Neelam Yousaf a young bright face in the news industry, she is a brilliant combination of beauty & brains. Social Diary spoke to this talented lady let’s get to read what she had to say…
Briefly tell us about your background/ yourself (any educational background in journalism)?
I always had the interest in the news and the current affair programs so that’s why I started media studies in Institute of Mass Communication, University of the Punjab. Then I started my News Anchoring in Waqt Tv and from there I learned a lot, it was more like an institute to me because it prepared me for one of the top News Channels of Pakistan “ARY”.
What do you think how far studying journalism/mass communication plays a role in being a news anchor, how important is it?
In my opinion studying mass communication is really important not for just an Anchor but also for the Reporter and any other post related to this field because in that we study the basics of Journalism and we got to know what the news sense is. Other than that if you are not a media student YES you can be an anchor if you have good communication skills, if you have great grip on urdu (if that’s the medium of the Channel), and if you have interest in Current Affairs.
How did you get into the field of news anchoring?
I joined the media studies because I wanted to be an Anchor so I auditioned during the period of my studies and I got selected.
What are the challenges you think you have faced being a news caster?
A news anchor faces many challenges because he/she is like the Captain of the ship, has to handle every situation if it’s a big breaking like Panama or if it’s a Blast, you have to remain active all the time, using the appropriate terms.
Any funny incident while reading news that still makes you laugh?
Even now it made me laugh, It was this breaking I had to say that some cow jumped into the canal (Lahore), so they were trying to get it out and we were live, it made me laugh so hard ON-AIR.
What do you enjoy the most about being a news anchor?
I feel great and satisfied that I am aware of what’s going on in the society, and obviously people respect you for that.
If at some point in life you get an offer to do a morning show, would you go for it?
As I mentioned above, News Anchoring is a very challenging job but obviously I am used to it now but yes if I ever get an offer to do a morning show, I’ll definitely take it.
What makes you admire men the most?
The respect for women, I always admire a man when he respects his women.
If you had to pick three things from a grocery store, what would you take?
Bread, Milk and Nutella.
What is your favorite activity when boredom kicks in?
Go out with friends or watch a season.
How many selfies you click in a day?
Haha,Yeah if I get free from the marathon news transmissions I do take two or three selfies in a day.
If you were stuck on airport where your flight was late what would you do to kill time?
Social media now a days is the best thing to kill time, plus I’d listen to music.
What’s the best advice given to you by someone?
To be who you are.
What was the last lie that you told?
That I don’t lie.
What was the first thought that got in your head when you woke up?
That I have a lot of things to do today.
What’s your idea of a good human being?
A good human being is the one who don’t lie and respect others. Plus who offer prayers.
Is there any song that has been stuck in your mind for a long time now?
Kamalia-Akcent.
What’s your motto of life?
To do something for others, to live for others.
What would be your advice for females wanting to step into this field?
Gear up, you’ll face many challenges and stay strong.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
A Morning show host.
A few words for your fans out there….
Keep watching & keep loving because where I stand today is because of you guys.
Quick Bits:
Last person you got a text from?
Saima (My Sister)
Last book you read?
Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus.
All time celebrity crush?
Mark Wahlberg.
Your favorite TV series of all time?
Game of Thrones.
Biggest fear?
That the people I love would leave me.
Nutella or Peanut Butter?
Nutella for sure
Biggest wish?
World Tour.
You spend more of your money on?
Clothes.
Favorite perfume?
Versace Signature.
Tea or Coffee?
Tea.
Anchoring for you is?
Entertaining.
Morning person or a night owl?
Night Owl.
Your favorite city in Pakistan?
Lahore.
Ideal breakfast menu?
Fruit Salad.
How much time do you spend on social media?
I use it whenever I get free time in office.
If you won a lottery what would you buy?
A fancy car.
Your favorite word?
Pretty.
Your least favorite word?
Whatever.
One thing on your bucket list this year?
To buy a new car.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Not an ice cream lover, so any flavor or brand would be fine.
One Word for the following:
- Anoushey Ashraf: Entertainer
- Sanam Baloch: Pretty
- Waseem Badami: Command
- Kashif Abbasi: Intelligent
- Pervez Musharraf: Respect
- Fahad Mustafa: Multi Talented
