“Hell-o,” a deep sultry voice responds on the other end of the line when I call. I mentally prepare myself to speak to one of the most controversial, love-to-hate figures in the entertainment industry, Meera. My task: to organise the interview and accompanying photo shoot that was just published in Dawn’s Images on Sunday.
The team who worked on the shoot were expecting that Meera would be completely untraceable at the scheduled time for the hair and make-up. She wasn’t answering her phone, local hotels did not have her listed as staying with them, and a frantic phone call to her manager ended up with him throwing a mini-tantrum at not being duly informed. “I would have called her up at night and made her set an alar-um on her cell phone!” he explained. “I would have also made sure she went to sleep at the right time. Don’t worry, she’ll do to the shoot, just give her a couple of hours.” A couple of hours? The team had already been waiting for two hours straight.
Sure enough, an hour later, I got a call from Meera. “I had been waiting for you till 6:00 a.m. (why? The make-up call was for 11:00 a.m!) and then I went to sleep,” she said, adding, “you can pick me up now.” I found her at the venue having a hearty breakfast of paratha omelette dressed in a simple white shalwar kurta. A visit to her room – it looked as if a tornado had struck there with her clothes strewn all over the place – for some last minute things that she needed, and then off we went. After making five minutes of small talk, Meera really started talking. And once she started, there was no stopping her.
She had just returned to the country after enjoying a two-month break in Canada and America. After the media drama that went on for several months due to her alleged marriage to Atiq-ur-Rehman, she says that she needed the break. However, she unwittingly became the centre of a controversy regarding her passport the moment she landed. “I did not tell anyone I was coming back to Pakistan. Nobody was there to receive me. But the moment I step out of the airport I am confronted by 10-15 flashing bulbs from the army of photographers who were already there,” she says, visibly frustrated. “How did they know I was there? Who told them?!”
She then added that General Pervez Musharraf’s era in Pakistani politics was the golden era of Pakistan. I inadvertently mentioned that he’s living in London now. “Can you get me his phone number?!” she asked excitedly, and then hastily added, “not that I want it for any shady purpose… I would like to campaign for him. Support him. Encourage the awam to come forward for him.” Meera in politics: that should add an interesting note to the already drama-heavy scenario of Pakistani politics and parties.
It’s the environment that works against you all the time Meera mentions while munching on a slice of pizza after getting her hair and make-up done. With the interviewer asking her own set of questions, Meera adds her own twist to lunch by enacting how people behave in the Pakistani, Indian, and American film industries. “What do you do when there is one person smoking a joint on one side, one chewing paan, and another person spouting profanities like ‘ma… behan… ma… behan…’ and all you can do is sit in one corner quietly?!” she says, on the verge of jumping out of her chair.
“And it’s no different in India!” she adds passionately. “Everyone knows that all the directors talk to the all the actresses, not just me, in this way: ‘Oye! Yeh dikha! Woh dikha!’ (Show this! Show that!)” She lifts the side of her shirt up and down baring and concealing her body to show exactly what the directors supposedly want actresses to show. “And it’s not very different in H-a-llywood!” she says firmly, “they say the same in their language: mother-***!” At this point, I decided I couldn’t take any more of Meera without laughing outright and went into the other room.
She was surprisingly cooperative during the shoot. Meera took direction well and seemed to be having a good time. All of her frames had a male model in the background doing one thing or another. The moment the photographer, Fayyaz Ahmed – who handled her beautifully, giving her directions in ‘her’ language by saying “give me a proud look” – announced the end of the shoot she stood up and asked him to take some solo shots of her. He relented; after all, what were another several pictures?
Within moments I heard the make-up team and the male model, who were sitting with me, trying to stifle their laughter. I asked them what had happened. “Meera just told the photographer, ‘take a picture of me that shows me deep in thought. Mein future kay barey mein soch rahi hoon… nature kay barey mein soch rahi hoon’ (I’m thinking about the future, about nature),” they responded.
Meera was properly worked up on the way back. She mentioned that people were willing to lie, say anything at all, and go to great lengths just so they could get a photograph taken with her. She described feeling slightly paranoid every time someone took out a camera, or even a cellphone, in case they were going to shoot a video of her and post it on the “toob” (YouTube). “I get 10 proposals every day,” she said, “but they’re not the ‘right’ kind. So I don’t take them seriously. People send me hundreds of fan mail in which they say things like ‘Meera, I love you,’ ‘Meera, I thought about you at night.’ So if they thought about me at night, you can imagine exactly what kind of stuff they were thinking!” she said suggestively.
Responding to my look of utter and complete shock at the brazenness of her statement, she said “Yes! Yes! That’s exactly what I’m saying! I am the saxiest woman in Pakistan! I am a s-a-x symbol!” Dramatically pointing her finger outside she said, “that Veena Malik comes on TV and makes fun of me saying I am uneducated and what not. What has she done except mimic everyone? Has she gotten to where I am? Does she have my fame or my fan base? No!”
Seeming visibly tired at the end of this outburst she sat back and said, very quietly, “sometimes I want to run away from this: the media attention and people looking for opportunities to catch me, use my name. On the other hand, I’ve grown used to it. I think about it and come to the conclusion that whatever is happening in Meera’s life is fine. It’s okay. But Irtiza Rubab (Meera’s real name) is different. No one’s encroached upon her personal life,” she finishes off, saying, “Meera’s the personality and Irtiza… that’s me.” The relationship between Meera and Irtiza sounds very much like Beyonce and her relationship with her alter-stage-ego, Sacha Fierce.
Although we’re quick to pass judgment on the almost insanely wild persona we see on TV, at the end of the day, we forget that she’s human, and therefore actually gets affected by the – often harsh – backlash she receives for almost everything that ever comes out of her mouth. Those who claim to ‘hate’ her say it’s because she’s crass and needs to learn to get her act together the way Reema has. It is these same people who scan the pages for any news or update of her. Let’s face it, they love to hate her. Everything she says is considered entertainment.
Dropping Meera off that night, I couldn’t help but find her little outbursts and statements somewhat charming. She can’t help but be who she is, and nothing she says seems to carry any malicious intent. Meera lacks pretension and behaves the way she actually is. Perhaps the reason why she fascinates is that she appeals to that side in all of us that loves a bit of scandal and gossip laced with humour. Meera, as herself, is a reality show the nation is irrevocably hooked on.
Madeeha Syed is a fashion and music critic for Dawn.
The views expressed in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
I liked the piece…however, the only thing wrong with Meera is that she is fortunately or unfortunately always in the limelight…. You are right… no matter how much we may ridicule her or laugh at her at the end of the day she is just human and needs to be treated the same… I will not say that I don’t have a laugh at some of her comments and pronunciations, however, the bottom line is that without her in the limelight we would be pretty bored….
Hi,
I am amazed at the tremendous amount of support for Meera which she rightfully deserve.
It is sad our colonial fast has not diminished after sixty years of independence.
It is like me making fun of you for not properly speaking Kannada a south Indian language. I hope all Pakistani journalists develop pride in their mother tongue and stop aping English.
She is so pathetic and not worth talking about.
Awesome piece Madeeha.
Meera is like Raakhi Sawant of Lollywood; she has the same knack for drama and giving out bold statements. On side, people say Meera is very innocent and unpretentious, but on the other hand, some say she can not be this dumb and is only a good actress. I really can’t comment on either cause I don’t know her too well.
Anyway for those who criticized this piece, I would just say to them, regardless of how sorry we feel for poor naive Meera, one has to agree that she does give us things to laugh about. I mean who would literally show what the directors tell her to do (lifting her shirt up n down etc) and calling herself the Sax symbol! I mean God, Who does that??!? Even if a friend of mine did/said anything like it, we’d all make fun of him/her too.
Hasn’t she heard, “it’s better to stay silent and look like a fool than to say something and leave no doubt”. But I guess she believe in “If you’re quiet, you’re not living. You’ve got to be noisy and colorful and lively” by Mel Brooks
Hi Madeeha!
Very nice interview conducted but I think if Meera is not that good in speaking English or the pronunciation of English words, we shouldn’t make fun of her. Like you have written in your article Ha-llywood inspite of writing hollywood when Meera spoke to you in this way, its not good to mention it. Anyways great interview revealing her personality. Nice
I agree to Mr Kami in this blog, that why is she being criticized on her English?? you don’t see people in Hollywood speaking broken English with a lot of grammatical mistakes did you ever thought why because English is not their mother tongue and same is the case with us but in Pakistan things are different for any star either its a film star or a sports star cause they have to leave education and get devoted to their respective fields…
I am trying to understand what is the validity or necessity of fashion or music in an islamic republic? The prophet himself condemned poets and musicians and forbade so called fashion.
I think we should keep religion out of this matter and keep it private to our self. No cheap shots please.
A good article. Well she is making fun of her ownself and we are watching, listening and reading all about her just for fun. Just think if the same is happening to us then.
Dear Madeeha
What is wrong if she pronounce S-A-X ! It isn’t funny.
She is an actor, you are a journalist, why should she has to know English at your par.
I run a Finance Department, should I expect you to know “Free Cash Flow “?
Please let her live in peace.
Meera in politics, another shocking news for all of us.
What is the big deal about not speaking correct English!
I think its weird to judge an artist on the basis of how good he or she can speak a foreign language or any language that is not their mother tongue.
Meera should be judged by her acting skills and may be by her Urdu/Hindi diction as that the language she works in.
I have seen film community people giving their Oscar speech in a diction much worse than Meera’s.
Meera has a right to put effort and try speaking in English. I admire her guts as she knows people make fun of her.
Those who are always worried about what people would comment on their actions are often not successful.
There is no shame in not knowing something well, as long as you are willing to try and learn.
Fun piece this also reminds of the piece earlier this year of imitation of Meera!
http://blog.dawn.com/2010/01/06/new-years-resolutions/
Meera truly has it. She does attract everyone to herself no matter what she does. Even now you can see there are over 100 comments since the day this article was posted (2 days ago).
All I can say to Meera is just “Be yourself”
Madeeha you have done a great job, Brilliant article. I think Meera is simple girl. Have no sense what to say at what time!!!
Meera is a refreshing exception to norm in a country where status is almost invariably ascribed at birth and seldom achieved through merit. What is surely “crass” therefore is not Meera’s conduct, however questionable it might be deemed by those unfortunately inflicted with a holier-than- thou attitude, but any cheap attempt to lampoon her for her accent or outspokenness. A piece remotely resembling this one would be an embarrassment for any newspaper in any advanced country like America where I live. And I don’t think it is difficult to fathom why that is the case. Wake up, guys. I am not advocating that we all embrace absolute egalitarianism but with an attitude like this Pakistan will forever remain mired in third world.
I read some previous comments and I don’t get it why people are getting so worked up about all western accent. We all love Meera and just make a little fun of her here and there so what?
Just enjoy all the little things in life XOXO
It is kudos to Pakistan that a free spirited Meera gets to say her mind. Generally in any society an artist does not confirm to socials norms and usually does break taboos.
Incidentally the name Meera in India extremely famous, as in the 15th century Princess Meera of Jodhpur, abandoned normal day to day life and became a devout worshipper of Lord Krishna. Her devotion was legendary.
I personally think it is very shallow to make fun of other peoples’ inability to speak English correctly. A few of us were born lucky and hence attended elite schools. At the end of the day if you scratch deep enough, (in both India and Pakistan) four or five generations ago all our ancestors were not able to speak English.
The writer says we forget that she is human too. Really? If she is what she is claiming, then she is larger than life. It is time for her to sit on the throne. It is time to strike out a public persona where all–the social graces of Grace Kelly and the confidence of Launre Bacall and the demeanor of Cindy Crawford and the acting skills of Joan Crawford–merge into a whole. No one cares if she is formulating a thought in a paragraph to make a Kipling or Lawrence blush. What one does care is how she views herself. Since she has high regard for herself, it is time to give a standing ovation.
I have read the comments of some very concerned people who give a feeling that something needs to be done to help our people in their quest for education. We need some brave hearts to start a HOPE drive with concentration on adult education programs to help our Meera’s and so many others waiting to make strides in this competitive world. Meera is one such example of someone fighting her best to have a view beyond the horizon. She is bold enough to confront the hurdles but does not have the required support to overcome them. Let us BAND together and be a part of the HOPE to bring that so much required ELEMENT in the lives of those who need us.
She is truly unacceptable actress as had no way to act instead of exposing her body all over the world and day by day media enjoying her blunder
I can’t believe Dawn published this! I hope this is not the ‘change’ we will continue to see in Dawn.
This is a bad article, written by a female writer who unfortunately is making fun of Meera’s English! I have no idea about Meera’s character but the writer obviously does not have one!
@Arsalan, A Very good critical writing you have.
I’m surprised to see the comments coming out from the Pakistani people! Why don’t you take care of lots of other major problems in your country and society! There are plenty of issues you need to criticize but why on Meera? She is an artist at least not doing anything wrong, she is honest about what she is!! English is not her 1st language, so what! Introspection is very important before criticizing someone!!
Mocking Meera’s English and dedicating an entire article to it, yeah that’s really ‘inventive’ and ‘original’. For God’s sake, can you guys find something more worthwhile to discuss? Also, this ‘joke’ is really offensive and downright mean, considering that the majority of Pakistanis are illiterate in terms of foreign languages.
It’s not Meera’s fault she isn’t the daughter of some politician/industrialist. I am sure if she was given the same opportunities as the ‘author’, Meera would have turned out just as articulate and eloquent as the next upper class Pakistani.
Poking fun at each other and ‘kisi ko neecha dikhana’ is no use and in fact it’s probably the main reason why Pakistan cannot progress as a nation.
KAT, Cambs UK
Well here in France, even French president cannot speak English very well. I would say worst then Meera so I am unable to understand that why is she so criticized….? It is just she doesn’t speak English well I think we should be ashamed because an actress can’t speak English it is unacceptable for Lollywood or high societies standards but. We or our politicians have already chosen maybe a future Prime minister from PPP imported from UK and who doesn’t speak Urdu, Punjabi or even Sindhi.
Nice piece of writing, very well written and while I agree with most that we shouldn’t be making fun of someone’s inability to speak articulate English but then, in Meeras case, we have to think a little differently. She craves all this attention, it’s very obvious. She believes in that saying – fame at any cost. Being the top most actress of our industry (sad but true) she has to learn to not make herself a laughing stock for others, just quit trying to speak in English.
However, in broader perspective, why is English so much of a standard when we don’t even know how to speak Urdu? I really don’t see anyone making fun of the so called elite crowd who don’t even know how to speak in their native / mother tongue properly. Double standards!
True a blog pertaining to Meera almost inevitably draws the attention of a person casually going through the website and elicits passionate responses- as this one attests-from the reader but why compromise journalistic quality for that?
From the get go- did Meera really say hell-o?- it is very clear that the piece is overly dramatic, thinly disguised attempt to poke fun at Meera. Although the author half-heartedly tries to qualify her earlier comments towards the end, the whole piece smacks of disingenuousness. It leaves a poor taste in mouth as well because one of the cardinal lessons we are taught in elementary school is that ‘thou shall not make fun of others’. And it is not just about being politically correct; Meera is an artist, not an English teacher, so her expertise, or lack thereof, in English should be a moot point. Plus she was not born in the lap of luxury. As a self-made woman in what is a hostile environment at best, Meera deserves our commendation.
Stop criticizing her English. Some people don’t realize their shortcomings, whether it is in language or any other aspect of their nature. You don’t have to publish it so that the whole nation could make a mockery out of it. What are you trying to prove here? Although you ended the article quite nicely, the fact that the title starts with making fun of her English. I guess that’s the only thing you wanted to highlight. Really Bad.
One thing I admire about Meera – she is comfortable saying she doesn’t feel confident in her English. Wish some of our so called “un-intellectuales” would take a leaf out of her book on that.
Good for her!
Very Well written article!
I was really astonish to see the TV program on a famous news channel where they actually play the off the record moments, where she was rehearsaling and on one program where she was asking for help with anchor about what to say on TV.
I am not a fan of her at all but that was a shameful act and that news channel shouldn’t telecast it. That’s called cheapest way of getting fame for TV channel.
What ever she is doing, other 99% of TV and film people doing same but why everybody focusing her??
So this article much need for this time to give people some thoughts and tell them to get some life.
Leave the woman in peace you went all the way to spend a day with her for shoot and interview, just to ridicule her and increase your blog hits and readership?
Let her be what she wants to be why do we think everyone on screen is a public property and should act as a puppet not human? She has every right to breath and speak wrong or right English, boast about herself.
As a matter of fact, I consider her very blunt and honest about profession. The way she spoke of directors and suggestive thought of night time.
We as a nation can never support/secure/respect our fellows.