Lollywood has become very chaotic
The Saarc countries should pool money and set up a film academy so that new artistes could learn from there

'The Multani beauty in film city Sana joined the community of cinema sweets some seven years ago. She was soon accepted in film circles due to her amicable nature. Her good times started when Javed Sheikh chose her as his most trusted and good friend. There was no looking back after that. The wide-eyed babe sizzled well on silver screen in Javed's flick 'Ye Dil Aap Ka Hua' and finally got offers from across the border.

Sana has recently signed an Indian flick 'Qafla' against Sunny Deol. In an exclusive interview with Joytonight.com she sheds light on her lifestyle and problems the Pakistani film industry is facing currently.

How did you sign Qafla?
My film 'Ye Dil Aap Ka Hua' was an international movie. It earned me much popularity. I was offered a role in 'Qafla' due to that flick. The film shootings are taking place these days. It's a nice experience. Pakistani artistes have the potential to perform as good as the Indian artistes have. I am selected for the film on merit since I was offered the role in the film, I did not plead for that. I have also signed another movie Sitam in India that is also under process.

How do you see present state of Pakistani cinema?
I think Pakistani film industry has become too chaotic due to non-professional attitudes. It has a number of criminal elements. There are few faces in the industry doing nice work. My friend Javed Sheikh is a thorough professional, I am learning a lot from him.

To improve the standard of cinema in the country the people who are producing private productions should come forward with new and educated artistes. Multinational companies should also come forward to strengthen the crumbling film industry in terms of financing.

Finance is one big issue with that of new faces in the industry. How can we cope with it?
Well, in my view we should go for a broader platform of regional cinema. The filmmakers of all Saarc countries should sit together to evolve a plan for the regional cinema that should be based on exchange basis. For example, if one country finances, the other may provide the cast and technical facilities. Such a move would not only bring a lot of business through quality films but also it would give boost to cinema industry in the region. I think the SAARC countries should pool money and set up a film academy in the region so that new artistes could learn from there.

Do you have any proposal about improving the lot of poor film artistes?
It's a very important issue. Old and poor artistes who are financially unstable should be provided with some financial help. We the film artistes should pool money through charity shows so that the income could be used for the needy artistes. Collaboration in this regard can be done with arts councils and commercial theatres so that not only film but also artistes from other mediums could be benefited.

People say you have developed a kind of chemistry with Javed Sheikh?
No, it's not the case at all. He is just a good friend rather my mentor. He has guided me well through the walkways of the film city. I am indebted to him. Besides a good friend, he is also an extremely good film taskmaster.

How do you spend your leisure times?
I entered the world of movies around seven years ago. But today I can't imagine my world without movies. My Bungalow in defence is not only a piece of construction it is full of my passions and feelings. In leisure hours, I sit before computer and check my emails. I spend the better part of my day here, if I have no shootings.

What kind of books do you read?
I love biographies and autobiographies. I have great interest in suspense stories. Books in fact give a cool company to a person. In my case, book is something very special because it takes me away from the worries of world. I also love to read biographies of film stars.

Do you watch movies?
I have a great collection of DVDs. I go for all quality films. Films teach you a lot.
After studying film for a while I have woken up to the older titles which are only available on videos. I often have meals in video room, watching some quality movie. I am great movie buff in fact.

Which is your most favourite place in your house?
My terrace, which is in fact my labour of love. I have decorated it with plants.

I have myself chosen every pebble, every plant every bit of it.

When I sit here at night, I feel I can reach out to the stars. I also love to have candle-night dinners here.