ASIANA WEDDING INTERNATIONAL | 65scenes. There is this perception
that this industry is amazing and
glam, but we make a lot of sacrifices,
where often, you’re forgoing
relationships and your personal life
suffers, because you don’t see your
loved ones for months. Sometimes,
I think about what the opportunity
cost has been, but I also know I’m
exactly where my destiny intended
for me to be.’
Starring in two of Pakistan’s
most successful global box office
phenomena, first Bin Roye and
more recently Janaan, Armeena has
played an integral and significant
part in the current revival of
Pakistani cinema, as well as paving
the way for female actors in the
industry, as she enthuses, ‘Foreign
investment in Pakistan is giving the
industry the boost and security it
needs and as a result, parents are
now encouraging their children to
pursue a career in media and film.
I am grateful to be a part of the
biggest grossing films to emerge
from Pakistan, so I’m currently
holding the title of ‘UK Box Office
Queen’, which is really sweet.’
It’s thanks to fate and hard work
that she now graces our screens, but
Armeena had no desire to become
an actress, as she moved from
Canada to Manchester, where she
studied Business Studies. Whilst
modelling during her university
days and shooting for Asiana,
Armeena was spotted by producers
and thus, her acting career was
initiated in 2013. Her business skills
have come in handy within showbiz,
as she has impressively established
a thriving property investment
company, which she runs alongside
her acting commitments.
Ironically, growing up Armeena
was very introverted, as she
discloses in her endearing, softly
spoken manner, ‘I was the shyest
person in school, but I’ve learnt to
really push myself. My parents and
travels were instrumental in helping
me overcome my inhibitions. I’m
overly sensitive, as most artists are
- we just have a lot of layers to us
and we decide which layer to wear
depending on the situation.’
Along with her popularity and
fame, Armeena has found herself
amidst the throes of the industry’s
politics and dramas. But she is a
lady who stands by her principles,
owing to her strong work ethic
along with her spiritual and calm
persona. Armeena imparts her work
life philosophy, ‘Everything I have
achieved has been with my own
merit and hard work, as I believe
in achieving things the right way
and am very strong in my morals,
principles and boundaries. Theday you compromise those, you
compromise yourself. As a svpiritual
person, I truly believe in the rules
of karma – it’s what you give to the
world that you will receive back. I
don’t want to sound preachy, but
it’s so important for us girls to come
together and support eachother,
because we’ve got the odds against
us anyway.’
Whilst destiny may have had
other plans, Armeena reveals her
desires of what would have been,
had she not chosen acting, ‘I’d
probably be a medic and serving
in Africa. I have long term plansCELEBRITY
Wardrobe:
Sonas Haute Couture
http://www.sonascouture.comHair & Make-up:
Anisha Siddique
http://www.anishasiddique.co.ukJewellery:
Rubina Kapoor
http://www.rubinakapoor.com