Dawn Images

Despite being stereotyped as the non-actor who loves to show her skin for a living, this film-star has faced criticism head-on and ultimately come out strong.

Speaking to Images, Sana talks about her choice of work, the new-age cinema and all that exists in the world of glitz, glamour and gloss.

Images: Having been a part of both the Lollywood and new-age eras of cinema, what's your take on the films that are being produced today?

Sana Fukhar: I think we need to work on our content. We need better scripts and screenplays. Having worked in Bollywood twice, including a mega film called Kaafila with Sunny Deol, and with top-notch Pakistani directors such as Syed Noor and Javed Sheikh, I find myself lucky to have been a part of the best work that was available. For our nascent film industry, I think we are doing a good enough job.

However, I do believe that once filmmaking students will practically be going through the process of making a film, they'll probably learn more about the whole job with time. I believe the new blood cannot replace our experience and contributions to cinema. They must take their seniors along; add to their exposure by working with them. And for that, I think we need to respect them and vice versa - together we may take our fraternity forward.

Images: If there would be one advice that you would give to the new-age artists, what would it be and why?

Sana: Our directors don't promote their films' actors anymore. I still remember how Javed Sheikh introduced us to everybody at the premiere of Yeh Dil Aapka Hua in London. I was very new to the industry and Javed Sheikh was already such an esteemed artist and a force to reckon with, but he still managed to bring the cast in the limelight. I think the charisma that film-stars had; I don't see that in any of the new actors.

Back then, we had fewer channels, no social media, but we all knew those bigwigs, we all were recognised as film-stars, and now nobody knows anyone, even after being a few films old. We need more teams like Wrong No. - a film we all knew starred Danish Taimoor and Sohai Ali Abro. We need directors who are able to present their actors as stars. Slowly, but surely, I'm glad to see that happening in a few forthcoming productions.

We don't have filmi music in films anymore. We don't have any song that can be played at weddings. 'Shakar Wandaan Re' or 'Fair & Lovely Ka Jalwa' might have been shot beautifully but are just not those catchy tunes.

Images: Lollywood-style films are said to have been the reason behind our industry's decline, yet several filmmakers continue to follow the failed path. What's your take on that?

Sana: I think that doesn't change the fact that Lollywood as an industry has been able to produce some of the subcontinent's most iconic films. However, I for one believe in evolving over time and accepting the changes of life. It will take some time for a few people to digest the new treatment and technology, but I'm very content with the direction that our newly-formed industry is taking. There are a few technicalities that still need major work, for instance we don't have filmi music in films anymore.

We don't have any song that can be played at weddings. 'Shakar Wandaan Re' or 'Fair & Lovely Ka Jalwa' might have been shot beautifully but are just not those catchy tunes. And that is where Ishq Positive's soundtrack takes the cake, mainly because Noor is well-aware of how films are made. She understands the entertainment value. But I guess, over the time we will be able to overcome this as well and realise that films must always be larger than life.

Images: What film and television projects are you currently involved with?

Sana: Well, I've done an item song in Khalid Khan's directorial, Zehr-e-Ishq. I'm also playing one of the leads in Sahir Lodhi's Raasta opposite Aijaz Aslam. I play the character of a middle-class woman in the rom-com 100 Crore; it's a very interesting film that follows the journey of three couples thriving for a lottery ticket. Lastly, I've also signed the role of a really glamorous and supportive aunt in Crew Motion Pictures' untitled next. It’s a very positive and fun character, something very different from what I've done recently.

As far as television goes, I am currently shooting for Kashif Saleem's serial Mujhe Bhi Khuda Ne Banaya Hai alongside Javed Sheikh and Yasir Mazhar. It’s a woman-centric project that follows the journey of my character. So I'm glad to announce that I have my hands full for another one year.

Read on: Another film, another item song: Sana puts on her dancing shoes for Hijrat

Images: How do you respond to criticism of the fact that your recent work has mostly consisted of item numbers?

Sana: I'm a commercial actor. I'm an awaami actor. I don't consider myself an art-film actor. As far as item songs go, we have seen actresses dance to them; even Mahnoor Baloch was seen in a very bold dance number. So I think the execution matters the most. There's a very thin line between vulgarity and classy, and I'm completely a director's actor. I think an actor's job is to mould herself according to the character's demand, and I think it's the director's job to present item songs in a suitable and decent manner.

Apart from that, our country is full of hypocrites and I'm completely satisfied with that. Honestly, I've gone through a lot to make it where I am today. My family doesn't approve of my work, but my husband has been very supportive throughout. He loves my confidence, and I'm really lucky to have found such an open-minded life partner.

Images: It was rumoured that you and Noor had a fight due to which you didn't attend the premiere. Your thoughts?

Sana: Well, I had initially said yes to the film because of Noor. She happens to be my first cousin. At the time I got on board, Sangeeta was directing it and they had some internal issues regarding the song and payments due to which both parted ways. However, I or my track in the film was never a part of that. As far as the promotional activities in Karachi go, I was busy shooting for a reality show in Lahore and when the premiere was held in Lahore, I was informed at the eleventh hour and I had committed elsewhere by then. So there have been no cat-fights whatsoever, and I wish her all the best for her second directorial venture!