Looking at those piercing eyes, you would think Nawal Saeed was meant to rule the world of acting. However, the gorgeous artist had more than meets the eye. Since her first drama serial, she is known to showcase defining acting prowess in whatever role she takes on. Social Diary had an interesting conversation with this fine talent of her generation as we got to know more of her personal life as well as what keeps her making a strong mark in her professional spectrum. Read On:
SD: Share with us a little about your childhood and your family.
Nawal: I think my childhood was that of a seemingly privileged child. We were a nuclear family. I had communicative parents, being the only child then I got all their attention but was never encouraged to make mistakes involving the distress of others, which I think worked wonders for me. I spent time with both sides of my grandparents, I was involved in extracurricular activities, an alright student I suppose and in the process was shown great reverence which to date I am unable to give back.
SD: How did you know you wanted to get into acting?
Nawal: I was always fascinated by art as a whole. I would instinctively fall in love with dancers, poets, singers, painters, and actors. Basically, the only time I wished to be collaborative was around artists. So I think this sheer interest helped me become one of them.
SD: Was it all you wished for or were there any unpleasant episodes you had to face?
Nawal: Oh my process has been comparatively easy. I wouldn’t want to sound ungrateful, I have always been approached for work and perhaps made a name in less time. The only tough part was sometimes working with people who I wouldn’t want to otherwise even speak to in my daily life, sometimes the working hours and most importantly not knowing who to trust. Nonetheless, this instilled patience in me.
SD: How do you judge the progress of acting in Pakistan as compared to other countries?
Nawal: I feel things are gradually improving for Pakistani artists. With all the few resources that they carry they’ve managed to make this year easily fructify Pakistan. Maula Jatt and Coke studio being prime examples. Our serials are anyway loved all over the globe but I still wish we experiment a little more with the stories we tell.
SD: When did you feel you wanted to go into acting?
Nawal: As I said, I loved being around artists. I casually started acting in 2017 not thinking that I’d be walking the same path for long.
SD: How did you land your first acting job?
Nawal: A random audition for Hum TV in 2017, which till date I think was terrible haha. I guess imperfection is always the reason for a gaze; I’d thank them for being accepting of mine.
SD: What is the most important thing for you when deciding to take on a project?
Nawal: Earlier it was the time investment and money. I always wanted to be productive and easy on my dad’s pocket. Now it’s staying relevant, finally doing something that I have somewhere in the process and hey, the money of course is always number one.
SD: Do you plan to go into films too?
Nawal: I’ve done 2 films earlier. So Alhamdulillah I’ve experienced that too.
SD: What remains the best thing about being a public figure?
Nawal: Undoubtedly the immense love shown with no conditions to give the same back.
SD: How did you cope in the pandemic? How did it impact you on a professional and personal level?
Nawal: Speaking for myself I think it told me that we really need to slow down. The most important part of our life is not our vocation but it’s the time we need to be reverent towards.
SD: Any major plans for 2023?
Nawal: Oh so many! This year and especially the past two months have been a thoroughgoing lesson for me. I realized I need to stop being a sponge and not alloy with all energies around me especially when they have nothing to do with me. I learned that it is very important to understand your role in people’s lives and act accordingly. If you’re a friend, stay a friend, don’t become an all-time savior. If you’re seeing someone, do not indulge yourself in wife duties lol. Remember people for the good in them and not expecting them to create happiness for me. It’s nobody’s duty but solely my own.
In a Glance:
Best memory from childhood?
Hearing the sound of a piano being played every day.
Your most prized possession?
My time
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Stifled around people who think they know everything
Three things you have with you all the time?
My phone, perfume and wallet
Your life’s motto?
To make people feel good about themselves and always staying faithful through the unfortunate.
Morning Person or Late Nights Enthusiast
Late nights are my thing but I wouldn’t want them to stay for too long. I have recently started to really enjoy the sun.
Desi Wear or Western
Both can’t choose.
Deepest Fear
Waking up underwater and seeing the enormous water life through the naked eye
Biggest Regret
Wasting time on something and later realizing I completely whitewashed the reality
An Inspiring Role Model
My father
Biggest Strength
Honesty and empathy
Someone you wish meet
Madhubala. Ah, I wish
Top 3 things on your bucket list
Travel, expanding my clothing line, getting a degree which I do not have yet, and once in my life being a part of the Venice carnival.
The best thing about your work
The recognition
The worst thing about your work
Either people think it’s your disposition to feel too much or consider you to be always acting. There’s no in between
Your favorite actor?
In Pakistan I feel Sania Saeed is a brilliant performer. Everyone around her dissipates by choice.
What people don’t know about you?
Ah! So much unsaid, unheard and unaddressed. Might also like it that way.
The craziest rumor you heard about yourself
That I’m married with two kids and Sanam Saeed is my first cousin
Your dream destination
Europe! All of it! Did the voice reverberate?
A drama you wish you had been a part of:
I would’ve loved to play a part in Parizaad.
