Television is a medium where characters come to life, captivating viewers and etching themselves into the cultural fabric. Actors breathe life into the stories we see on screen. Faiza Gillani is one such artist who has devoted two decades in the industry, epitomizing her dedication, talent, and passion to the fullest. Her acting skills, her ability to convey intense emotions, coupled with her commanding screen presence, makes her a standout performer. In an exclusive conversation with Fashion Times Magazine, she spoke at length about her journey. Read on.
Fashion Times Magazine (FTM): What made you join the industry?
Faiza Gillani (FG): I wanted to be an actor, but I had the opportunity by default as my mother was an actor. As a child star, I did a couple of projects for PTV. After the demise of my mother, I completed my post-graduation and applied for a job at a multinational in Lahore. Their head offices were mainly based in Karachi, so I finally decided to take up acting as my profession.
(FTM): Two decades and more… yet portraying meaty characters. What’s the magic?
(FG): I believe character acting is like old wine, the more experienced you are the more fine you are.
(FTM): Your contemporaries have fizzled out. But you’re still going strong…Your comment?
(FG): Well, most of them got married. It isn’t easy difficult for a Pakistani woman to balance personal and professional as we have more set of responsibilities. Acting is a time-consuming job, if your family isn’t supportive enough, it is impossible to sustain.
(FTM): Do you remember the first shot you ever gave? How have you changed over the years?
(FG): Yes, I did a documentary for PTV, on girls’ education, award-winning directed by Mehmood Aali. My first shot was feeding the cow. It was about how the people in the village who could afford to educate a child would choose the boy and not the girl.
(FTM): When you look back, are there any regrets, or anything you would have done differently?
(FG): No regrets! Humans aren’t angels, everyone in life makes mistakes. However, if you don’t learn from your mistakes then it’s a mistake. If I would go back in time and fix one thing that would be my mother’s ailing period. My mother was on the death bed and at that time we weren’t mature enough to understand about the medical consultation and all. Every doctor had different opinions but only one doctor was right. I wish I could have given my mother the injection that the doctor had prescribed that could save her life.
(FTM): Your looks have transformed with time. Does an actor’s appearance play a vital role?
(FG): Yes, they have (smiles). I would thank my colleagues Iffat Omar and Uzma Hassan who have been my friends for nine years. They are all out-guiding me on what to do and what not to do. This will look good on you and so on. I am thankful to them. I feel it is not about the looks only. It’s about the confidence that I gained with time. My self-esteem was low, I couldn’t make good decisions. Omar and Hassan were there to boost my confidence, and self-esteem and help me see things through their eyes.
(FTM): Are you satisfied with the drama content being produced these days?
(FG): No one is ever satisfied, there’s always room for improvement. I am grateful to Allah to be able to earn my bread and butter through this career. And it has never stopped. I can do better, if I get a chance I can prove my craft.
(FTM): You’ve worked with PTV in the past. How are things different now? Is the job getting easier or harder?
(FG): It was easier for me as my mother worked in PTV, so all the producers and directors knew me. At the time, we had just one channel and hardly seven serials would play weekly. Now just look at it, there’s a variety of channels there is work for everyone. So it’s easy for people now to get work. Having said that, you have to be good with your craft and be worth it.
(FTM): What factors do you look for while reading a script?
(FG): While reading the script I do consider various factors like the team, cast, and production house. I analyze the idea behind the project and most importantly margin to perform.
(FTM): From Ranjish to Serial Killer, what according to you is your best work so far?
(FG): I own every project of mine. My best is yet to come, so wait for it.
(FTM): On a happier note, what are you looking forward to in 2024? Tell us about your upcoming projects.
(FG): I am excited about Asim Abbasi’s web series ‘Barzakh’.
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