Faryal Mehmood, a rising star who is committed to taking on roles that she is passionate about, has openly spoken about the dark secrets of the Pakistani drama industry.
Having become a household name as she plays the headstrong role of ‘Insha’ in the popular drama series ‘Raqeeb Se’, Faryal has stated how such roles didn’t come easy and she had to endure (and still does) her fair share of harassment and discomfort as she tries to make it in showbiz, on the basis of her own talent.
Speaking to Something Haute, Faryal called spade a spade as she pulled the curtain down on what goes on behind the scenes and what majority of the aspiring new artists have to face before they can make a name for themselves in this competitive world of glitz and glamour.
Suggesting the real situation is far from reality, Faryal openly stated that a casting couch does exist in Pakistan and anyone who denies it, is completely lying and does so over fear of losing roles and opportunities in the industry.
The bold actress, who came from the States without any connections, knew she has to work hard to make a name for herself. She completely focused on her talent and acting chops, willing to give her 100% to make a mark and impress.
However, little did she know that there was more to it and girls had to invest and show their willingness for the work, in more ways than just their sheer dedication. But Faryal wasn’t one to fall for it. As she recalls how the unprofessionalism ranks differently as the ladder rises, she was left disappointed at every turn. Be it having to listen to vulgar jokes to having suggestions pour in for her to get a stylist to look more ‘representable’, the Pakistani actress had fallen victim to such degrading statements and would view her existence and role under the same pretentious pretext for almost 6 years.
But someone who has seen the worst, she truly appreciates all the goodness around her more passionately. Suggesting how she chooses projects and roles by analyzing the kind of impact they will have on the society, Faryal is seen rarely on the screen as she increasingly becomes selective.
Completely in awe of ‘Raqeeb Se’, she feels her roles and work has a much stronger responsibility- to hit on the masses and make them realize the character’s stature and significance in the society. As she recalled how one of her previous dramas completely fell flat when it was directed, in complete contrast to the wonderful script with which it was made, Faryal knows there’s still a lot to be done in the drama industry.
She is one who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, as she lays emphasis on better, quality writing. Having revealed it all, she knows this might restrict her already limited of work opportunities. But someone needs to talk about it.
This, as she said, is in hopes that it will lead to a significant change in showbiz, allowing talent to take on the limelight rather than mastering the dirt tricks and trade to climb the ladder of success of leading media channels.
