Barely in her early 20s, Mathira Khan has ruffled some serious feathers back home in dogmatic Pakistan, already. But does she care? Leaving behind a trail of semi-nude pictures, late night TV shows and some bold ramp walking in Pakistan, Mathira has now found footing in the Indian entertainment industry. For starters, she is doing an item number, the first for her career, in an underproduction Punjabi film, `Young Malang'.
Having wrapped out shooting for the number on a tight, three day schedule in Chandigarh, (we heard her visa was granted only for this limited period of 3-d days), Mathira, born to an African father and Pakistani mother, strode in for a meeting with the media on Thursday.
You aren't scared of all the controversy that you generate in Pakistan?
I court 'good' controversy, you know. When I do fashion shows, so much goes to charity for cancer etc. And now that I am here in India, it is also for another cause, to bridge the India-Pak divide. I believe both the Punjabs (the Indian and Pakistani) are one. The tradition of both the countries is one. And if I am doing an item number here, it is going to be watched by my people back home too. Besides, I am not crossing the line here. As for controversy, people will hate you, some will love you. That's the way it is.
You have an unconventional image attached to you in a conservative country like Pakistan. Does that bother you?
I get a little bold at times, but then life is all about moving forward, right? We are all moving ahead, so am I. See, no one can stop a certain image from forming. If they call me a sex bomb back home, it doesn't matter. Everyone has a right to their opinion.
You did the topless shoot for a Pakistani health magazine. There has not been any fear of a fatwa against you?
I always tell people that my relationship with my god is very personal. I don't have to justify that to anyone. Yes, I am bold, but being bold is not a sin. It's the way you look at things that makes the difference. People call me this and that...but then if they were to ask my colleagues and producers about me, they would know that I am so professional. And it is these people whom I work with whose opinion matters.
This is your first item number. You think your people back home will object to it?
No, I don't think so because I am not the first Pakistani girl into Bollywood. Besides, this Punjabi number is not raunchy. It's peppy, its fun with dance and stuff. In fact, I am doing another item number in a Pakistani film. This is will the first number that will have belly dancing.
You are thinking of debuting in Bollywood too like your predecessors Veena Malikand Meera?
Yes, I intend to.
As an item girl?
No, as a mainstream actress. I have met Bhatt saab ( Mahesh Bhatt) in Mumbai and also met Pooja (Bhatt). He is the sweetest person around, like a father figure. If I ever get into any trouble, they will be the first people I can call.
But Veena and Meera couldn't really take off their acting careers as successfully in Hindi films...
Who am I to judge someone else. At the end of the day everyone is doing what they think is their best. Sometimes I think it is useless to rush things. People should wait for the right time instead. I am here, I have patience and I will wait for my time in Bollywood. Besides, my tarot cards say I have pretty good luck! (smiles)
Via TIMES OF INDIA
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