Pakistani model-turned-actress Aamina Sheikh on the effects of politics on art and learning lessons from Bollywood

Here's another starlet from beyond the Indian shores wanting to work in Bollywood. Having worked in TV soaps in Pakistan, model-turned-actress Aamina Sheikh is in the city with her latest film Josh. The project helmed by Pakistani filmmaker Iram Parveen Bilal is slated to be screened at the Mumbai film festival.

Is this your first time in India?
Yes, and I am really enjoying my stay here. I want to work in Bollywood and I hope I get some offers after people watch my film at the festival. For the first time ever, a Pakistani feature film is being screened at the festival and it brings me great honour to be a part of it.


Your husband (actor Mohib Khan) and you both work in films. Is it easy?
If I am a bow then he is the arrow. He started acting at a very young age and his experiences have taught me a lot.

Some Indian films are banned in Pakistan...
In Pakistan everyone is crazy about Bollywood films. Our industry is learning a lot of things from Bollywood and the West. When our films are screened abroad, it gives us immense pleasure. It gives us confidence to make great films.

Likewise, one cannot ban the thoughts behind a film. There should be no politics between art or cinema and the artists. Some people have zero tolerance towards filmmakers working on certain subjects. I think it's time we forget the bitterness.


Some artistes from Pakistan have made headlines for wrong reasons...
I believe that your work always speaks for yourself. Some actors enter the industry with very different objectives. I remember when Veena Malik had created quite a storm in your country. However, she is not the only talent we have. There are other actors like Ali Zafar, Mona Lizza and Meesha Safi who are doing good work.