Tell us about yourself?
Shafia: I was born in Hazratbal locality of old city Srinagar. As an actress for Kashmiri serials I have first appeared on television screen in May 2001 in a family drama ‘Gulbakwali’ at the age of 17. Before that I appeared in several serials for children.
Right from my childhood, I was inclined towards Art and that I realized when I was just five years old and bagged the second prize in painting competition.
Will you precise more about it?
Shafia: Actually, my father is working in Kashmir University. I once went along with him to his office where the painting competition was going on. I was insisted to sit in the competition and draw some paintings though the participants were quite older to me. I got surprisingly second prize. And all the friends and colleagues of my dad appreciated and encouraged me.
How can you define your professional life?
Shafia: I spend most of my time for acting and Doordasrhan has turned my second home now where I spend most of my time. I have appeared in more than 100 serials telecasted on Doordarshan. I have also earned best actress award for ‘Ratha Vandi Malenoo’ from Cultural academy and many more anchoring awards. However, I was widely acknowledged and appreciated when I played the role of 16th centaury famous Kashmiri poetesses Habba Khatoon in HabbaKhaaton serial. That serial gave me the name and fame which I still live with. In fact, that is the best ever performance I can recall.
“Yum Kum Zooran” is the 2nd serial (after Gulbakwali) I did in which I play the prominent role of a mother.
How is your personal life especially at home? Does your professional life have any impact on your personal life?
Shafia: I am the most loving girl at home and deeply attached to my father. Despite being from a modest and religious family I got all the support and help what I needed during my struggle as an actress.
I am pretty happy and thankful to my family for their support to pursue my dream of acting. Even from my fans there is only positive criticism and support.
I am very humble and free minded girl in my personal life. But when I am on sets, a dramatic change comes in me. I get attitude, sincerity and altogether a separate character which I needed to perform as an actress.
How did you turn up to art? Was it your first choice?
Shafia: I wished to be a doctor or a Judge and I am none of those. But I am proud and happy to be what I am right now. People love and respect me for all that. Even my colleagues are sometimes surprised when they see the love and respect I am getting from unexpected quarters.
Was there any struggle for you to chase your career?
Shafia: I don’t think anybody discouraged me for joining this profession. But when I went first time to Doordasrhan for audition a female producer said me that I have committed mistake for choosing this profession. And after exact three days G M Wani (a good friend of my father) encouraged me a lot and enlightened me of my hidden talent. ‘You are doing best while choosing this as career. This way you will help people to propagate social messages positively. You could be also economically independent and don’t ever be depressed’ these were his words to me at that time.
But at the same time in a conservative society like Kashmir you need to have strong dedication and commitment besides patience and honesty with your profession. I was never disheartened in my profession and I am completely satisfied.
“HabbaKahtoon” serial was best experience and inspiration for me. More and more people came to know after my appearance in that. And I am myself also impressed with my role as Habbakhatoon. When I was on set to shoot this serial a girl whose name I don’t remember right now came to me and gave a piece of wire. I was shocked to see but she instantly said that she liked me too much and had nothing to offer except that piece of wire. I still recall her kind words.
Can you name some serials and shows where you have played a major role?
Shafia: ‘Gulbakwali’, ‘Yum Kum Zooran’, Kitna Kareeb Kitna Door’, ‘Barf Kay Phool’, ‘Amaar’, Tamhas Gow Sama’, ‘Jalaan’, ‘Pazrukh Alam’, ‘Wagah Border’ (Tamil Movie), ‘Vaadi ki Awaaz’, ‘Hello Shafia’, ‘Hello Fm2’.
How can you define this profession out of your experience?
Shafia: I could not have reached out to the people and society to this extent had I chosen my earlier choices of profession-doctor and judge. This profession gave me chance to reach out to maximum people and contribute more with greater impact.
But I am very disappointed as well since we lack support and encouragement at Doordarshan and most of the actors are quitting this profession since there is no more work now.
Any latest shooting?
Shafia: Yes, I recently finished my shoot for a Tamil movie Wagah Bridge. I am not working as a main character in film. But I have got a significant role in it which I enjoyed while shooting.
The interview first appeared in the print edition of April 6.
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