Meet the beautiful and talented actress Maria Wasti. Although she had originally planned to study business management, her fate led her to the world of media where she has become a household name. Not only has she acted in numerous drama serials, she is also now working as a producer. Read more about her future plans and what she thinks about the Pakistani media industry.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
As Maria Wasti

Tell us about where you grew up, your family and education?
I was born in Tanzania, Africa; lived and studied there for seven years. I then came to Pakistan where I originally planned to study business management, but instead acting and TV happened.

You are an actress by profession, how did you get the opportunity to enter this industry? Were you supported by your family?
Well, it happened by chance; the offer came through a family friend. My family was supportive of this opportunity and they have always encouraged my siblings and me to choose fields that we are interested in and passionate about.

How long have you been in this profession? How has the ride been so far?
Since forever! The ride has been smooth except for the occasional bumps.

You must have worked in countless plays and shows on TV, tell us how many exactly, and which has been your most memorable role to date?
I can't remember the exact number. I must have done more than 50 serials and around the same for assorted plays.

Have you had the chance to direct or produce any plays? If so, which ones and how was the experience for you?
I haven't directed any plays as yet, but I have produced 4 serials, soaps and sitcoms.

What has been your worst experience with working in the media, and why?
I don't let it come to that point; not everything happens to your liking and thus, you have to make adjustments.

A lot of actors say they would like to play a certain role in their careers to achieve satisfaction, do you feel you have reached it already or has that specific role yet to come?
For me, it doesn't work like that at all. I try to find dimensions in characters that have not yet been explored. An actor is forever looking for such elements.

Have you been offered to work in any Lollywood or Bollywood movies? If you get the right offer, would you be willing to act in a movie?
I have been offered to do films in Pakistan, but I will only do it once a project as a whole appeals to me.

There are a lot of TV serials being made with actors from both India and Pakistan; do you feel this is a good opportunity for actors of both nations to help bridge the gap?
Cultural exchange is always beneficial for countries, it mollifies the tensions and helps people of both sides to understand and appreciate their differences.

As a woman working in Pakistan, do you feel you are treated and paid equally to your male counter parts?
In a country like ours, it is a constant struggle for women in every field. Though it is improving, I still feel we are far behind from the rest of the world. One of the main reasons is because women are not treated equally.

What changes would you like to see in the media industry in the next 10 years?
Pakistani media has just recently been declared an ‘industry' and it still has a long way to go in terms of changes. Systems have to be formed and followed; and people specializing in specific fields need to break out into the media scene.

Besides acting, what do you like to do in your spare time (your hobbies, etc)?
When I'm not working I love staying at home. I catch up with my friends, read, watch movies…basically, just chill.

What are your future plans and personal goals for the next 5 years?
I don't have a definite plan, but I want to do some international projects, produce more serials and just let life happen.

Lastly, your message to the readers who are reading your interview?
One thing I have learnt is that being judgmental is one of the worst things anyone can do. Accepting people and change is the only way to combat negativity in life.