Reema

By Ather Naqvi - The News on Sunday, Jang Publications, Pakistan.

Having left her stamp on the Pakistani film industry as the 'number one' heroine of her time, Reema believes that now is the right time for some young blood to be injected into the ailing film industry. Hence her first-ever directorial venture Koi Tujh Sa Kahan. Before leaving for India to work on the post production of the film, Reema spoke to Instep about her expectations from a project she has given her hundred percent to. Following are excerpts from the interview:

Instep: How did you get the idea that you could direct a film?

Reema: After acting in 175 films I think it is only natural for me to look for other avenues. I had this feeling I could do something slightly different. It also became a challenge for me. I wanted to make a film that does not fall in the same category as most run-of-the-mill flicks - third rate, poor direction and several times removed from reality. A critic or a viewer can easily tell from the very title what a certain film with the words like Gujjar or Badshah would have to offer. An increase in such films in Lollywood is one reason why I have stopped acting in films since the last about three years. This is not because I don't have offers for films but because I have decided to change lanes and do something in which I can tap my potential according to my own will and inclination.

Instep: Do you think you have gathered enough experience to qualify for both direction and production?

Reema: As I said earlier I no longer want to act in a film that is unrealistic. This is what I have come to believe. To me it is better not to work in a bad film than destroy yourself as an artist. Media offers quite a few options today. Direction is one. As things stand I'm sure I can make a bigger contribution to the film industry by working behind the camera. We need people who are committed to bringing about change -- before or behind the camera.

Instep: In what way is your film going to be different?

Reema: I understand that this word 'different' has become a cliche in our vocabulary since some time now. But let me explain what I mean when I say it will be different. Koi Tujh Sa Kahan is a story of a newly married couple whose relationship goes through some ups and downs. You would agree that not many films, rather hardly any films made in Pakistan recently have such stories as the subject. Besides, there are no typecasts like villains, vamps and additions such as unnecessary fighting scenes. People like Beegee and Asiya Saail (Lahore based designers) were part of the team for my film.

Instep: Are you saying your film is going to change the way Pakistani films are made?

Reema: I pray it will. But then let me also make it clear that I have no big claims about my film. I hope people will keep in mind that this is my first ever-directorial venture. So I think I deserve some lenient marking. On the other hand I can also assure viewers that they will not be in for disappointment when they watch my film in a cinema. I have at least made the bold attempt of opting for a subject that is very unlike normal film material as far as Lollywood is concerned.

Instep: Is this going to be just a passing phase or do you intend to take up filmmaking on a regular basis?

Reema: Well, it might be a bit too early for me to give a definite answer. A lot will depend on how my film performs at the box office. But nonetheless I am sure I will continue making films because I know people are sick of the same old stuff. The decreasing number of cinemas and fewer numbers of cinemagoers are a reflection on that. We have to have the guts to revive people's interest in cinema and my film is one little step in that direction.

Instep: Why did you shoot abroad? Isn't that what every other Pakistani film producer or director does?

Reema: It's a pertinent question on the face of it. But when you watch the film you will understand why I have chosen places like Bangkok and Malaysia for filming. These places provide the kind of setting I needed to create the impact I wanted. I agree that in a way this is like following in the footsteps of other directors and producers. But this is just a start. This is for the first time that a Pakistani film has international sponsors like Pepsi. This is an achievement in itself.

Instep: Can you name anyone who inspired you to become a director?

Reema: I don't think there's just one name. But directors like Hassan Tariq and Karan Johar impress me each time I watch their movies. To me watching good movies is part of a learning process. There are many points that remain in your mind that you can use in your own style at a later stage.


	\| Back \| By Ather Naqvi - The News on Sunday, Jang Publications, Pakistan. Having left her stamp on the Pakistani film industry as the 'number one' heroine of her time, Reema believes that now is the right time for some young blood to be injected into the ailing film industry. Hence her first-ever directorial venture Koi Tujh Sa Kahan. Before leaving for India to work on the post production of the film, Reema spoke to Instep about her expectations from a project she has given her hundred percent to. Following are excerpts from the interview: Instep: How did you get the idea that you could direct a film? Reema: After acting in 175 films I think it is only natural for me to look for other avenues. I had this feeling I could do something slightly different. It also became a challenge for me. I wanted to make a film that does not fall in the same category as most run-of-the-mill flicks - third rate, poor direction and several times removed from reality. A critic or a viewer can easily tell from the very title what a certain film with the words like Gujjar or Badshah would have to offer. An increase in such films in Lollywood is one reason why I have stopped acting in films since the last about three years. This is not because I don't have offers for films but because I have decided to change lanes and do something in which I can tap my potential according to my own will and inclination. Instep: Do you think you have gathered enough experience to qualify for both direction and production? Reema: As I said earlier I no longer want to act in a film that is unrealistic. This is what I have come to believe. To me it is better not to work in a bad film than destroy yourself as an artist. Media offers quite a few options today. Direction is one. As things stand I'm sure I can make a bigger contribution to the film industry by working behind the camera. We need people who are committed to bringing about change -- before or behind the camera. Instep: In what way is your film going to be different? Reema: I understand that this word 'different' has become a cliche in our vocabulary since some time now. But let me explain what I mean when I say it will be different. Koi Tujh Sa Kahan is a story of a newly married couple whose relationship goes through some ups and downs. You would agree that not many films, rather hardly any films made in Pakistan recently have such stories as the subject. Besides, there are no typecasts like villains, vamps and additions such as unnecessary fighting scenes. People like Beegee and Asiya Saail (Lahore based designers) were part of the team for my film. Instep: Are you saying your film is going to change the way Pakistani films are made? Reema: I pray it will. But then let me also make it clear that I have no big claims about my film. I hope people will keep in mind that this is my first ever-directorial venture. So I think I deserve some lenient marking. On the other hand I can also assure viewers that they will not be in for disappointment when they watch my film in a cinema. I have at least made the bold attempt of opting for a subject that is very unlike normal film material as far as Lollywood is concerned. Instep: Is this going to be just a passing phase or do you intend to take up filmmaking on a regular basis? Reema: Well, it might be a bit too early for me to give a definite answer. A lot will depend on how my film performs at the box office. But nonetheless I am sure I will continue making films because I know people are sick of the same old stuff. The decreasing number of cinemas and fewer numbers of cinemagoers are a reflection on that. We have to have the guts to revive people's interest in cinema and my film is one little step in that direction. Instep: Why did you shoot abroad? Isn't that what every other Pakistani film producer or director does? Reema: It's a pertinent question on the face of it. But when you watch the film you will understand why I have chosen places like Bangkok and Malaysia for filming. These places provide the kind of setting I needed to create the impact I wanted. I agree that in a way this is like following in the footsteps of other directors and producers. But this is just a start. This is for the first time that a Pakistani film has international sponsors like Pepsi. This is an achievement in itself. Instep: Can you name anyone who inspired you to become a director? Reema: I don't think there's just one name. But directors like Hassan Tariq and Karan Johar impress me each time I watch their movies. To me watching good movies is part of a learning process. There are many points that remain in your mind that you can use in your own style at a later stage.