Sara Loren is one of the most renowned actors of modern times who has worked outside Pakistan as well. She has been admired and celebrated everywhere so we thought to catch up with her!
Tell us about your background. Education,Family & how you entered this field?
My father was born in India while my mother was Pakistani, born in Lahore. I have five siblings and I’ve spent my childhood in Qatar.After my father’s death, my whole family moved to Pakistan.As for my education, I graduated as a commerce student.
I never really had a plan of entering the field. One day my friend was shooting and requested for me to pick her up. I went to her shoot and picked her up. A photographer on set asked me if he could take a few pictures of mine. I said yes and later one of those pictures got selected for a Fair&lovely advertisement. , That became the beginning of my career.
When did you decide to enter the entertainment field? Being a TV artist was always in your mind?
I had no plans and I never decided to enter this field. After my first advertisement, I start getting calls. I got my debut drama offer ‘Rabia Zinda Rahegi’ with Suleiman sir and that’s how I properlyentered the field. Suleiman sir taught me how to act, how to deliver dialogues and how to face the camera. I think that was my training and start of my career.
If you are asked to choose either modelling or acting, what would you select and why?
I love modelling and acting is my passion. Its really hard for me to pick one but if I have to, I’d choose acting because I’m at that stage of my life where I’m so polished as an actor, I understand roles far better than the way I used to.
You have worked a lot, can you tell which project you enjoyed the most and why?
Yes, I have worked a lot with a lot people but there are a few projects which are really close to my heart. I enjoyed those projects because of my character and my co-actors. I love ‘Kajra Re’ because that was my first film with Pooja Butt and she taught me really well. It was a wonderful experience of my life that I can never forget. When it comes to learning and my training, I really enjoyed ‘Rabia Zinda Rahegi’ with Talat Hussain as my co-star. I like Murder 3 and Anjuman also. Murder 3 because of Randeep Hooda who was a great co-star and Anjuman because of its music. ‘Main Mar Gayi Shaukat Ali’ is also really close to my heart and to date, I get really good feedback from viewers for that. Noman Aijaz was my co-star and it was a wonderful experience.
Tell us your experience of working for silver screen? Any plans of working more for cinema?
It was a joy working for the silver screen. I enjoy working on silver screen more than anything. Till now I have done 4 to 5 movies, a lot more is yet to come.
Tell us about your new project Ishrat Made in China!
‘Ishrat Made in China’ is my first action film in Pakistan. It will be better than all the projects I have done so far. I have high expectations, I hope this film receives a lot of love and appreciation. It has all the right elements. The music is really good, wonderfully composed. It’s a 2 hour complete entertainment package
!
If yes, what would be your main considerations before accepting a role?
My main consideration for accepting a role would be a good director. If the director isn’t good, I’m not going to say yes even if the script is good or the role is good.
Where do you see yourself in the near future?
Somewhere really special because the kind of projects I’m doing and I’m planning to do in future, people will surely look up to me in a very different way for sure.
What are your upcoming projects as an actor? What is most exciting about them?
There’s a photoshoot and a cool clothing campaign but I’m focussing on ‘Ishrat Made in China’ majorly. I’m also working on my own script and I’m really looking forward to that.
Getting Candid:
What is your secret of remaining in shape?
There’s no secret. Obviously, you have to leave cheese, junk food and frizzy drinks. When it comes to my workout routine, I prefer doing stretches, yoga, swimming and dancing. These activities keep me active and in shape. Sunday is my cheat day; I eat whatever I want to. I don’t let my body go into a starvation survival mood because that can affect the health of my skin.
Funniest question you have been asked ever.
Salman Khan at an award show called me and Arjun Kapoor on the stage. When we were on the stage, he asked me if I’m a relative of Sofia Loren. I smiled and said no, I’m not.
Who was your celebrity crush that you are ashamed of now?
My very first celebrity crushes were Amitabh Bachan and Nadeem Baig. I really loved their work and I’m not ashamed of it. They are still my crushes and I’m proud of that because they are brilliant actors.
What is the most absurd thing you have read about yourself on the internet?
That I left my country Pakistan or the industry.
What do you notice the most in the other person?
What’s the one word or phrase you use the most?
“Now I’m so sorted, I know myself” or “I haven’t given my best yet.”
If there is something missing in your life, it is…..
My dad.
Biggest goal for upcoming years…
My biggest goal for the upcoming year is my own film and I’m working on the script. I’m really excited and I can’t wait to make the announcement.
Your biggest turn off?
I don’t like shallow people.
Three strange things about you?
One of the strangest things is I have a really strong connection with weather. Second strange thing is I like to live alone. People think it’s boring but I don’t. I spend my time working hard. Third strange thing is I don’t have many friends, I’m always traveling and I don’t stop because I think when you stop somewhere everything stops.
Tell us 2 advices that you would like to give to the aspiring models/actors.
My first advice is to keep exploring yourself. When you explore yourself, you learn about the kind of actor you want to be. keep moving forward. There are a lot of people who will let you down but don’t listen to them. Listen to those who understand you, praise you and who give you the chance to be you. Don’t give up!
During the lockdown, many questions popped up in my head like why I came into this world? So, my second advice would be that God has given us time to understand ourselves and our core values as a human and as a dreamer. As an actor, people are looking up to us, everything we do matters. We all make mistakes but get over it. Be the best version of yourself!
