Witty, whimsical, with just the right hint of being super committed to her acting prowess. Hurriya Mansoor may be just starting in the field but she is already making her mark. With her comical timing being on point in ‘Wadera in Love‘, Hurriya is proving she has plenty to offer, hinting at how acting is a magical experience, and there are just so many genres she has yet to explore and unravel. Learn more about her interesting journey in our recent conversation:
SD: When did you feel you wanted to go into showbiz?
Hurriya: I was lucky to get an opportunity with all the projects that I was offered and hadn’t thought about it until my first offer. ‘Showbiz’ is and always will be an alienating word but yes I had dreamt about how I would be as an actor since as far back as I can remember. To act is the closest thing to magic for me.
SD: What were the major setbacks you had to face?
Hurriya: I have just recently set foot in the field. I should be practical enough to know that anything that has irked me even slightly cannot be called ‘major’ because my journey has just begun. Many little and large setbacks and triumphs are yet to come and I can’t wait to live them and learn as a result.
SD: Do you feel there are still more limitations and harder screening challenges that women/female artists have to face as opposed to the opposite gender?
Hurriya: I know it. And I know I will feel it at various points in my career because the challenge of equal opportunities prevails in every profession and the media industry is no different.
SD: Is there a specific genre you wish to explore with your skills?
Hurriya: I’m a film enthusiast and my love for narratives will always compel me to give every genre a shot no matter how challenging it would be.
SD: What has been the most special part about acting in Wadera in Love?
Hurriya: I believe it’s the most I’ve laughed in all the projects I’ve worked on. As we would play our parts, the hilarity of our lines and the idea of a Wadera with his Sindhi topi and his unique ways of gallivanting in an office setup would hit me and I would be in fits. I’ve learned you get the best BTS on a Sitcom set because it’s just as fun playing it as it is watching it.
SD: Do you feel web series and OTT platforms will easily take over the traditional way of watching dramas and films?
Hurriya: Being an old-school person myself, I find beauty in everything conventional so I really hope not. One must always have something to escape to when you’re crowded by innovation and media convergence. But sadly, yes it’s taking over. Interactive films are already what everybody’s talking about.
SD: Is it true that there is too much competition and unspoken jealousy in the entertainment industry
Hurriya: That’s what we say about every industry. Oh, wait. That’s what we say about the world. I’d like to be less cynical and say it’s slowly changing. At least with more women wishing better for other women and beaming with pride as their peers become achievers.
SD: Would you ever consider venturing into direction or production anytime soon?
Hurriya: I have got a Bachelor’s degree in Media Sciences. So yes I have already attempted direction. My short documentary Significance of Popular Fiction in Urdu Literature has received two laurels. It was screened in New York at the Student World Impact Film Festival and screened online at the Gandhara Independent Film Festival for the Empowered Women program celebrating Women’s Day this year.
SD: What is your take on acting in movies?
Hurraiya: The idea is overwhelming. However, I’m grateful to have had a chance to give it a try by debuting as the title lead in the Short Film ‘Hania’ produced for screening at the UK Asian Festival 2023 based on Re-imagining Freedom Project funded by the British Council. I’m truly ecstatic I played that character.
IN A GLANCE
What is your absolute superpower?
Drown out a worthless conversation and escape into my own little la la land
Your favorite drama?
If you’ll ask my friends, they’ll say my name. I’ll say it too. Me 😉
A major fashion look that is timeless?
Monotone Pants and Coat with Heels.
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Hypocrisy
Three things you have with you all the time?
My mom’s prayers
My weirdness
Something to munch on
Which season is the best style statement?
Winters
Morning Person or Late Nights Enthusiast
An early bird for sure
Desi Wear or Western
Desi Wear. I like the dupattas flying dramatically
Deepest Fear
To not overcome my fears
Biggest Regret
If I have to try to remember one, I don’t think there was any big enough yet
Most Prized Possession
My family. Alhamdullilah.
Biggest Strength
My mother
Someone you wish to meet
Never meet your heroes. Your expectations will spiral downhill
Top 3 things on your bucket list
To be brave
To be independent
To have peace
The best thing about your work
It allows me to never stop imagining
The worst thing about your work
I’m starting to fret about my hair now a little with all the different styling required for different getups
A director you wish to work with?
Mehreen Jabbar
What people don’t know about you?
Let them be. Ignorance is bliss and I wish them sheer bliss
Your dream destination
London
