It’s quite fascinating when you get to meet someone who is pursuing their talent with so much energy. And then there are those who know they are meant to do so much in life. And with their zeal to make things happen, they serve as a major source of inspiration to others. Humaira Ali is known as a defining actor and model, but she also pursues art in so many other forms too. Read on to know how she takes on life with a vision to keep on striving and creating art along the way.
SD: Share with our readers a little about your childhood and what was it like growing up?
Humaira: My mother says I was a well-balanced kid with some naughtiness and a hint of seriousness. I have been very passionate about my work and goals since I was a kid. I consider myself lucky to have gotten a formal degree and training in Performing-Arts (Theatre, Art of Production & Mime) alongside Visual-arts (Painting, Sculptor & Graphic arts) while exploring different forms of arts and creativity gave me enough confidence to always try to push the limits and give my best.
SD: Looking back, when did you feel you were meant for the world of glam and showbiz?
Humaira: My father inspires me. He is self-made and a hard-working person. A doctor running his clinics with complete passion and enthusiasm, he attains his goals with sincerity and honesty. And of course, I got a chance to work in serious theatre plays when I was studying at the university with so many who provided me encouragement, and support and gave me the confidence to explore my talent, and capabilities and to take this industry/showbiz as a career, keeping the right attitude to consider it as a serious business field.
SD: Venturing into this field as a model, how was your first project and campaign?
Humaira: I have done many creative shoots before starting professional modeling, but my first ever professional shoot as a paid model was for a magazine cover page for a leading international luxury car brand. It happened in Lahore Polo Ground with three generations of professional/national polo players. I loved that shoot and will always remember that.
SD: What were the major setbacks you had to face?
Humaira: When I freshly passed out from university and joined the fashion industry I didn’t know about the delicacy of this field and like all other artists/professionals I made mistakes as I was a very pampered kid and didn’t know things will be really tough and I will be needing a lot of patience with constant hard work to achieve my goals. After a few years, I faced my share of a hard time in the drama industry because I had started my career during the covid times. But the struggling period made me stronger and an independent person.
SD: Do you feel the modeling industry has been steadily growing toward global stature?
Humaira: Yes it is, we have so many creative and amazing fashion designers who have done and are still making waves, leaving a strong mark in the international fashion/modeling industry. We also have several of our models who have worked in international fashion weeks and campaigns around the world.
SD: One thing you wish to change about the modeling industry and why?
Humaira: I despise two-faced people and manipulation. It would be great if we had more creative fashion designers and creative thinkers. Unfortunately, fashion has been quite dead for the last couple of years as every designer has started emphasizing ‘bridal wears’. Understood that ‘shadi’ is a major industry in Pakistan but almost every other designer seems to be clinging onto being a ‘bridal wear expert’ including focus on replicas.
SD: How did you venture into the field of acting?
Humaira: Last year in January 2021 I shifted to Karachi and got a chance to meet Humayun Saeed, Shahzad Nasib, and the ARY team at an event. They encouraged me and asked me to consider venturing into acting with their upcoming project “Love-Vaccine” which was aired on Eid. I performed the second lead role with Farhan Saeed, Sonya Hussain, and Yasir Hussain. ARY’s level of professionalism is unmatched. It was an amazing experience.
SD: How do you choose your drama projects?
Humaira: Alhamdullilah I always got a call for good projects in which my characters were strong and memorable (serious and funny both). I take my work very seriously and always read the whole script and my character, understanding it before making my commitment.
SD: A major genre you wish to explore in acting?
Humaira: Yes there are many. I would like to take on challenging roles like that of specially-abled like a blind girl. I would also like to take on the role of a dancer or a singer- basically interesting characters that simply stand out.
SD: How do you feel about the film industry of the country?
Humaira: It’s going amazing I would say! Many great movies were showcased post-covid. This year was a fabulous one for our cinema and film industry. Kudos to our production houses, producers, and directors who are working tirelessly on low budgets and without any government support. We just need to be united when it comes to putting out our serious efforts in building the film industry into a proper business throughout the year.
SD: As a painter and sculptor, how do you balance all your passions and give them time?
Humaira: I believe all kind of art begins in the same way. It has different mediums of expression on how the artists will perform. A painter will express his inner expression through painting, an actor will show his expressions through acting, a singer will sing or a writer will show his inner catharsis and expressions through words and writing. All these mediums are an interpretation of art. It comes down to how you will be managing what you love so much.
SD: Among your many work titles, which one is most fulfilling to you and why?
Humaira: Both acting and painting are equally fulfilling to me. It’s a love language between yourself and your soul. And creativity helps you to connect strongly with your Allah.
SD: Any new drama projects you are working on?
Humaira: Yes. Alhamdullilah I have two upcoming dramas and I’m doing a movie as well. I can’t wait to share updates with all of you. Love you Social Diary Magazine and all my fans.
IN A GLANCE
What is your absolute superpower?
Never lose hope and never give up!
A director you want to work with?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Steven Spielberg, Ehtisham u din and Nadeem baig
Your favorite fashion designer?
Gucci, Parada, LV, Roberto cavali, HSY, Sana Safinaz, Umar Sayeed
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Negativity, Narrow mindedness and of course body odour
Three things you have with you all the time?
Water bottle, my cell phone and my wallet
Your favorite season wear?
Winter season is best for fashion wears in Pakistan.
Morning Person or Late Nights Enthusiast
Morning person.
Desi food or Western
Desi food and extra spicy
Deepest Fear
Losing my parents
Biggest Regret
I don’t believe in having regrets in life
Biggest Strength
My Allah’s Love
Someone you wish meet
Quaid e Azam, Albert Einstein, Amitabh Bachan, Roger Federer
Top 3 things on your bucket list
World tour, Sky diving, Exploring universe
The best thing about your work
That I’m learning every day a new thing which is so precious to me.
The worst thing about your work
Nothing. I just love my work!
What people don’t know about you?
That I’m a qualified painter and sculptor
The craziest rumor you heard about yourself
That I have 3 kids and got married twice
Your dream destination
Switzerland
How do you wish to venture into 2023
With great positive energy and belief in myself
