The first question I was asked after my interview with Mehr Hassan, Samina Peerzada’s brand new heroine for her second film, Shararat, was whether she was pretty.  The second was whether she was fair.  And the third was whether she was better looking than Reema.

            It kind of reinforces what one has always known: that film heroines – at least in this part of the world – are essentially only viewed as sex symbols.  Reema might have turned in an award-winning performance as a tomboy in Mujhe Chand Chaheye, but she is remembered only for her sizzling number to the song Aag Say Badan Main.  Meera might have proved her histrionic abilities with meaty roles in Khilona, Inteha and now Khoay Ho Tum Kahan, but she continues to be requested to ‘show more thigh.’

     Going by indications, Mehr’s debut in the industry will, if nothing else, prove that physical appeal is not the be all and end all of film actresses.  Not that Mehr isn’t attractive – with a lustrous mane of hair down to her waist and a pixie-like face, she is a head-turner all right.  But her looks are the least of Mehr’s attributes – or concerns. You meet her and go home remembering an expressive actress, a vivacious person and a woman who knows her mind.

     Born to Pakistani parents settled in the US, Mehr was in pre-medical when she did a volte face and switched to doing her Masters in theatre instead.  Following a few stage performances in the US, Mehr received an offer to act in a Tamil film in Madras.  Currently residing in Bombay, she is now a veteran of five Tamil films (and has learnt to speak the language fluently as well). 

     Asked how Samina managed to tempt her with a role in a Pakistani film after a chance meeting in New York, Mehr responds with her serene smile, “It represented a challenge. Working in the country my parents belong to, doing a comedy role when all the performances I’ve ever given have been serious, dealing with a woman director when I’ve only worked with men before – all these factors intrigued me enough to say yes, and if things work out, I might say yes again.”

      At the moment, Mehr is playing her cards close to her chest.  At least no one can accuse her of being boring and predictable.  The least of the surprises she springs is the fact that her mother happens to be none other than religious theologian Dr. Riffat Hassan.