Re: Reema the "Aishwarya Rai of Pakistan"?!
The media can't seem to make up their mind in terms of which actress is the "Aishwarya Rai of Pakistan". The BBC article named Reema, this one names Meera. She seems to be in the news a lot these days, which seems like a total publicity stunt for her movie. Anyway, I thought she was older than 21?
At 21, Meera is 60 films old in a little above seven years, having begun her career with Chief Sahib directed by Javed Sheikh, a huge hit in 1996. Known as Pakistan's Aishwarya Rai, she accepts the compliment but prefers to be known by her real identity - as Meera.
Meera's affinity with India almost seems to be pre-destined, given her Indian and very Hindu screen name. 'I love the name,' she says crisply when asked about it. 'The designer of my first film named me Meera. My mother has instructed me not to reveal my real first and second name! Besides, I believe in only one religion - that of humanity. I am not into ritualistic Islam.'
Among her major hits have been Inteha, Khoye Ho Tum Kahaan and Khilona. In India for a two-year break from her work back home, she wants to act in women-oriented roles, like those of Mahima Choudhury in Pardes, Bipasha Basu in Jism or Bhumika Chawla in Tere Naam. 'I have always loved Indian films, dances and songs. When Mahesh Bhatt came to Kara Film Festival early this year and told me that he wanted to sign me, it was a great honor for me. I have just begun shooting for his Nazar Ke Saamne, which is directed by Soni Razdan with music by Anu Malik. Ashmit Patel is my hero.'
Meera's day back home would begin in the morning around nine and end as late as two in the night. 'I have always done double shifts and 8-10 films at one time. It's never been a problem with my family, though someone would always accompany me to work,' she says.
What I love immensely about Indian culture is the sanctity of marriage - where every man spends his life with just one woman.
What differences does she find in people between the two countries?
'Everything is the same,' she says after a few seconds thought. 'Basically, we are much simpler folk because we are less advanced. We have no discos or pubs there, for example. On the other hand, what I love immensely about Indian culture is the sanctity of marriage - where every man spends his life with just one woman. I love this culture and the symbols of this relationship like sindoor and bindiya. Back home a man can have many wives.'
Having travelled the world, Meera says that she has never fallen in love with any country except India. 'This was the country about which we had heard, seen and read so much but were always told that we could not go there,' she says. 'I am glad that the barriers are broken today and that history will record that I was the first name to work here in this milestone phase. We share so much.'
And having worked non-stop for so many years, what place does romance have in her life?
'I will marry the man chosen by my parents,' Meera replies simply. 'I love them so much and to me it is enough that they have permitted me to work in films.'
But surely she has some ideas about her Mr Right, some dream picture in her mind?
'Well, honestly I have never given marriage a thought and do not intend to settle down till I am 27 or so. I guess he should be someone settled in life, a nice and loving person.'
But doesn't love happen? What if she falls for an Indian, or even someone from either of the film industries?
'I don't mind, but my mother who is everything to me should agree,' says Meera. Then comes a firm, assertive nod: 'But I told you, I have not given all this a thought at all! I will think of romance and marriage when I cross 27 or 28!'
Meera is however keen to settle outside Pakistan. 'I am a simple person,' she explains. 'And I miss the privacy I never have back home. I would love to cook myself, shop for my own home and do all the little, normal things I cannot do because I am a celebrity back home. That's what I love most about my visits to other countries.'
What about India where she is looking for stardom?
'I thought I would enjoy my anonymity for a few months,' she confesses. 'But the other day I walked into this shop and the man there asked me, "Are you Meera?" And I had to tell him that he was the first Indian to recognise me!'
