IN FRONT OF THE LENS WITH DUR-E-FISHAN SALEEM

Dil Ruba fame Dur-e-Fishan Saleem spent the day getting glammed up and posing for the HELLO! camera during the perfect time of day - golden hour. We chatted about her professional career as a budding actress, what changes she thinks the Pakistani entertainment industry can make and what else is in store for this talented actor...

Hi Duray! Pleasure to have you here. We know you’ve studied Law before you decided to follow your true passion that is acting. Coming from a desi household how did your parents react to that?

At the start, it was a little different for all of them since they saw me more as a CSS officer rather than an actress. However, it wasn’t that difficult and they were all very accepting and supported me every step of the way.

How did you enter the Pakistani entertainment industry? Was being an actor always the dream?

Well I gave an audition and that’s how Dil Ruba happened. I’ve always wanted to be an actress so yes, I’ve definitely been dreaming of this since since the start.

‘I believe that there is no factor more powerful than the voice that comes straight from your heart, so you could say I listen to my heart when it comes to picking roles’

What was your first big break in the industry and how did that happen?

My first big break was Dil Ruba and like I said before, I went and gave an audition and that’s how it all happened.

You are known for your roles in Bharaas, Pardes, Dil Ruba and Juda Juway Kuch Is Tarhan. What factors do you consider before accepting any roles?

I’m always open to different types of roles and I don’t really consider any factors. I believe that there is no factor more powerful than the voice that comes straight from your heart, so you could say I listen to my heart when it comes to picking roles.

Do you in some way relate to the characters you play?

As an actor, I always try to relate to them in some way but that’s not always possible. Then you’ve to do research and find other ways to get into character which gets really draining sometimes.

How do you feel Covid-19 has impacted the acting industry or in particular yourself as an actor? What differences have been implemented since shooting resumed?

It hasn’t really affected my career so far, like Bharaas was shot at the peak of Covid-19 and was a major hit so personally it didn’t have an impact. However, cinemas were closed which was a huge debacle to the industry.

If you could change anything about Pakistan’s entertainment industry, what would it be?

It would most certainly be time. I really wish that people would show up on time for a change.

What are your aspirations for the silver screen? If you get an offer, what kind of role would you like to do for cinema? 

I would love to come on the silver screen. The role that I would like to play would be anything that the masses can relate to and learn from.

‘I would love to come on the silver screen. The role that I would like to play would be anything that the masses can relate to and learn from’

According to you, what sets you apart from the rest?

I guess just me as a whole person, no? Everyone has got different personalities, which sets us all apart from one another.

Any exciting collaborations or projects we need to look out for in the future?

There are so many! I’m not going to spill anything yet.

Your favourite project till date and why? Tell us a little about it.

I don’t have any favourites. Everything I do has a piece of my heart, they’re all extremely special to me.

What’s next for Dur-e-Fishan?

I’ve got a drama and a telefilm coming soon. And currently, another drama.

RAPID FIRE

If not an actor, you would be...?

Lawyer - acting in front of the judge

Favourite holiday destination?

London

One bucket list item?

To open up a school for ADHT/autism children

Burger or pizza?

Both!

One wardrobe item must-have?

My kali shalwar kameez

What are you currently binge watching on Netflix?

I just finished Glitch - amazing

Any hidden talents?

Won’t be hidden if I tell you

One song that will never get old for you?

Lag Ja Galay /Lights Will Guide You Home and Ignite Your Bones and I will try to fix you

Biggest pet peeve?

Body odor

Dur-e-Fishan in three words?

Funny, kind and indecisive

INTERVIEW & STYLING: SAFA ADNAN
PHOTOGRAPHY: HASEEB SIDDIQUI
MAKEUP ARTIST: AYESHA MUSHTAQ
HAIR BY: DRYSTYLE
COORDINATION: ALCHEMISTS
ON-SET COORDINATION: SANEELA
SWALEH