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Nadia Khan is leaving her morning show persona far behind with this new TV serial

Nadia Khan is leaving her morning show persona far behind with this new TV serial

In Kesi Aurat Ho Tum, Nadia Khan plays a role she couldn't have 17 years ago, she says
Updated 08 Dec, 2017

Here's some good news for the fans of our good ol' Nadia Khan!

The actor, who was most known for her animated and bubbly on-screen persona as a morning show host, is starring in another TV drama called Kaisi Aurat Ho Tum.

Nadia plays the protagonist in this Fahim Burney drama. The story is about Maham, a working woman who financially supports her husband Moiz (played by Faisal Rehman). Moiz is emotionally abusive and exploits her love for personal gains.

Her character isn't going to be anything like the Nadia we're used to seeing, the actor tells Images.

"I am making a return to TV after a break of over 17 years. I've matured a lot during this time," she says.

"You're not going to see the same old morning show wali Nadia," the actress, whose morning show on GEO TV used to be one of the highest-grossing entertainers.

Explaining the complexity of her character, Nadia says, "Maham loves her husband so much that she is unable to see how conniving he is and how he is exploiting her."

The serial doesn't feature physical abuse per se, the actress says. "It is more focused on how the husband manipulates the woman emotionally, making her do bizarre things," Nadia elaborates, saying that she lacked the maturity to relate to such characters 17 years ago.

"Fahim Burney has directed the play himself; usually he has a team of directors working for him. This was a play I just could not turn down," she adds.

Nadia Khan with Faisal Rehman on sets of her upcoming drama, Kaisi Aurat Ho Tum
Nadia Khan with Faisal Rehman on sets of her upcoming drama, Kaisi Aurat Ho Tum

Additionally, she wanted to do something different so the image Nadia has in people's minds is reshaped, and she gets a chance to be "taken seriously".

"It's called image-breaking. When you're making a comeback, it is important to do something that you haven't done before, it adds value to your work," Nadia said.

Looking back, Nadia says now is a great time for dramas in Pakistan.

"Throughout the 1990s going into 2005, we were stuck with Star Plus and most Pakistani dramas were trying to replicate their content," Nadia says. Nowadays, dramas have good stories, good scripts, good direction and are technically sound, she adds.

About films, Nadia outright says she will not do a film "just for the heck of it".

"Doing films right now is risky. It is still very premature," she adds.

"I don't think people in Pakistan know how to make films. Good films are made with knowledge, not money," the actor says.

"Pakistani films get flopped and a lot of people end up making a fool out of themselves."

Nadia says she'll sign a film when she finds a good project whose performance at the box office won't harm her acting profile.

About morning shows, Nadia said she appreciates what hosts are trying to do within their capacity but overall, in her opinion, they lack content.

"They have to force the audience to laugh. That's just ridiculous," the actor added.

"We can provide women a worldview in those two hours, two crucial hours, but we've cut them off from the modern world. We're taking women backwards," she says.

"Pakistani culture hasn't changed much either ... people need to change and progress with time," says the actor, who travels to and fro between UAE and Pakistani for personal reasons.

"Instead, I think nowadays there are more restriction than there were during my childhood," Nadia says. "The culture has grown more suffocating."

But the actor feels hopeful about the upcoming generation, saying there are people who are trying to do things that are against cultural norms.

Speaking of the next Pakistani generation, Nadia has been focusing on her official YouTube channel called OutStyle, where she blogs about fashion, beauty, health and fitness. The channel has around 70,000 subscribers, and is growing by leaps and bounds, Nadia says.

And though business ventures on YouTube are not very common in Pakistan, Nadia feels hopeful.

"YouTube is massive everywhere in the world. In the next four or five years, I think we'll see it grow in Pakistan too."

Comments

Sufana Dec 08, 2017 09:22am
always liked nadia in dramas than morning shows
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Khan Dec 08, 2017 09:23am
Both are below average performers.
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MASOOD hAIDER Dec 08, 2017 10:01am
Hopefully not another 'Weeping Girl' drama such as the currently running 'Daldal'. Please TV producers and director don't portray women as pathetic, spineless blobs of jelly fish unable to stand up for their rights and let them have a bit of dignity.
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Ahmed Dec 08, 2017 10:38am
She still looks so graceful.
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Shahida Dec 08, 2017 12:48pm
Finally something better than promoting quacks and skin fairness creams and remedies !
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Asif Dec 08, 2017 01:16pm
An average actor, never liked morning shows, just a waste of time , not my cupa.
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asma Dec 08, 2017 02:36pm
well she need to work on her acting skills
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Howzat Dec 08, 2017 03:24pm
@Shahida don't forget the 'shadii tamasha' that is on every channel every week to showcase the latest must have trends and looks. These shows are perfect for someone living in the 1950's, but maybe that is what the public wants judging by the ratings.
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Abdul Rehman Dec 08, 2017 06:56pm
It’s time for both to retire, give chance to new talent
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N abidi Dec 08, 2017 07:35pm
Nadia has some kind of negative narrative about Pakistani film industry! Pakistani films are getting better with each film. The younger lot and smart producers and directers,making a great effort ,it is showing. Of course, more talented directers and producers and writers are needed! The will be coming ,no doubt! Lastly, Pakistani female lead film Verna was thousand times better then Indian female lead film,with bigger budget! Keep going pak new film maker, do not listen to people who always do one thing , be negative!
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Farah (New York) Dec 09, 2017 12:46am
OMG. Faisal Rehman is still looking young and handsome.
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Farah (New York) Dec 09, 2017 12:47am
@Khan That's not true. Faisal is the best
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Farrukh Kayani Dec 09, 2017 01:00pm
Should have been something like House of Cards! Disappointing!
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