 The Balancing Act
If we analyze the women in media, we come across so many multi-tasking workaholics who perform with sheer passion and dedication. Juggun Kazim is one such talented and ambitious young woman. Being a model, host, actress, media personality and mother all in one, she is a classic in the making - a professional actress and model who loves what she does. Read on to know the Juggun sans limelight!
The initial initiative
It just happened. I've been asked randomly since I was 14 to host or act or model, so eventually I just started taking up the offers. I've been very lucky! But one thing I will say is that one should work with the right people. Don't take up every offer that comes your way. Be choosy. Money should not be the driving force. Quality is very important.
Evolving as an Actor
For one thing, I've unlearned everything I learned in Canada. The Hollywood style of acting (which I studied) is much smaller in emotions in comparison to say Pakistani drama and Lollywood. Its been fun playing with both ranges of the performing arts. Now that I've signed three urdu/english films with Shaan, I hope to evolve further. Fingers crossed.
Journey Towards Achievements
Its been tough, really tough. There seems to be a strong lobby system and breaking into the acting realm without joining a lobby has been hard. The production companies I am associated with have really promoted me in that respect. As far as achievements go, I think I've barely done any work. There is so much more to do.
Something to Laugh About
We have many smiling moments in our profession but the one incident that I remember was when we were shooting a scene for a drama and it was a car sequence. Since it was the last scene of the day, I decided to have some fun and drove off with the car. I came back 10 minutes later with ice creams for everyone from the petrol pump. I couldn't stop laughing when I got back because it was the directors car and he was really worried. I still remember the look on his face. The ice cream put him in a good mood though!
The Fact to Abhor
I hate the lobby system. Its like the mafia. However, I don't dislike any one person. I might have a difference of opinion with someone but dislike is too strong a word.
The Worthy Character
A serial called Meri Un Suni Kahani, directed by Babar Javaid. It will go on air in February. I play Jeena, a multidimensional character with a lot of spunk. I loved shooting it! Babar is loads of fun to work with and so is Faisal Qureshi, my co-star.
Someone to Look up to
In Pakistan, I have to say Nadia Jamil and my khala Rehanna Saigol, both are brilliant actors. In India, Shabana Azmi and in Hollywood, Meryl Streep.
The Project to Aspire
The first movie I'm doing with Shaan. You guys will just have to wait and see. Its a truly adorable and lovable character with a lot of depth.
Striking a Balance
I've figured out how to do both pretty smoothly. Hamza is in school now so I get him ready for it and drop him to school. Then off I go to work. I try to get home early so we hang out before bed. Also, I take a day or two off every week so we can spend time together. When I'm not around, he is with his grandmother. So its all good.
Morning Show Experience
I love being a morning show host. I have to give Sultana Siddique (Appa) a lot of credit. Appa had faith in me and guided me. It is my favorite show. It is so rewarding to talk about the issues in our society and meet so many new, talented and unique people.
Current Projects
A 3-movie deal with Shaan. A serial called Bahrupia produced by Humayun Saeed and directed by Babar Javaid; a weekend morning show and ‘Honestly Speaking with Juggun Kazim at our state channel. So I am very busy.
Recounting Achievements
I think finally being recognized as an established actor and host is a pretty big achievement. Also, all the work I did in Canada and then bought a home there is certainly stuff I'm proud of. I've just got to establish myself in the film world now. I'm pretty satisfied with where I am career wise.
Proudest Moment
My proudest moment was when Sajni the song by Jal came on air and my son ran all over the house and gathered everyone screaming 'Meri Mama tv par. Meri Mama ko dekho'.
Best Compliment
My best compliment is my son being proud of me and his excitement when he sees me on television.
If not an Actor/Host
I love acting and hosting. So I will continue it forever, I hope, as a character actor once I'm too old to play the lead. Hosting is not limited by age fortunately. I am a producer also now, so that's the other arena I've ventured into.
Besides the Showbiz
I love cooking and reading. Of course, I have a very demanding son, so every free moment is spent entertaining him and telling him stories about giants and spiderman - his two favourite topics these days.
Down the Memory Lane
My childhood was spent hanging out with my brother Asad and my neighbour Farhan. We used to go and buy firecrackers from a bazaar in Cantt, Lahore. Then we would set them off in the neighbourhood. We were the hooligans of the locality. Also, I went to a renowned school, where I never quite fit in because I was always a tomboy and it was a girls institution. My teachers did try very hard to turn me into a lady. I don't know how far they succeeded though!
The Beauty Secret
Thanks for the compliment but all I do is exercise everyday. Oh, and I don't diet and starve myself. I eat whatever I want within limits of course. And I only wear makeup for shoots, and that too the bare minimum. So skin issues are avoided.
The Style Inspiration
Staying as natural as possible is the key I think. I don't develop or cultivate a look in my daily life. I'm just me! Of course when it comes to acting, I create whatever look is required for the character I'm playing.
Secret of the Content Demeanor
No secret. I'm just generally a happy person. Why wouldn't I be? I have a beautiful son, great career and a lot of independence. What else could I or anyone want?
Admire Most
I admire people's patience. I am a very impatient person and need to be more chilled out!
The Much-awaited Partner
I think one must like ones own self before getting into a relationship. If you enjoy your own company and like who you are, then only can you have a successful relationship. Everyone wants or needs a companion. It's only natural. Your companion should be your best friend above anything else. Of course respect, honesty and trust are very important as well.
Words of Wisdom
Life is to live and not to be wasted. Keep smiling and enjoy every moment in life like it's your last.
The Next Step
In the future I shall be producing dramas and eventually films. Lollywood needs more educated people investing into it. Film is the most ignored sector in the media today. I want cinema to be revived as soon as possible!
Speaking her Mind
Juggun opines about
Pakistani Men
are very contradictory. I'm going to sound harsh so please forgive me. They don't like women to climb the success ladder. They have preconceived notions about the roles women are made to perform in our society. There are a few good men out there, I'm sure. But women need to be very careful about the company they keep. Men seem to have a lot less to lose.
Training in acting
matters a lot. It is very important in fact. Education is a necessity. Grooms you to deal with people and handle situations. It doesn't mean you need an acting degree but one should be educated in something or the other. I believe a degree is very important in this day and age.
Being labeled as hilarious, outrageous and bold
is a natural consequence when one steps into limelight and joins the big, bad world of showbiz. So no issues with labels.
The Best of Juggun Kazim
is brought forth by my son, Hamza. He makes me want to be the best that I can be. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Acting
is the best field. I get to express myself freely. If not an actor, then I would have become a chef. I love food and enjoy cooking immensely.
Mass Trash productions
everybody seems to think they can act, direct and produce. Everyday I get offers for bad quality, high paying projects. I've had a couple of bad experiences with people not knowing what they are doing at all. Waste of time and energy. Now, I have become very careful with the work I choose.
The younger lot
is very eager. That's a good thing but no one wants to put in the hard work. Its sad. So much talent goes to waste because of laziness.
Life
is firstly all about being a good mom and then being good at whatever one does whether it is acting, hosting or producing. One should just keep smiling and focus on the good in people rather than the bad. Being non-judgmental helps one get through life. Live and let live.
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