Dusky Nirma
By Ambareen Imran
She is the girl who has been fighting for quiet some time to make a place for herself in this unpredictable world of cinema. After a number of fruitful efforts, she has at last proved herself in Sajjad Ali's "Aik Aur Love Story". The has been appreciated for her input in the venture.
She in everyday life happens to be a carefree and a simple girl. Devoid of all glittery make up and the outrageous dresses she appears most of the time in casual dresses.
Nirma cannot be easily stamped as a bimbo minus brains, looking for brawn. She is articulate in both English and Urdu, has a fantastically luminous smile, glossy hair, a chiseled visage and a sunny personality to boot. Rare qualities in Lollywood?
We have tried to dig something out of Ayesha Jehangir's background. Nirma, happens to be the name she uses in showbiz - after Norma Jean all budding Marilyns opt for this glamorous cache.
As a child she says she dreamt of becoming a doctor, a profession which found the approval of her engineer father. She remembers him as a 'darling father', the one who was always there for her, as against her rather careless mother with whom she did not have as close a bond. However, now, after maturity and her father's death she enjoys a more comfortable association with mommy dearest.
As a child and the only daughter amongst three younger brothers, she was, admittedly pampered. " I was a spoilt brat," she laughs with a glint in those elongated eyes.
Born in Lahore, the young Nirma spent most of her life in Kuwait. After completing her B.Sc. she returned to her country once again. Not surprisingly for a beautiful girl, her best option, as far as the family elders were concerned, was marriage but feisty Nirma embarked on the mission of pursuing her studies for the next five years. Then fate intervened. Attending a birthday party at Ejaz Durrani's (Madam Noor Jehan's ex-husband), he spotted Nirma, spotted her potential and offered her a role in his upcoming film. Mother's verdict was a categorical nay, but following persistent persuasion and cajoling, she finally gave in. "Where there is a will there's a way," says Nirma. Today, Nirma is a busy actress.
"When I first started out, people were not willing to accept me as I was the girl who spoke too much 'angrezi'. But I feel I have carved a niche for myself and gained acceptance in this cut throat competitive world.
"They have started respecting me and take me seriously," she says. "My basic strength is my work." She means business and now, they understand that.
Having tasted both television and feature films she vehemently states that both are more or less alike. Films, she says are more challenging for there people come with the sole purpose of watching the movie, which ever it might be. Being targeted you always have this notion in your mind and try to give it your best as you have a bound audience, while TV viewers have the option of flipping channels or walking away.
For all the problems associated with being a 'film actress', she would never give it up as 'films hold a certain charm not comparable to any other. Being out there on the big screen is a dream-come-true short of a feeling."
Presently she is obsessed with "Aik Aur Love Story", her just released film, running in cinema halls across Pakistan since the 9th of July. With a release in UK scheduled for the 14th of August, Nirma spoke with exuberance and enthusiasm. The sparkle in her eyes, her quicksilver manner and the barely restrained excitement speaks of the passion she invests in her work.
Hers is the solo lead role opposite Sajjad Ali who she says is " a genuine and a co-operative person." "He is a very good director, good actor and also a good hero. I would love to work with him again." Good prospects, anyone? The catchy beat of the songs "Lari Adaa" and "Soni Lagdi" picturised on Nirma are a surefire tip for the top.
Reminiscing about the movie Karz, she sprung to its defense. The movie had everyone raving about the new Usman Peerzada discovery, and Nirma was instantly tipped he Dimple of Lollywood. According to her: "It was for the upper class only. A very classy movie, that is why it was nominated as the Best Film of the year 1997 - National Awards. It's only flaw was the lack of publicity before its launch hence it could not do as well as expected. The makers were a little too over confident about its success." As one of the three witches in Macbeth said "Over confidence is man's worst enemy."
Usman Peerzada, she feels does not cater to the masses but to a more select audience. His films do not give in to the demands of commercialism but are of a distinct artistic bent and carry a social message. That is his forte.
"I believe Usman Peerzada can be placed in the same category as any good art movie director in India; Gulzar of Aandhi, Ijazat and Maachis fame." It is Usman Peerzada and Sajjad Ali, she says who have utilized her talent to the maximum.
Syed Noor is also one of the names topping her praise list.
Not restricting herself to just Urdu movies, she has also dabbled with a Punjabi flick. She has worked with Masood Butt in 'Babul da Wera'.
"Amongst the heroes Shaan and Momi Rana are my favorites," she admits without inhibition. The former is preferred both as an actor and also as a looker. Of her female colleagues she says she looks up to them as they are all her seniors and have been in this field for the past six to eight years: "Competition is a must and the main motivating force that spurs you on to perform even better."
Talk to her about friends within the industry and she says unhesitatingly: "Samina Peerzada is my best friend."
Being an actress has always been a social stigma, Nirma believes, but it is this very impression that she is out to negate: "I have a different image," is how she quaintly puts it. "When people come to see me they expect excellence, and their coming back to me says it all". She believes that she has been successful in trying to attain that different image: "It has always been said about actresses 'kay who bazaar say aiyee hain', but the likes of Zeba (Bakhtiar), Atiqa (Odho),
Samina (Peerzada), and a few others and now myself have disproved it."
It is Nirma and her stunning good looks that have lured the likes of Daler Mehndi of 'tunak, tunak' fame to approach her for his songs. Ali Haider, never one to be left behind, has also made an open offer to Nirma for his videos.
Where does she see herself ten years from now?
"I see myself as an international figure, and very much in the same industry."
It is Nirma and Shaan who are given preference whenever there is a need for representing Pakistan in foreign lands, as they are considered capable of holding the fort on their own. And can talk comprehensibly.
On the domestic front we don not detect much happening as marriage is definitely not on the cards, neither are there tell tale signs of serious romantic involvement. According to Nirma: "A guy should be manly. I do not like pappu guys."
However, a recent encounter with a potential Prince Charming in Paris did leave her heart thumping and it turned out to be a memorable tour in more ways than one. But lack of initiative on both sides did not let it get too hot or go very far. Hopes are high that Nirma will be setting eyes on him by the end of August again as she will be off to the land that pull-states with style and glamour. Hark! Are those the peels of wedding bells?
This Aishwarya Rai web site is created and designed by Zebra International, 2002
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