Ms. Marvel is easily one of the greatest things to have happened for Pakistan when it comes to breaking the stereotypical image of a country which has so much more to offer. And while the creators are to be credited for bringing this majestic show to life, every actor has made it extremely memorable with their perfected persona of every character they played on screen.
Among them is Vardah Aziz, who has been garnering only positive feedback for her role in the hit series. A rising star who radiates confidence, has a fiery energy within her and while she has seen her fair share of the uglies when it comes to making it in this highly competitive and sometimes brutal industry, she is not going to let the negative side of it get to her. Ms.Marvel has proven that passion and commitment can change perception, and Vardah is all set to explore all the greatness life can offer through pursuing projects, oh so very passionately.
SD: How did you get into the field of entertainment?
Vardah: I interned at a radio station when I was 15. I wanted to experience any part of this field in any way possible at that time. Then I switched from medical to film making! Knowing my mom’s family dynamics, I wasn’t too sure if I could ever really be a part of the industry. And then one day during the break before I started grad school, I told my mom I wanted to try modelling. She escorted me to every shoot and every meeting or audition I had in my first 2 years. At first this was just a side hustle and I was strictly told to focus on school. But when you’re in film school, you end up acting in a lot of student films and class assignments and I would never say no. Then I got a part in a theatre play for an international festival. I also started styling for TV commercials while I was still in school. So I was already a part of the industry before I even graduated and I’ve never looked back. So I guess it was mostly my mom’s support and trust in me and of course my passion for what I really wanted to do in life.
SD: Any major setbacks you had to face while pursuing your passion?
Vardah: Sometimes when I was modelling, I would hear clients telling the makeup artist to make me look “fair” . Some directors have told me how I don’t have a conventional “pretty” face for TV. I once went live on social media for a series promotion and people were commenting how they should’ve casted someone “prettier” for the role or how they don’t like my smile with all my teeth showing. Little things like that. At one time, I thought I wouldn’t make it that far as an actor because of our societal norms but you can tell I never let any of those things get to me. I’m more than just comfortable in my skin and look where I am today! I’ve never smiled brighter than the time I was posing in front of all the photographers at the Ms Marvel red carpet!
SD: What is your criteria for choosing your projects?
Vardah: Honestly, I’ve done some projects in life to really understand what I never want to get into again. But a good script is the first and foremost.
SD: The kind of genre you wish to pursue and why?
Vardah: As dramatic as I am in real life and truly believe that fairytales exist, I really want to get into action and adventure! You can’t blame a Sagittarius for being an adrenaline junkie!
SD: How did you get signed for Ms.Marvel?
Vardah: Can you believe I had the casting audition email lying in my junk folder for almost a week? It’s crazy for someone who checks emails every 30 minutes! But I also initially thought it was a scam because a) it was for Marvel, b) I’m really not that famous as an actor to get a Hollywood casting email without an agent. I did my research on the casting company that emailed me and I called them before I responded to the email which is when I found out Sharmeen Obaid’s producer at SOC films had recommended me. I had also missed the deadline but I was still able to send in my audition clip because no one was casted for the role yet! And then it just happened!
SD: What was the experience like working with such a stellar cast and crew?
Vardah: Cosmic. Magical. Yeah, I’m quoting words from the show! It still feels unreal that I was a part of something so huge knocking on wood. It has truly been my best on and off set experience so far!
SD: How do you feel this series will pave the way f or Pakistan’s talent to shine and break the stereotypical image of the country?
Vardah: This series has already done so much on an international level. People in the world now know where Pakistan is. They know about the partition. They know about our art, music and culture and how we’re not a country with all women roaming around in burqas and all men in shalwar kameez with kajal in their eyes, topees on their head and a tasbeeh in hands saying “adaab” We’re so much more than that and I hope this opens more opportunity doors for everyone to showcase their magic- whatever it may be.
SD: What other interesting projects have you taken up?
Vardah: Nothing yet but soon enough! All in due time!
SD: What is the one thing that you wish to change about our drama industry and why?
Vardah: We all know how our industry is so focused on showing women being domesticated. I would change that. The drama industry has the power to change so much in our country so we really need more relevant and uplifting content.
IN A GLANCE
Best moment of 2022 till date?
Walking the Hollywood red carpet and representing Pakistan.
Your most prized possession?
It has to be my mom. I wouldn’t be who and where I am today if it wasn’t for her!
Your favorite actor?
One and only SRK!!
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Non-punctuality!
Three things you have with you all the time?
My phone. Gum. Cardholder.
Your life’s motto?
Que Sera Sera!
Morning Person or Late Nights Enthusiast
Both – it really just depends on my work routine.
Desi Wear or Western
Western!
Deepest Fear
Losing the people close to me!
Biggest Regret
No regrets! Sometimes you make the right decision and sometimes you make the decision right. It’s about how you look at it!
An Inspiring Personality
I get inspired by people everyday!
Biggest Strength
Mommy dearest!
Someone you wish to meet
This is supposed to be quick answers and I have a long list of this!
Top 3 things on your bucket list
– Visit at least a 100 countries in the world if not more!
– Build the house of my dreams!
– Get that Oscar!
