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Madiha Iftikhar
 The young and talented Madiha Iftikhar truly has everything that makes her a new star of our television industry. With uber acting skills and gorgeous looks she is all set to grab the title of 'Queen of Pakistani television' soon. She left her viewers spellbound with her performance in drama serial Dil Dard Dhuan. Her enchanting facial expressions are the X-factor of her onscreen presence. She has mastered the trick of captivating viewers with her exceptional acting talent. Recently Mag4you.com contacted the stunning Madiha to talk about her showbiz journey so far. Excerpts:
WJ: How did you enter the world of showbiz?
MI: My parents had a background in showbiz so it was not difficult for me to get into this field. I always had an inclination towards acting. I got my first break in a Geo project, called Partition Ek Safar that was directed by Rana Sheikh. She saw me at a talent hunt academy in Islamabad and cast me in her serial.
How was your childhood?
I am the youngest in my family therefore I have always been given special attention. My family has always treated me like a little princess whose every wish was meant to be fulfilled. They all pampered me a lot but it never made me a spoiled child.
How has showbiz exposure changed your life?
It has changed my life completely. I have experienced ups and downs of life. I also got a chance to see the world and people from an entirely different perspective. Most of all it has made me a more confident and responsible person because I am fully aware that I am carrying the tag of a 'celebrity'.
How important is stardom for you?
It has always been very important for me. When I was a child I dreamt of becoming an actress. It was really fascinating for me that one day people would recognise me for my work. Today when I am known as a celebrity it makes me really happy. A huge fan following is also proof of my good work.
 Your acting is full of emotions. Have you learnt how to act?
As far as acting is concerned it comes to me naturally. I don't have to put in a lot of effort while acting. In the beginning of my career it was a little difficult for me to bring out the right emotions on screen. But the guidance of veteran director Rana Sheikh has helped me a lot in honing my skills. She trained me strictly for three months. She taught me when and how to use body language and facial expressions to make my acting more powerful.
You have done some fashion shoots too but we have never seen you on ramp?
It's true that I have never done any fashion show but it does not mean that I am not interested in it. In fact, I do not feel myself comfortable while modelling. Acting has always been my preference. Yes, I did a few shoots and I prefer to work with Akif Illyas and Rizwan-ul-Haq because both these guys know how to bring out the best in me. But in future if I ever get an offer for a fashion show I will definitely think about it as I believe in experimentation.
Are you a planning-centric person?
Yes, I am. I have set certain goals in my life and I always try to achieve them with proper planning. By the way my planning has really been successful so far.
Is there any significant difference between Madiha in reel and Madiha in real life?
There is a lot of difference. When I am onscreen I am in a totally different avatar which definitely is supposed to contradict my actual personality. But yes, one can find the true shades of my personality on the set when I am not in front of the camera.
What are the qualities a good actor should have?
To be a better human being is the first requisite. You should be nice and humble with the people. I follow these guidelines because I think that it is good team work that makes us stars. It is also important to take acting seriously, do not consider it as a part time job or activity. Be focused and concentrate to bring further improvement in work. Above all, sincere commitment and dedication is needed to achieve success in this profession.
What kind of roles do you usually prefer?
Serious roles have always been my priority. My fans like to see me in emotional characters. I have won their hearts with serious roles. I did a sitcom called Ganday Bachay; although my comic timings were not perfect yet people liked my performance in it. Then I did Tujh Pe Qurban, another comedy play in which my performance was highly appreciated.
Which of your role have you liked the most and why?
I liked my role in my first drama serial Partition Ek Safar. I also liked my negative role in Sirf Ek Bar, which was very challenging for me. In Aasthi, I played the role of a Bengali woman, which is also very dear to me. But I earned real fame with my character in Dil Dard Dhuan and I simply love it.
How was your experience of hosting a morning show?
 It was simply outstanding. I loved the whole concept and I found it much more relaxing than acting. I had a set schedule to follow. I had to reach the studio around 6 a.m. After the live transmission I only had to work till 3 p.m. and I could spend quality time with my family. There wasn't any work stress. In future if I get a good offer to host a morning show I will definitely go
for it.
How social are you?
I mingle with people very easily and my profession also demands me to be social. To let your presence felt in the industry, an actor has to be social.
What is the idea of a perfect weekend for you?
My perfect weekend is incomplete without my family. I prefer to spend my vacations with my parents and sisters in my hometown Islamabad.
Is Madiha a family girl?
Yes, I am a totally family girl. My family is everything to me. I give prime importance to them. I also wish that whenever I get married my husband will also understand the importance of family in my life and spend quality time with me.
Do you have any plans to get married soon? Would you leave showbiz after marriage?
No, I am not getting married anytime soon. As far as acting is concerned I have not decided as yet. It's possible that I would continue my work or I might just bid adios to showbiz for good.
What's the one thing you hate and love about being a star?
Being a star I like that people know me. I have a status in the society that I have earned with my hard work and dedication. The thing I hate is that I sometimes react bitterly in unfavourable situations.
You are working in a number of projects at the same time. How is it possible to maintain the same level of enthusiasm every time?
It is not difficult to maintain a constant level of enthusiasm in every project because I love my job and I enjoy doing it. However, it sometimes happens that when I start a new project with lots of enthusiasm, I lose interest in the middle of it.
 Madiha In A Nutshell
Nickname: My showbiz friends calls me 'Maddy' whereas my family calls me 'Madhu'
Childhood ambition: To become an actress
Beauty or brains: Both
Life is: short so live it happily
Biggest challenge: To become a Hollywood star
A misconception people have about you: That I have double personality, which is absolutely wrong
One person I would love to dine out with: Aamir Khan
My worst nightmare: Can't remember right now
Something that I am strongly possessive about: My family, friends and of course my would-be
Last purchase A lot of clothes
The most expensive item in your wardrobe: All are expensive, from tops, jeans, handbags to shoes
I love: My country
Cooking is: very important but I am not very fond of it
Favourite food: I like everything
Favourite holiday destination: Islamabad, London and Sweden
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