HEERA'S MOVE INTO FILM

Rukhsana Ali Heera, or simply Heera as she is known to her adoring fans, is a very successful ramp model, and actress. We already know her through her work as a ramp model, television advertisements and recently we have had a glimpse of her acting talent through television dramas. Heera now plans to enter the world of films and hopes to rekindle its magic! Star Showbiz recently caught up with her for a one on one chat.

So how did your journey in the world of media begin?
The journey began in 2007. My first work was for Banglalink, and the photographer for that particular work was Iqbal Ahmed. I was very excited as I was given the opportunity to work for such a prestigious brand. Later on, I participated in the Lux Channel I Superstar in 2008 where I came in at the fourth place.

How much change does the Lux Channel i Superstar competition really bring to the lives of its participants?
Honestly, changing your life is something that depends upon yourself. The batch of contestants that I have emerged from aren't really in the spotlight anymore, whereas I have kept on working in the field and established my name. In the end, it depends on how far you want yourself to reach. Your focus and your dedication must be 100%. Through all the blessings of those who love my work, I have and am still continuing to work as hard as possible so that I can remain as Heera!

Why do you think some of the people from your 2008 batch of Lux Superstar have not pursued their career further?
Honestly, I don't know. It could be any number of things such as family or any other personal issues. But honestly, considering the effort they put into entering the contest and going through the grooming process which in itself is very hard, I don't understand why the top three did not pursue their careers. I guess there is some luck involved as well. Nowadays, many of them are working but then again, just working isn't the main thing. You have to bond with the audience. You have to etch yourself into their minds. Once you gain recognition from the audience, you can truly say that you have succeeded.

What is the difference between someone who wants to enter the media without the help of any talent hunt and someone who does?
First off, I would like to thank Lux for all the things I was taught there. When you enter through a competition, you are prepped for it so that you can handle any situation you may come across, making your entry in the media much more efficient. Whereas if you compare that to someone who doesn't enter through a competition, they have to face a really big learning curve and the constant risk of making a big mistake.

You started with modelling and then television advertisements. What else do you plan to get into?
Actually, most people know me more as a ramp model than anything else and that's where I worked the most. I am currently doing television dramas for almost a year now and doing it as seriously as I can. As far as movies are concerned, well honestly I didn't even think that I would act in films. However, with the quality of the films nowadays being on the rise, I am very interested and if I find a script that I think goes with me, then I would definitely join. On that note, I want all my fans to know that I am seriously interested in doing films!

I am sure you have gotten offers for doing films over the years. Why haven't you done any of them yet?
Honestly, I think I was way too much into modelling back then to consider anything else. To top it off, films back then weren't really up to the standard and with that kind of a backdrop, I felt that I wouldn't really be suited for the film business. Now however, with all these new talented directors who are in the field, the filmmaking scenario has changed and I feel like I can really I can fit in. More of us now are joining the film industry.

We have seen that many who come from the world of modelling into acting aren't always successful. Why do you think that is?
It's true that many aren't always successful but there are also some who have managed to gain enormous success. Honestly I think the answer for this question is simply focus. If someone gave up everything else and just focused on acting, I don't see a reason why they wouldn't succeed. However, if they do both modelling and acting together, then the priority will subconsciously be more on the modelling as they are more comfortable doing that then acting. This could be a reason as to why success doesn't happen to some. There is also another important factor that acting in itself is a hard thing to do. To be able to become the character you portray isn't something that just anyone can accomplish. That can also be a crucial factor for success.

What do you consider your positive and negative sides to be?
I am a good person. I try my best not to lie to people. I put 100% into anything I undertake and try my absolute best to succeed. I always respect and love my parents and always strive to achieve their blessings. Finally, I feel that I am not that jealous about things. As for the negatives, I feel that my straightforwardness is a bit troublesome for others because they may not take what I am saying in the same way I meant it, and misunderstand me to be simply rude. Thankfully people near to me understand how I am and know that I mean no harm. I also sometimes feel that I have a bad temper. Call it a bad habit if you will. I also sometimes wonder if I ever hurt anyone of my family member's feelings. Another bad habit of mine is sleeping long hours and this sometimes can have its effects at work.

Do you have any future plans?
Honestly I haven't laid out all my plans just like that. I just try to do whatever I am doing at the present with 100% dedication and focus. I don't plan on leaving my other works such as modelling and especially ramp modelling as I love doing it and I can't see myself leaving it ever. I am doing television dramas now and I plan on keeping that up as long as I have the blessings of all my fans and friends. And in the future I plan on going into films and I hope I will have my audience's support and prayers in those endeavors as well.

Catch the uncut version of Showbiz's Cover Interview and more on Radio Shadhin 92.4 FM Every Saturday, 11 PM onwards.

Interviewed By Rafi Hossain
and Narrated by S.M. Intisab Shahriyar