Committed to her craft, Aina Asif is one of those young artists who is creating a name for herself as she proves her prowess in acting. At a young age, she has been able to take on a plethora of emotions, showcasing her capabilities in making a strong impression. Speaking to Social Diary, she shared what had led to her interest in acting and how fulfilling has the journey been so far.
Learn how she prepares for her roles, her role models, and more. Read On:
SD: When did your interest in acting arise?
Aina: I’ve always been fascinated by acting. Even before I got into acting I was in awe about the art of acting and how you get to live so many different lives while you have a chance to get away from your own.
SD: Was there a role model you looked up to when wishing to pursue this field?
Aina: I would definitely say Saba Qamar has been such an inspiration for me. I love and adore all the actresses but Saba Qamar has to be my favorite. She embodies every role perfectly.
SD: You have a very natural delivery of dialogues. Any professional training you took up to master yourself in your craft?
Aina: I used to struggle when learning dialogues in the beginning but I definitely got the hang of it now. I did this by focusing more on the nature of the scene and being so involved in the situation that I don’t have to ‘learn the dialogues’ rather than being aware of my dialogue delivery.
SD: What was it like acting in your first drama series- any interesting incident that happened?
Aina: I had no idea the amount of effort it took. When I did acting for the first time I had no clue it was so time-consuming, especially as a student, but passion is all it takes to keep a person going.
SD: Were there any major setbacks you had to face while doing your first project?
Aina: My accent. Oh my! It was such a struggle. I had what they called a ‘burger accent.’ I never struggled with my accent before so it was so overwhelming and as a 12-year-old I became aware of myself. I still have no idea whether to take that in a good way or not but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
SD: Do you enjoy the kind of roles you take on? Any genre you wish to explore through your acting prowess?
Aina: As I’m growing up I’ve realized that at the end of the day, all that I want from a project is to grow as an individual, learn as much as I can and the people who are watching, I want them to love it. I do however wish that I get more experience in every genre, as long as there is a connection between me and my character then I’m going to love it no matter what genre we are talking about.
SD: What about our films? Do you feel like pursuing that industry too?
Aina: As of right now, I think I’m more focused on dramas. It would be an honor if someone cast me in a film but I wouldn’t push it.
SD: A major factor about the drama industry you wish to change and why?
Aina: People should see each other as families rather than competitors.
SD: What upcoming projects will we be able to see you in 2023?
Aina: I am looking into some very exciting scripts. Let’s see what 2023 unfolds.
SD: How do you create a balance between your work and your studies?
Aina: Whenever I get days off I try to sit down with my books and a cup of tea and get as much done as I can. Even on sets, I take my books along with me so I get some studying done there as well!
SD: One thing you are looking forward to this year?
Aina: Getting more exposure. I still think I have so much to see and experience. I’m just a little girl; there is so much of the world that has yet to be discovered and explored. I want to get out in the world and see what it’s all about. Meeting new people and observing every little thing we have on this shared home we call ‘Earth’
IN A GLANCE
What is your absolute superpower?
I can sleep for 16 or more hours! It’s not really a superpower but not a lot of people can sleep for that long
An actor you want to work with?
Saba Qamar
Your favorite director?
Danish Nawaz
The one thing that is a mood killer?
People treat other people terribly
Three things you have with you all the time?
1. My mom
2. A perfume
3. A bottle of water
Your favorite drama series?
Alif by Haseeb Hassan
Morning Person or Late Nights Enthusiast
I’ve been a late-night enthusiast way before it was even cool!
Desi food or Western
Depends on my mood! Whatever I am craving but I have to say my mom’s cooking is above all
Deepest Fear
Losing someone I love from the bottom of my heart
Biggest Regret
Letting hate comments get to me. I am working on it but negativity is so much stronger than positivity and that’s the scariest thing.
Most Prized Possession
My family. They are my rock. My best friends and my support system.
Biggest Strength
Obstacles are fun to me. I like handling stuff that I haven’t before and getting out of my comfort zone
Someone you wish to meet?
Saba Qamar
Top 3 things on your bucket list
1. Going skydiving
2. For people to know and remember me for something good that I did
3. To be 25 and be proud of me and what I’ve become
The best thing about your work
The emotions you get to feel. You’ve lived every scenario, you get a deeper understanding of people and you understand their pain and why they do something that they did.
The worst thing about your work
People not understanding that we actors are also humans, we have feelings as well. Be nice to everyone, even to the people you don’t know in real life
What people don’t know about you?
I am a huge chai addict. I would inject myself with chai if I could.
If you weren’t an actor, would you want to be?
A psychologist, helping people with their traumas and becoming someone that has helped to heal them will be so honouring
Your dream destination
Rome. It’s astonishing.
How would you sum up 2022 in one word?
Memories.
