We’ve seen her transform and transition into the professional that she is today. She debuted as a young lass rendering a na’at (hymn) and bloomed and blossomed as an actor before making inroads into other avenues of showbiz and entertainment.

As the roles came and went, so did Javeria Saud’s screen avatars, moulding her into the individual that she is today: smart, confident and well-settled into a flourishing career that promises of even greater things to come.

Be it the home front or her professional life, Javeria seems to be truly blessed, but that’s not enough for her to sit back and cool her heels. She has spread her wings and is ready to take off for newer horizons, with a firm resolution to fly even higher than before.

As TV actress, producer, screenwriter, host and singer, you wear so many hats besides being a full-time mom to your kids and a housewife, and wife to film/TV actor Saud. How do you manage it all? And don’t you think you would achieve more by taking on fewer roles?

Javeria Saud: Managing different roles can be challenging, I admit, but I also think that I’m able to balance it all by having a strong support system, and that is my family, husband, kids, parents, siblings and, of course, my domestic helpers. I’ve always been really passionate about what I do. It’s such a blessing from God. As for doing less, it’s possible that focusing on fewer things could lead to more accomplishments in some areas. It really depends on what works best for an individual.

Javeria Saud has her fingers in multiple pies in the entertainment industry. But aside from being an actor, producer, screenwriter, host, catwalk model and singer, she’s also a part of a celebrity couple and a full-time mother. How does she manage?

What projects do you have in the pipeline under the banner of JJSI Production, which you co-own with Saud?

JS: The drama Mohabbat Satrangi by JJSI Production is currently on air from Green Entertainment, and it’s trending on Twitter and Instagram! Another drama serial called Mumkin for Aur TV is currently under production. Both of them are family dramas and I had the amazing opportunity to write them both. We also have a feature film called Hum Sub that’s currently on the sets. We have even more exciting things planned but it’s premature to discuss them here and now. I will reveal them when the time is right.

You’re best known for playing the protagonist Jameela in the Geo TV drama Yeh Zindagi Hai [2008] and you have created history with its long run. How do you reflect on it?

JS: Yeh Zindagi Hai was a major milestone in the professional lives and careers of its cast and crew. It’s incredible how it had such a long and successful run, making history in the process. I look back on that experience with immense pride and gratitude now. The success of the blockbuster that was Yeh Zindagi Hai can be attributed to many factors, such as passion, hard work, consistency, luck and, last but not least, the blessings of God and sincere intentions.

You co-produced Khuda Aur Muhabbat [2011] in collaboration with Geo TV and took a sabbatical to focus on your family life. Tell us more about that particular phase in your life?

JS: I took a break for a year before Khuda Aur Muhabbat because God blessed us with a baby boy, my lifeline Ibrahim. I was in the US at that time. It was a really important phase in my life, so I took time out to focus on my family life, and to strike a balance between my personal and professional life.

Your days of hosting a morning show came to an abrupt end. Why?

JS:Satrangi on Express TV was my favourite morning show. I’m not sure about the specifics of why Satrangi came to an end while it was still at its peak. It could be due to various reasons. Sometimes, things change in the media industry and shows come to a natural conclusion, or maybe it was just a natural transition in my career. But, you know what? I truly believe that His plans are always better than ours.

Today’s dramas are based more on the saas-bahu saga than exploring other, more exciting avenues. Do you see a paradigm shift sometime soon?

JS: As for the saas-bahu saga in dramas, it’s true that they have been quite popular for some time now. However, I do believe that there’s always room for newer, exciting stories. The television drama industry is constantly evolving, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a shift in the types of dramas being written and produced in the very near future.

Nand [2020] was your big comeback followed by Hum TV’s Ramazan special Paristaan [2022] and then came Baby Baji [2023], in which you played an outspoken and cunning daughter-in-law. What has been your most memorable character so far and what kind of roles do you prefer?

JS: I’ve played some really memorable characters throughout my career so far. It’s hard to pick just one, but I think my roles in Yeh Zindagi Hai as Jameela, in Nand as Gauhar and in Baby Baji as Azra have really stood out. As for the kind of roles I prefer, I enjoy playing diverse characters that pose a challenge for me as an actress.

Enough about work. Tell us how it is being wife to Saud. Who is more understanding and sacrificing in the marriage and, in your personal opinion, why do you think most celebrity marriages don’t work out these days?

JS: As a husband, Saud is true blessing from God. He is an amazing husband and an incredible father. I believe that successful marriages are built on understanding, sacrifice and love. When it comes to celebrity marriages, there are many factors that can contribute to the challenges they face. The entertainment industry can be demanding, and finding a balance between work and personal life can be very tough indeed. However, with love, respect, passion, open communication and unwavering support, any marriage can flourish and overcome obstacles and setbacks.

What is the one thing you would change in your life if you could go back in time?

JS: I’m truly thankful for my precious family! We share such incredible moments together and create the most enchanting, cherishable memories. If I had the chance to go back in time, I wouldn’t alter a single thing, because each and every experience has guided me to this very moment where I’m surrounded by an abundance of pure love and unadulterated bliss.

However, there is always the longing for loved ones who have departed. It’s an ache that tugs at all our hearts! If I could turn back the hands of time, I would seize the opportunity to tightly embrace those loved ones who have now departed, and convey the depth of my adoration, to express just how much they mean to me and how immensely I cherish them, while they are still alive. My longing and love for them is unfathomable and the void they’ve left behind is a constant reminder of their irreplaceable presence.

Any aspirations to take on a film project given the current state of the Pakistan film industry?

JS: Taking on a film project in the Pakistan film industry is super tempting and exciting. Like I mentioned before, we’re currently working on a film called Hum Sub but we don’t have high hopes for its success just yet, given the current state of the film industry in Pakistan.

You were recently seen walking for Kashee’s bridal segment as his celebrity showstopper at the Bridal Couture Week in Lahore. Do you share a great camaraderie with him?

JS: Kashee’s bridal segment at the Hum Bridal Couture Week in Lahore was absolutely unforgettable for me and all the people I know loved it! Kashee is not only incredibly talented and hardworking, but he’s also such a nice person and a good friend of ours. Our bonds of friendship are really strong.

Words you live by and what advice would you give to young people wanting to break into the television drama industry?

JS: When it comes to the words I live by, it’s all about having a strong belief in God and the power of dreaming big, working hard and never giving up. If you’re a young person looking to break into the television drama industry, my advice would be to have faith in yourself, stay persistent and keep honing your skills. It’s definitely a competitive industry, but with passion, consistency and dedication, you can absolutely make your mark.

Published in Dawn, ICON, January 14th, 2024