a lesson.

Your biggest aspirations for this decade?

To keep moving forward, to learn something new every day and share that knowledge with people willing to listen.

Words: Mehek Raza Rizvi

Wardrobe: 9Lines

Photography: Haseeb at 9Solutions

Art direction & styling: 9Solutions

Hair & makeup: Ayan Amir