One of Pakistan’s top models, Amna Ilyas has an infectious smile and a pair of the prettiest eyes – dark olive, wet and mysterious – in show business. Yet, what makes the young lady attractive is less her looks and more her confidence, wisdom and intelligence. Fiercely independent and strong, Amna is also a beguiling mix of vulnerability, bashfulness and wit.
1. Where was the ‘kiss’ in Good Morning Karachi?
What kiss?
2. The infamous one.
Oh, that one. It was left on the cutting floor and did not make it to the final edited version of Good Morning Karachi. But you can still see it in the trailer which is all over YouTube.
3. How did you enter the world of fashion modelling?
My dear friend, Aakif Riaz, is responsible for my career as a model. I was not particularly interested in show business but Aakif always felt that I was destined to be a model. He photographed me – rather casually – and presented the images to a few fashion designers who liked my look. That was the start of my career as a model. Once he had launched me, I started enjoying modelling. I started out when I was a teenager and, eight years later, continue to work as a model.
4. Do you enjoy modelling?
Yes, I do. I always have. Modelling allowed me to become financially independent at the young age of sixteen. I used to be able to make twenty to thirty thousand rupees in one day as a model. That was a lot of money for a young student. I liked being able to earn money.
5. How did you land the primary role in Good Morning Karachi?
I used to be represented by the Citrus Talent Agency. The director of the feature film, Sabiha Sumar, asked Fahd Hussain of Citrus for help with casting. She was looking for a tall, slim and dark-complexioned girl, in her twenties, for the central character. I met the criteria and Fahd arranged a meeting for me at Sabiha’s home. Sabiha and I had a long first sitting together. She narrated the story, told me how she wanted to make her film, and shared her goals for the film with me. She also asked me a lot about my life, which, surprisingly, was very similar to that of the central character, Rafina. Sabiha offered the role to me during our first meeting.
Sabiha’s offer came as a surprise to me. It made me both very nervous and very happy. This was in the year 2010. Very few films were being made in Pakistan at the time; so getting an offer for film was not something that happened often. I asked for some time to let the offer sink in and make up my mind. I consulted a few of the people I trust and discussed the role with my mother. A week later, I said yes to Sabiha.
6. What was the experience of working with Sabiha like?
Sabiha Sumar is an incredibly talented director. She knows her craft.
Sabiha was aware that I was new to the field of acting when she cast me; she understood that I needed training. She had me give up modelling for a full month during which time she trained me as an actor. It was not a very long period of time but the frequent training sessions were intense, structured and focused. Sabiha taught me a great deal about acting in that one month.
7. Farhan Ally Agha has also made his debut in films with Good Morning Karachi.
Yes, he has. Farhan is a truly awesome man. I have met many people in show business during the last eight years but no one as nice as Farhan. He has an aura of dignity and is polite, polished and respectful. I am very fond of him and his wife, Uzma. Great people.
8. Good Morning Karachi was completed in 2011. Why did it take three years for the film to be released?
The plan was to have the film play in festivals before wider release. That caused some delays. Sabiha also had to take care of some health issues which added to the delay. But the film has been released now and is being received well.
A lot of the story reads like my own life
9. How is the story of the film similar to that of your life?
The film is based on Shandana Minhas’s book, Rafina. The central character is a young lady – tall, slim and dark – who has a lot of ambition and drive. She has dreams of a progressively improving life and hopes to accomplish more than is expected of her. She has two men in her life, each one of whom, adds to and takes away from her life. She is faced with tough choices as she rises in the world of modelling and deals with the two men in her life. A lot of the story reads like my own life. I am tall, slim and dark. I moved up in the world of show business due to my wilfulness and determination. And I have had to make my share of hard choices in life.
10. Did you enjoy working in Zinda Bhaag?
The directors of Zinda Bhaag, Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, are two of the nicest people that I have ever met in my life. The producer, Mazhar Zaidi, is great, as well. The three of them are friends with each other and quick to include others in their circle. I enjoyed every minute of working in Zinda Bhaag. I was more confident walking into Zinda Bhaag because I had already done Good Morning Karachi. I quickly developed a camaraderie with the producer and directors which made things pleasant and a lot of fun. It was a great experience.
11. Did you attend the acting workshops that Naseeruddin Shah held in Lahore for the cast of Zinda Bhaag?
Yes, yes. How could I not avail the opportunity to study with one of the greatest actors of our time? I was classified as an experienced actor and, therefore, not included in the original roster for the acting classes but I forced myself in. Studying with Naseeruddin Shah was a truly inspirational and rewarding experience. I felt humbled in his presence. He taught us the basics of character building. He showed us techniques of action and reaction. He explained timing. He showed us proper movements. Naseeruddin Shah has developed his own method, one which is neither Stanislavski nor Meissner but uniquely his own. It is more apropos for South Asian cinema and allows greater room for exploration to actors. He shared this method with us in great detail. We were allowed to ask questions. We had wonderful discussions during the sessions. It was a great learning experience.
12. What is the status of your third feature film?
The shooting for the film has been completed. It is being edited as we speak. The film does not have a title as yet. It has been made by Harune Massey who was the first assistant director for both Zinda Bhaag and Good Morning Karachi. It is a very passionate, rather unique, love story. I work opposite Fawad Khan, not the famous one but the theatre actor from Karachi. A very honest and earnest guy and an outstanding actor.
13. What do you think of Fawad Khan, the famous one?
I think he is very nice looking. Makes me giggle and blush.
14. You are also starring in a Pakistan-Poland co-production.
Yes, I am. Javed Sheikh is in the film as well. It is being made by Kamran Faiq. The film is still in the casting stage. We have not started shooting yet. The plan is to have its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
Amna Ilyas & Ally Adnan
15. You started working for television last year and played a very sad woman in Janam Jali. Your second serial, Dil Nahi Manta, features a very unhappy woman as well. Are Pakistani women really as sad as they are portrayed in television series?
No. Of course, not.
Television in Pakistan is no longer a state run business. It used to be but not any more. It is a business that is required to make money. Producer, directors and writers are under a lot of pressure to produce plays that succeed commercially. Failure is not an option available to them. Pakistanis tend to like plays with high drama, emotional sciences and unbridled sentimentalism. Serials that have featured very sad women have done well in the past. The excessive expression of feelings of painfulness, sadness, and grief seems to have become the formula for success; everyone wants to use it. I cried a lot in Janam Jali and, right after the serial, was offered a role of another very unhappy girl. I did not feel like crying on screen again and turned it down. Dil Nahi Manta is currently on air. It features a crying woman as well but I do not play her. I make others cry in Dil Nahi Manta. In my opinion, it is a very good serial.
Coming back to answering your question, women are shown to be almost always sad on television for three reasons. One, people do not want to take risks and tackle subjects and themes whose commercial success on television has not yet been proven. Two, there is a lack of creativity. New ideas are few and far between. Three, the nation likes displays of grief, sorrow and unhappiness. The truth is that sadness exists in Pakistan – a lot of sadness – but it is divided equally between the sexes. Television just shows what it believes will succeed commercially.
16. Did your mother support your decision, first to become a model and then to become an actor?
Yes, she did. She supported both decisions. I am the youngest of four sisters. My elder sisters had been modelling for a few years before I joined the field. My mother was comfortable with her daughters working as professional models. It was not a problem.
As far as being an actor goes, this was something new for the family. The opportunity came unexpectedly and I needed good advice and I needed support. I am glad that my mother was there to provide both. I even told her that there was a kissing scene in the movie. She was fine with it. She had been around long enough to know that professional actors are required to do a lot to be true to the characters they played. She stood behind my decision to join cinema.
The truth is that my mother is a very liberal and modern person. She has a contemporary vision of the world and believes that women, like men, should be strong, honest and productive. My father passed away when I was very young. She took over his business and ran it well. My mother taught me to be strong, resilient and confident. She supported me as a child and continues to provide support, guidance and advice.
17. Does your mother give you a lot of advice?
Yes, she does. I discuss everything – love, career, relationships, friendships, heart breaks, feuds, everything – with her. She is a smart and intelligent woman. She gives me sound advice.
"Do not trust men who lavish you with an inordinate amount of praise"
18. What is the best piece of advice your mother has ever given you?
“Do not trust men who lavish you with an inordinate amount of praise,” she says, all the time. I have come to believe that men who praise your beauty constantly are the least trustworthy of all.
19. Does your dark complexion make things difficult for you in show business?
No. If I am beautiful, my dark complexion is a contributing factor.
20. What do you think of our obsession with fair complexions?
I think Pakistan’s obsession with fair complexion is despicable. It makes millions of girls feel less of themselves. A person of fair complexion has as much chance of being beautiful as one with a darker complexion. Yet, we continue to be obsessed with fair complexion and believe that being fair is necessary for being beautiful. That is absolutely incorrect. And it is awful. In the age of elaborate photo-shopping techniques and countless cosmetic solutions, I could easily model as a person who is fair; but, I do not see the need. Why?
I find advertisements for Zubaida Apa's soap offensive. Hugely offensive
21. Have you seen the advertisements for Zubaida Apa’s Whitening Soap?
Yes, I have. I find them offensive. Hugely offensive. These appallingly irresponsible advertisements promote self-loathing and low self-esteem. What a shame they are! Nandita Das, Rekha and Salma Hayek are not fair. Are they not beautiful?
22. The abuse of newcomers is common in show business, all over the world but seemingly more so in Pakistan. Did you face any abuse when you decided to start modelling as a young girl?
Girls are safer than boys in the world of fashion due to the sexual orientation of most of those in positions of power. I do not think anyone was even interested in me because I was a girl. Seriously, I was treated with proper respect.
23. The abuse is not always sexual. It can be financial or emotional abuse.
True. Let me talk some more about this.
People in Pakistan are not good with monetary transactions. They do not like to pay on time. They try to break payments down into smaller amounts. A lot of people renege on their promises to pay. Sad though that this is, this behaviour is not limited to show business. It happens in every business in Pakistan. It happens between friends. It happens in families. Financial transactions tend to be unpleasant in Pakistan. I have learnt to avoid these by dealing only with people who are known to be honest and by carefully examining contracts that I sign.
The trading of sexual favours is a personal choice
A quid pro quo system does exist in show business but it does not necessarily constitute abuse. I may do a free shoot for a designer in exchange for some clothes. I think that is perfectly fine. The trading of sexual favours is a personal choice. I speak from personal experience when I say that one does not need to trade with sexual favours.
Girls looking to take short cuts to success tend to allow abuse. A woman has to give signals, however discreet, for men to try and take advantage of her. A woman who is confident, assured and assertive is less likely to be abused emotionally or sexually than one who is demure and gives the vibes of being open to sexual advances.
I have been able to avoid abuse because I am confident, strong and talented and because I do not give out any signals of being available for abuse. I have a manager, an assistant, a presence in the social media, advisors and the right support system. I have assembled the right team to make myself invulnerable to abuse.
24. The world of show business seems to attract a large number of people with alternative lifestyles. Why is that?
I could be wrong but I have a different view on the matter. I believe that people of all sexual orientations exist in all the fields. All sectors of society – the government, the army, the corporate world and every other place – have the same proportion of people with alternative lifestyles. The world of show business is more liberal and more enlightened, if you will. It allows people to be themselves and act the way they want to act. There is little pressure to conform to the norms of society. I think the freedom to be one’s true self attracts people to show business.
25. Do you prefer modelling over acting?
Modelling is my first love. I love the energy, the fast pace, the immediate feedback, the pomp and splendour, and the grandeur of fashion shows. The adrenaline rush of walking the runway is a big high for me. Modelling comes naturally to me. It is almost effortless. Acting is harder. It takes a lot of work but I enjoy it as well. It is difficult to say if I prefer one over the other but I do enjoy modelling more.
26. Who are your favourite fashion designers?
There are several. I think Zaheer Abbas is the best for bridal wear. On the red carpet, I like to wear Adnan Pardesi. Shehla Chatoor is great for parties and get-togethers. Pakistan has some seriously good fashion designers.
27. Do you have friends in the modelling world?
Yes. Khawar Riaz is a very good friend. I worked exclusively for him for a whole year. He was very supportive during the time. I am close to Raheel Rao of Diva magazine. I tend to go to him for advice when I find myself in a fix. There are many other good friends as well.
28. Do you have the time to forge and maintain friendships outside of show business?
Most of my friends are not from the world of show business. They are friends that I have had since my childhood. I love them and I depend on them.
29. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good friend?
A good friend is always there for you. He does not abandon you when things are not going well. He stands by you even when you have messed things up. He is be honest. He is not afraid tell you the truth when you are doing something wrong. His criticism is always fair, valid and sincere.
I will give you an example. A few weeks ago, I decided to stop answering my mobile phone because I was getting overwhelmed with all that I had on my plate. Yesterday, a very dear friend told me that not answering the phone was arrogant and that I was running the risk of hurting my professional reputation by doing so. I agreed with her and decided to give up the habit of not answering my phone. Good friends help you become a better person.
30. When did you first fall in love?
When I was a young child, I fell madly in love with a cousin of mine. I don’t think I have ever loved anyone so dearly since. He was the centre of my life at the time. As we grew older, we drifted apart but I still have very good memories of my first love.
31. Is there a man in your life nowadays?
No. I recently ended a relationship.
32. Was it tough for you to end the relationship? Did it make you sad?
Do I look sad today?
33. No, not at all.
I guess it did not make me sad then. The break-up happened last night but I am fine. I am a strong girl and know how to handle my emotions.
I don't think love exists, or can exist, between a husband and wife
34. Do you plan to marry for love?
I plan to marry in the future but I don’t think it will be because of love. Love, in my opinion, exists only between a mother and her child. I don’t think love exists, or can exist, between a husband and wife. Marriage is more about companionship, trust and support. It is about understanding, mutual respect and common pursuits. I plan to choose my husband wisely. The choice will not be made on the basis of looks or money. I do hope that he will be good looking and financially comfortable but these two factors will not be the deciding ones for me. I will marry someone who has a pure soul and a clean heart, someone who knows how to give and receive respect, and someone who shares my values. I want to spend my life with a kind, sincere and caring person. Those are the qualities I am looking for. Money and good looks would be an added bonus if I get it.
35. What do you enjoy the most about being in show business?
The attention. I love the attention and the adulation that I get as a star.
36. And what do you like the least?
The attention. It sometimes feels as if I live in a bubble and everyone is watching. There is a lot of pressure to improve and do well because a lot of eyes are on me. I do not like that.
37. You seem to be a very happy person. Is this an act you put on?
It is not an act. I am a genuinely happy and content person. I like my life. I enjoy it.
There is a palpable feeling of emptiness in my life because I grew up without a father
38. Is there something missing from your life?
Yes, my father. I lost him when I was four years old. My mother has been there for me with support, advice and guidance but I have always yearned for the love, affection and warmth of a father. There is a palpable feeling of emptiness in my life because I grew up without a father. The feeling seems to be getting more intense as I grow older. I really wish my father was around to pamper me. I want to be loved, coddled and spoilt by a man who wants nothing in return and loves me for just being who I am. I want a father around.
39. What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue to work. I want to model for a long time and I want to grow as an actor. India, Pakistan or elsewhere, I want to act in films of a high calibre. I may establish a business related to show business in the future. I may launch a fashion or a cosmetics line, or set up a production company but none of that will happen for several years. On the personal front, I want to be settled and sorted by the time I am in my thirties. Professionally, I want to become an artist and not be known as a star.
Photo credits: Ammar Shareef, Yaseen Lakhani and Shaharyar Khan
