NADIA KHAN
tip-top and ongoing
Nadia Khan’s name is one that Pakistanis whether young or old, recognise. A seasoned veteran of Pakistani media, she has graced the small screen in dramas like Bandhan, Pal Do Pal and Koi To Ho, as well as on the seven years long project at the helm of the Nadia Khan Show.
Now pivoting back to acting, we saw her in dramas like Aisi Hai Tanhai, Zunn Mureed and Kaisi Aurat Ho Tum and are currently watching her alongside Junaid Khan in Kasa e Zaat.
Since she could not subside her love for hosting and interacting with her audience and let’s not forget, her love for makeup, she started the YouTube channel, Outstyle.com, which will soon garner half a million subscribers. She is currently also hosting a game show, Croron Mein Khel, which makes us wonder, is there anything she cannot do?
GLOSS got to catch up with her in Dubai about her multifaceted career and the evolution of Pakistani media.
You have had a long tenure in Pakistani media. How have things changed over the years? Is there something that has not changed?
I have observed that the Pakistani media industry experiences a major sweep every 5 years, and if you do not keep up with the change, you are out of the game. It is very tough and competitive, particularly the drama industry. Changing trends, hiring shuffles, and the drastic shift that has come about in the past few years because of social media. Even established artists who have several years of experience are questioned about their social media following, and if they lack in that department, it’s a strike against them. So along with their acting, they also have to work on their social presence and be active online.
A lot of self-made celebrities are emerging from the internet now. People are recognised for their following on the internet and get work on TV, whether they deserve it or not. Television is selective, and you need talent to succeed, however, you can get a following on the internet for good and bad work, so some silly talent has also made its way to the mainstream media industry of Pakistan.
Can you tell us about the moment you decided you want to come back to acting?
When I resumed hosting, I almost immediately felt that things have changed and the requirement of content has become something else entirely. I am not in favour of how the channels now dictate everything. My audience was lost in this game of ratings and they had given up on morning shows altogether. I am aware of my viewers and the content they would like to see, and I could not provide it to them because of the channel’s requirements. I am the kind of person nobody can dictate. I cannot compromise on the content and presentation of my shows, even though being a morning show host is very financially rewarding and relaxed compared to dramas and films.
I cannot stop working, and I have switched between hosting and acting in the past. Faced with this dilemma, I felt that if not this, why not get back into acting? Acting is my first love, I have always enjoyed it more than hosting, but then my morning show came along and consumed my attention and energy for several years.
Was it easier to blend with the current trends?
Whenever I want to venture into something, I plan and prepare myself for it. I took two years to study the trends and the changes, worked on myself, and created and built a social media presence because it is the requirement now. If I felt I was lacking something or I was wrong somewhere, I rectified it. I cannot live in the past, I am the kind of a person who lives for the present and I adapt to current situations very well. Whatever is in these days, I want to embrace it! I am happier when people recognise me for my current work, not my past. You should not dwell upon the time that has gone, accept the changes and stay with the times. It took me two years to understand all this and it helped me in planning and choosing the right projects for myself.
What is that one role you want to play?
This is tough. I want to do a comedy series, something like Two and a Half Men and dark comedy. I would also love to do a biopic.
No matter how difficult the competition is, work with your principles and do not surround yourself with bad influences.
Hosting or acting? Why?
Depends. I am a Gemini, I get bored easily! When I am in an acting zone I do acting. However, I love hosting as well and I am currently hosting through Outstyle. So, why not both?
In hindsight, was there ever a show where you felt “I shouldn’t have done that”?
Just the other day my friend was wishing she could go back to her college days, but I have no such time that I want to go back to. It is strange, but I have always welcomed every phase of my life and have been comfortable with whatever came my way. I have no regrets about anything whether it is concerning my shows or my life. I have always received more regard than negativity, and I have always learned something from every show I did and every decision I took. I do not feel there is any time of my life where I feel I want to go back to, especially not to rectify it. I own whatever I do and I accept all the consequences. Similarly, there is no show which makes me feel I shouldn’t have done it.
How has Nadia Khan evolved so far?
I used to talk a lot, and while there were no moments where I felt I shouldn’t have done a certain thing, there have definitely been times where I thought “I shouldn’t have said that!” So, now I try to listen more and talk less.
I have also become very selective about my friends. My time is valuable and it is only for my family and a few friends and colleagues. I have a small circle of friends and they have earned this privilege. They are truly there for me when I need them, they are my critics and are extremely reliable. I go out of my way for them, look after them and very often express how special they are for me. Many people tried to use me for contacts and influence, especially in Dubai. There is so much toxicity in people. You can get trapped in a vicious cycle, but thankfully I am out of it. I learnt a lot from experiences, shoved many parasites out of my life and I now keep such people at bay.
The audience was happy to see you hosting morning shows again, but you did not continue with the shows for long. Why is that?
I cannot provide the content my audience expects from me through the present state of morning shows. This rating meter has damaged the quality of the shows severely. I cannot follow the trends that are being offered to the audience at the moment. I am not comfortable with hosting week-long marriage functions and competitions. People who want to see me can view my work online and interact with me there. I present them with informative content which is entertaining, knowledgeable and well researched. The only features missing on Outstyle are interviews, but maybe one day it will expand to that.
Is there any advice that you would like to give to someone who may want to become a TV show host?
Wanting to become a TV show host is different from having it in you. Many people want to host shows, but it is a talent that you are born with and you polish with experience. I have seen good hosting abilities in very few people. It’s not enough to be lively, witty and sharp, one must also be well informed and naturally good at engaging the audience without being controversial or trying too hard. Apart from that, your guests should feel comfortable with you and see an associate in you who they can open up to in front of all the cameras.
My advice would be to first create online platforms for yourself, practice and polish your skills through them and get noticed from there. Entertainment is not limited to TV anymore.
Do you follow any other vloggers on YouTube?
I follow NikkieTutorials because she is more like a teacher; she explains everything very well and is extremely informative; I have learnt a lot about makeup through her channel. I also follow Jeffree Star because he knows how to engage with his viewers and his content and style is very interesting.
Being a celebrity, and in this age of social media, the world is always watching. How has public scrutiny affected your life?
It has not affected my life at all. I do not give them a reason to attack me. I have never been trolled or harassed by anyone online or otherwise. I try to keep to myself and people have always been respectful. It is very easy to lose your path and compromise on your dignity in the entertainment industry, but I am well aware of my upbringing and the limitations I have set for myself. If someone criticises my work then it is their right to do so, and I take it seriously and improve my work accordingly.
Would you speak a little about the #Metoo movement regarding harassment in the media industry?
Yes, men and women both go through it. You have to be very firm and sure of yourself and say no to any kind of exploitation at the precise moment. Unfortunately, people are desperate to find work in this cutthroat industry and are taken advantage of. A lot of young and talented people fall into drugs and other influences just to be hip.
No matter how difficult the competition is, work with your principles and do not surround yourself with bad influences. I did not care if someone with a big name refused to work with me because of my strict principles. I did not engage in unnecessary vocal or physical interaction. Your body language should pass the message across. In my entire career, I never said “I would love to work with you,” I have always appreciated people’s work but never showed desperation to work with them.
You recently worked with newer talent. How was the experience? Did you know notice any changes in personalities compared to the talent of earlier years?
People say working with today’s talent is not easy, but I do not think that way. Someone may have had a bad experience which is why these talks circulate, but I personally love working and communicating with new artists. It is a lot of fun, you learn from them and I have always developed a good bond with them on sets. I feel earlier people used to hide their feelings and keep many secrets, but I have not seen this in the newer generation of artists. They are very open and confident.
Do you watch Pakistani dramas and films? If yes, what do you think about the latest works?
Yes, I do. There is a lot of repetition of themes, but they do good business so it makes sense why the same stories are being written again and again. There is a lack of originality. Nobody wants to take risks or experiment on different ideas. Also, we do not get to see many sets, instead we have dramas that can be made within three rooms and at a fast pace. Editing needs improvement as well.
On a positive note, unlike the 90s and 2000s where you saw the same faces in the dramas, now there is a huge pool of talent, and many new faces get opportunities to work on TV.
An actor and actress you would you like to work with, in the future, in Pakistan?
I would like to work with everyone.
If you could see one change in the world for the next generation, what would you hope it to be?
A safer place. No place is safe anymore which is so sad. As a parent, it is a big concern to send children anywhere on their own, for study or travel. Strict actions are required to combat violence and racism to provide a safer environment for the next generation.
You started at a very young age. Will you be supportive of your children expressing an interest in joining the Pakistani industry? What will you advise them?
I would be fine if my children want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, but studies come first! I have set very high academic standards for my children to achieve. My son is like me though, it will be a bit difficult to keep him on the academic track, he already has a YouTube channel and he loves creating content. My daughter is more focused on her academics, but I will not have a problem if they want to pursue the entertainment industry in the future.
You have a big following of mothers. Is there a message you would like to give them regarding children these days?
To the moms, spend more time with the kids and be friends with them. You should know what is happening in their lives, so dictate less and listen more. Trust your children and give them freedom. Keep a check without making them too conscious of it. Mothers should evolve with time and should accept that their children are being raised in a very different environment from their own world and time. You cannot apply the same approach your parents used to raise you on your children, it just does not work that way.
QUICK QUESTIONS:
If you could get yourself anything in the world, what would you get?
All the eye makeup pallets in the world!
Do you know how many pairs of shoes you have?
I used to be a shoe hoarder but that passion has died down a bit, so I must be having about 50 pairs right now. I have lost so many while moving, travelling and on sets, it’s a tragedy!
Top 3 items in your vanity right now?
Sisley eye cream, Sisley lip balm and Chanel Vitalumière tint.
What’s in your handbag right now?
My cards, my license, my lip balm, two lipsticks, hand sanitiser, nasal spray and, for my obsession with Zelda, my Nintendo Switch.
How long does it take you to decide what to wear?
Instantly. I do not fuss about my clothes. If I am indecisive, I will throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and some shiny abaya! For winters, I have a huge collection of jackets.
Your biggest inspiration?
My mom and dad. My mom was a very patient lady and my dad has a very strong personality. I look up to them in various situations in my life. Difficult situations which require patience, I think of my mom, and in situations where I have to be tough and show resilience, I think of my dad.
What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?
This happens often and I find it embarrassing, but while dining at a restaurant sometimes my fans take care of my bills without my knowledge.
What were your best and worst subjects at school?
Urdu was very tough, but I worked super hard and aced my Urdu exam. English was stronger. Side note, I had to study under some really bad teachers, unfortunately. I feel if the teacher is good, he or she can make even the most boring or difficult subject easy for the students. So, there is never a bad subject, there are bad teachers.
Favourite holiday destination?
I can’t pick between New York, Southern France and Sri Lanka.
