Who is Veena Malik: An Interview
“Enough controversy!” we thought. “Its time somebody explored her human side- her dreams, her passions and wishes.” And that’s what we set out to do when we called up Veena Malik after she had agreed to this interview.
1. Who is Veena Malik in real life? Define her.
Well, Veena Malik is a simple girl. I’m like any other girl of my age because I eat simple and I live simple. Well, except my dreams are probably bigger than anyone else’s. I try doing everything in a straightforward and honest way and I am very loyal to anything I do.
2. If not an actress, what would you have been?
I was born to be an actor and destined to be an actor. My passion was never acting but singing instead, which you will get to hear soon as I have started working on that.
3. Who, or what, do you see as the root of your inspiration?
Myself. Experience has taught me that you’re all alone and you don’t have friends. I do not have any friends and I was away from family since I was 14. I wasn’t attached to them either. Today I do not have a single friend, my gut is my inspiration and my inspiration is myself only.
4. Your biography says you love to shop. What is your favorite place to shop?
When you are a shopaholic, you go crazy shopping no matter where you go. If I go to a street-side stall or a branded shop I end up doing a lot of shopping, so there isn’t just one place. Let it be Europe or Pakistan, Sunday bazaar or Harrods’s. I will shop anywhere. But Dubai is my favorite city to shop in if I had to choose one.
5. Who is the first person that comes to your mind when you hear the flowing words:
Hot: Veena Malik
Money: Shopping!
Music: Drama Queen
6.What influenced you to take responsibility for Zain, Zafar and Payal?
There is no reason. I just realized I can make a difference in someone’s life. If I can’t help the whole world or satisfy it, I can help a few people and make a difference in their life instead. I sponsored 2 boys from Afghanistan and a girl from India named Payal. I have not adopted them; I am just sponsoring their education and life style.
7. You turned vegetarian in 2010 in support of animals because you believe they should not be slaughtered for their skin, meat or parts. How difficult was it to turn vegetarian?
In our culture, even if we cook daal or veggies we have meat in those dishes. There is no concept of meatless dishes here so it was very, very hard. But the day I realized the truth was when I saw a documentary of how people treat fish and chickens in slaughter houses. So many fish are being mutilated for instance. It’s so cruel for the animals and the planet too so it was a very quick decision to turn vegetarian. I haven’t eaten meat at all since 2010. I do crave for it but then I realize how sad and cruel the whole situation is and I get stronger. And then it’s not too hard.
8. Do you think Social Media is a greater means of communication as compared to print and electronic media?
Yes, of course. Social media is stronger than any other form of media because it is very easy to connect with the fans, for instance, on Twitter. Plus the reactions from the fans are quick. But sadly, nobody knows the importance of social media. They should realize that it is not only for abusing and degrading people. Some people don’t even deserve to use social media. A quote comes to mind for such people “Khuda ganjay ko nakhoon na day”. You never see anything productive from social media. It’s not only a direct contact with fans, it can also be used for awareness. In Syria, social media has created a huge difference.
9. Which role did you enjoy playing the most in your career and why?
I have always done projects that I enjoy. I do not take up roles for the heck of it. For example, I did the show “Miss Duniya” and “Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai” and even the current series I am doing, I have taken all these projects because I enjoy them. I have always enjoyed my work. I do not have a dream show or film yet because my dream role is that of a spy. Once I play a cop or a spy character, that will be my dream role and then you can ask me this question.
10. Do you think marriage is a barrier for career-oriented girls in our culture?
I personally don’t feel that marriage or anything like marriage is a hurdle in a girl’s life. She can progress in life if she’s married but they need to be strong and pursue their careers or whatever else they are passionate about. If they want to marry early they should do it but have faith in themselves. Relationships with men are very beautiful but we shouldn’t depend on men financially. I don’t need or want a man to help me financially. He should just take care of me… that should be the idea. Everyone should stand on their feet.
11. If you had the chance to re-live a moment in your life, which of these moments would you choose?
Growing up with your grandparents
Your school/college life
Start of filming career
School/ College Life
12. You recently beat Kim Kardashian and Angelina Jolie in the FHM 100 sexiest women rankings; how does that make you feel?
Of course I feel good. There was even a poll on some website which complimented me. It feels great if people call you hot or sexy, and personally I don’t think I’m hot or sexy. I’m a very simple girl. I have sleeping and eating disorders and mood swings. I even forget to remove my makeup sometimes before sleeping. I am not particular about these things because I am very casual and simple in my personal life. And after all these bad habits people still think that way then the credit goes to my mom and dad. I think my siblings are much prettier than me! But I guess in that way I’m genetically blessed with good looks.
13. Both your elder sisters got married at the ages of 14 and 15, but you did not follow in the same footsteps. How come you were always different from your other family members?
In 8th standard my dad told me “you’re getting married next month” and I was like “no way”. The culture is like that. 12 year old girls start dreaming about children and husbands. My elder sister was 13 and the other was 14 when our dad said it’s time you got married and they said okay. But I, on the other hand, stood up for myself. I put my foot down and since then I have cancelled my marriage four to five times and it’s almost ten yrs now since my first marriage got cancelled. So if you believe in something and want to do something you can do it. I never wanted that life, I wanted more. I wanted to stand on my own feet.
14. If you had to give a message to the readers of our Ideas Evolved, what would it be?
I think I would just say one thing: live your life on your own, don’t let other people decide for you. I would like to emphasize that one should believe in dreaming because dreams do come true and nothing is impossible under the sun. Lastly, be happy and keep thanking the universe.
She actually seems human here. Or is it just me?
“When you are a shopaholic, you go crazy shopping no matter where you go.” Very true.
Good interview! Though having to read between the lines is a tad difficult.
Haha thank you! And to be honest, she was a really good sport throughout the interview. And very genuine.
Nice Interview!! Really liked the way Veena has expressed her feelings and true sense of humour.. and what she is actually :!!
Keeping aside her real image, she is obviously right that anyone has a right to stand on their own feet..
Keep going on with your firm stand Veena
Thank you Husna, that’s exactly how I felt after talking to her
you know, this has to be the first ever unbiased interview of veena malik. it actually does explore her “human” side. i didnt know she’d sponsored three kids! great work zeenat and nameer and shahab!
OMG was that Veena Malik? LOL!!
Way to goooo Zeenat, Shahab and Nameer!!
Thank you!
WOAH! Nice work Zeeeeenat!
Have you published the ‘genuine’ interview, because i can see A LOT of editing
Haha yes Owais don’t worry, it’s totally genuine. :p
Hats off to the editor coz this in no possible way sounds like Veena!
Haha it is very much Veena Malik, believe it or not.
I dunno… which part is so unbelievable?
LOVE VEENAAA
AWESOME JOB ZEENAT,SHAHAB AND NAMEER 
It…was….beautiful! :’)
Hats off firstly to Veeena Malik for actually inspiring many through her interview and to the editors Zeenat, Shahab and Nameer for taking a stand for the interview. You guys are great.
I can’t think of a moment where an article may have motivated me in one way or another. I always envied Veena Malik for her singularity and dedication to her work and believe it or not, I am truly proud of what she has said in the interview. Bravo Veena, and congrats to Zeenat, Shahab and Nameer once again.
bravo !
whoa!i started reading this interview with the feeling that “what has she got to say this time?” and i ended up appreciating her for her courage, and the pretty awesome things she has done like supporting three kids and going vegetarian, that really counts for something. not everyone has that much guts. kudos to the interviewer, loved it!!
HAhahahahahahah!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oooooohoooooo!!!!!!!
Interesting read….. I think veena is bold lady and wateva she do is her personal ! i mean better not to comment, the bottom line is she is strong lady and i like her line
Experience has taught me that you’re all alone and you don’t have friends
thats the bitter reality of life !
Hmmmm. I wonder how much of this has been edited.
Nevertheless, it really portrays her in a light that has been unseen so far.
Wow I agree with you veena that nothing is impossible and dreams can become true
she has had a heart attack…someone explain to me how a 25 year old can suffer from heart attack?? seriously..why is she lying about her age?
Well this interview is very good =]
but it is not going to change the reality about what she had done !!
evil genious
Allah has created animals and made some of them halal for us. Who are we to decide that we should not eat them? It’s hindu concept!