A versatile actress, SADIA has made a name for herself in tinsel town. She knows what she wants and will fight to get it. She has already won the best TV actress Award and the coveted LUX Commercial, while also making a niche for herself in direction and production, both on TV and films. Meet this ambitious young actress, who claims that simpliciyt is the secret of her success.

Can you shed some light on the Askari-Imam sisters' feud?
I did a play with Dr. Ali Askari named 'Shiddat'. When I reached Lahore, Dr. Askari, who was also playing a role, told me that my work would last just fifteen days. But Shamoon, the director, told me that my work was not for just fifteen days but almost a month.

My play was being edited at that time and I also had a commitment with BMN, so I suggested to Shamoon that why not complete my work in the last spell, after I am through with my editing, as then I will be free and can devote more time and attention to Dr. Askari's serial.

But the lahories are full of ego, which has to be satisfied. When I spoke to Dr. Askari, to let me do my work in the last spell, because it wouldn't be finished in fifteen days, he said, "Why not?" I told him because this was his maiden play and obviously there would be so many retakes.

'This comment really infuriated him and he misbehaved with me a lot, in front of so many people, and then asked me to sell him 'Tapish'. I told him that 'Tapish' was like my baby and my name was going for the first time as a director so I had to be very careful. In reply, he misbehaved further, so I walked out of his play.

Few- days later we got to know that Dr. Askari had been apprehended and he claimed to have given Sadia Imam rupees thirty lacs. The interesting part is, that he always tiled to ask me about my play and its expenditure, which I had told him. So the man knew all the facts and figures and for how much the play was worth and the profits.

The total cost of the play was 10.5 million; out of which thirty lacs was the recovery amount that he termed as being given to me by him. I have one question for the media that if that person had given me thirty lacs, shouldn't there be proof of some sort? A bank draft, cheque or any witness.

Thirty lacs is not a small amount, nobody would give a girl so much without any proof. Whatever I am today is thanks to the media, but they were busy printing Dr. Askari's and the courts' comments, without even realizing that there is not a single shred of evidence against me.

The case is still on, but the judge, Justice Naseem Sikander is himself involved, so how can I expect a decision in my favor. So my last hope is the Supreme Court. What these people wanted was my play and I ask why? You give me the evidence; I will give you the thirty lacs.

But the sad part is, that people made a mountain out of a molehill, but I will fight, because I know that I am right and Allah is with me. If I had taken thirty lacs, I wouldn't have been living in a rented apartment.

You bagged the coveted Lux commercial and became one of the six most beautiful women in Pakistan. How much rivalry and dog-eat-dog attitude did you face in this achievement?
You know why I always wanted to do a movie? Just because of the Lux commercial. And Allah has been so kind to me, that He fulfilled my desire without me even having to do a film.

It's just Allah ki rehmat, as he has bestowed me with everything I ever desired for. The Lux people approached me themselves and I was so happy to be offered the opportunity, it was like a dream come true. Right now, the promo of the commercial is on air. For the entire ad we will be flying to Malaysia in October.

Every star dreams, of the Lux commercial, previously only movie stars were selected for this commercial, but thankfully, now they have shifted their attention towards television actresses and models too.

You also won the Lux Best Television Actress Award. How was the feeling?
When I won the Lux Best Actress Award I was in Malaysia, shooting for a play. When I got the news I was ecstatic, as I do not come from a strong family background nor there is anybody backing me up. It was a hard-earned award. The competition was extremely tough, but Frieha Altaf told me that I got the most votes.

Recently you directed a play 'Tapish' how was the experience?
My directorial debut Tapish, was very well liked by the masses. It was my first effort and despite a few errors, it got a nice feedback. So I am happy, that the response of the viewers was encouraging, which has given me more confidence for further projects.

You are into production as well. Isn't production a risky business?
Well, I have been in production for the last three years. Every thing involves risks of some sort. Production is not as risky as film making, because if your first show of the movie is a hit, that means your money is recovered, otherwise consider it lost.

While in TV production, you sell your product or the play and then it’s the headache of the person who bought it as to whether it is running successfully or not. I like to take risks, as only then can you move forward in life.

Any plans to work in Lollywood movies?
I would love to! Not from today, but from the beginning I have had this desire to work in movies, but I know that I will never get the permission from my father. Working in TV has upset him a lot.

But if he agrees today, I wouldn't waste a minute in signing up with Sajjad or Shehzad Gul. But I have already made him angry, by doing four mujras in the serial Umrao Jan Ada. So for the time being, I can't even think about asking him, but I have his full blessings for doing film production and direction. That's my consolation.

What is the real Sadia like?
The real Sadia is very simple. Who wears simple clothes, wears no makeup, loves to play with children. I am a very domestic girl who loves to cook and clean the house.

Are you a socialite?
No, not all! I love staying in the house most of the time. If you ever see me at a party then it is because of a lot of pressure from friends and family, while my sister Aliyah loves to go to parties.

I am not comfortable in crowded places. Actually, the main reason is that there is a lot of politics in our profession. People make a mountain out of a molehill, so that is why I avoid going to showbiz parties and functions because the next day many rumors start floating.

Tell us how you entered show business? What it by choice or chance?
I accompanied my older sister Aliyah who was working for Islamabad Television sister to the Television station, there, Nabila the famous beautician saw me and then offered me a photo shoot. But I got my first offer, the Supreme Tea advertisement, almost after a year.

That commercial was the turning point of my life, and then there was no looking back. I had a downpour of offers, out of which I selected 'Uljhan', which was a mega hit and the ball started rolling.

Which is your most memorable play?
Almost all my plays are memorable for me, but my most memorable is the one I am shooting these days Umrao Jan Ada, for Jeo TV Network. It is a very bold and daring script and will be telecasted uncensored. Umrao Jan is the story of a prostitute and it is portrayed in the same manner, it will definitely leave a lasting impression in the viewers' mind.

What is show business like? Is there a lot of politics going on? How much chance does talent stand in front of favoritism?
In every business there is bound to be politics and scheme hatchery. Even in houses, the sisters-in-law, brothers, and mothers-in-law face every day politics. So naturally, in this field of fame and fortune, there tends to be a bit more.

There is definitely favoritism, but I know one thing, that if you are talented and have a pretty face, then you can survive. But if you are just a pretty face with no remarkable talent then you can get cast say three or four times due to favoritism, but not more than that.

Talent can never be hidden or disregarded; it will show no matter what. There is favoritism and politics, but they cannot take control, the thing that rules the roost is undoubtedly talent.

There seems to be a lot of glamour and glitz involved in television now, as compared to the old days, is this the reason for the downfall of dramas and artists' performances?
Lahore TV is very influenced by the film industry. Their dramas seem more like a Telefilm than a play. Even in Karachi, the new dramas are packed full of glamour, fashion and exotic locations.

This is the reason, why nowadays the actresses fail to make an impact on the viewers' minds. I made a place in the hearts of the audience, because I looked like one of them. I never wore heavy makeup, or fancy clothes.

I portrayed the story and face of the girl of every house. I never looked like I had just stepped out of ‘Vogue' or ‘Asian Bride'. I looked real and that was the secret of my success.

The other negative point about today's actresses is their lust for being No. 1 and being the lead heroine. In television plays, there are no heroes or heroines, but characters only. So, instead of concentrating on the role and character, girls today strive for glamour and extra footage, which is another reason for the downfall of many serials.

While, I look for depth in the character and do not just want to be the heroine of the serial. I am not an ‘egotistical' person. I accept roles with fewer scenes, but more impact. I never hesitate in signing the roles of a mother, or an old lady. I like to look like the character and when people appreciate it, my hard work is rewarded.

What do you look for in a serial? Strong character, glamour or the pay cheque?
Definitely strong character. For what I have learnt from my seniors is to look for good work and not for money. But "agar bura kaam karo to paisay achay loo, our agar kaam acha hai to baishak paisa kum kar do ".

Who is your favorite director/actor/actress?
Kazim Pasha is my favorite director, he has guided me throughout my career, like a father, he thought me every little detail. When I was working on my play, ‘Tapish' I worked on the script for one and a half-years and he was with me throughout. I respect him a lot. While Talat Hussain, Samina Peerzada, Saba Hameed and Sania Saeed are my favorite artists.

You seem to be paired with Humanyun Saeed again and again, any particular reason?
Actually, I have worked in a few, select plays with Humanyun Saeed, but coincidentally thanks to so many channels, they are on air simultaneously, so that is why it seems that I am working with him a lot, which is not true.

Previously, people used to say that I am working a lot with Shabbir Jan. The thing is that, there are a few good male artists, so naturally you get paired with them, time and again.

I have worked with almost all the seasoned male actors and now I wish to work with Faisal Rehman, because he is a very brilliant actor.

Have you ever fallen in love?
I fell in love, but my feelings were not reciprocated. It is not necessary that if you love somebody he'll also return your feelings, that's what happened with me, the person I loved did not love me. I am over it now.

Lastly what are your plans about marriage?
Nowhere in the near future. The kind of person I would marry should be educated, decent and of course good-looking. Because, a show business girl comes from a world of glamour and dreams, so definitely wealth and good looks matter.