Recently garnering praise for her performance in the hit drama series Khaie, Uzma Hassan graced the couch at Gup Shup with Fuchsia and indulged in a candid interview to talk acting, showbiz and family.

“I don’t have a filter between my brain and my mouth,” the 45-year-old said with a smile. “I say whatever is in my heart. It often doesn’t sit well with people.” While people typically are not primed to hear some truths, as per the actor, honesty does not have to ‘hurt or offend’ people.

Uzma added, “It’s much easier to do a character than to reveal yourself as you are. Our people are very unforgiving and I am an extremely sensitive, thin-skinned person.” The Mannat Murad actor explained how she has yet to master the art of navigating interactions with people. “I get bouts of anxiety if someone asks me to make a shout-out post,” she admitted. “There’s a fear because there’s no acceptance [in our society] of people as individuals with whatever flaws they have. As long as someone is real, we are ready to whip out our knives and swords, and if we can’t find them, we have the internet,” Uzma described the unwelcoming spirit that pervades the social fabric.

In the character’s skin

Despite being asked to host acting workshops and sessions, she maintained that teaching is an altogether different art from acting. “I have not studied this (acting) formally from books, I am relying purely on instinct.” According to Uzma, the key to becoming a good actor is to forget one’s self. She stated, “You can hold on to an element of that personality but please put yourself somewhere else and get into the skin of the character.”  Uzma, who has received wide acclaim for her work in hit dramas like Aao Kahani Buntay Hain and Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi, offered one reason as to why some actors fail to surprise. “Some people look the same in every character because I don’t think it’s possible for them to leave behind their aura,” she mused. The actor stressed the need to break free from self-imposed restrictions regarding certain roles and the mannerisms they entail. “If I say ‘no, I won’t sit like this or I will keep my posture only like this,’ then I am not that character anymore,” she pointed out. In a surprising reveal, Uzma shared that she never watches the monitor during the shoot. She said, “I’ll be done for good if I start obsessing over how I look.” Commenting on her learning journey, Uzma credited veteran TV star Naumaan Ijaz with whom she has shared the screen in multiple projects. “He’s one of the finest actors that we have, I love working with him. I think I’ve done some of my best work with him,” she beamed. In heartfelt departure from blockbuster drama ‘Khaie,’ that recently ended , rising star Shuja Asad bids farewell to his iconic role as Barlas Khan, expressing deep gratitude to his fans, producers and fellow cast members.   Reflecting on his journey with character, Shuja Asad shared, ‘From moment I heard Barlas’ story, I knew it was meant to be. I had to play him-and I fought so hard to do just that.’

In his Instagram post, Shuja Asad extended special thanks to producers for taking chance on him and praised director Wajahat Hussain Syed for shaping him into an artist. He expressed appreciation to star-studded cast and dedicated crew who brought ‘Khaie’ to life.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 03 2024

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