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As a first impression, Momal Sheikh was just Javed Sheikh’s daughter. She had a brother called Shehzad Sheikh and had a forgettable role in Anjum Shahzad’s Mirat ul Uroos (2012). All that changed with Happy Bhaag Jayegi, not just because it was her Bollywood debut (opposite Abhay Deol) but because she was impressive; her acting skills were finally shining through. We’ve been a fan ever since, always on the look out for what Momal is doing next.

Had it not been for the bridge between India and Pakistan, Momal would probably have been working steadily in Bollywood now. However, what was she doing these days? We caught up with the actress at the launch of FTA-Lakhany lawn and asked her what she feels about the current situation. Though Momal was careful with her words and future plans regarding Bollywood, as many celebrities have understandably been.

“It’s just very unfortunate,” she said, “because for whatever reason our art is being effected. But we have to stay quiet and see what happens next because we don’t know what’s really happening on the inside.”

 

Momal Sheikh

Momal Sheikh at the Farah Talib Aziz lawn launch

We were curious to know why we haven’t been seeing more of her recently, other than a guest appearance on the ramp at a fashion show or an odd TVC here and there. Momal confirmed she had been on a break from big projects, but is ready to come back to the screen provided she gets an interesting script and a challenging project.

For now, Momal is busy in the production of her father’s upcoming directorial venture, Wajood, which is set to release this Eid-ul-Azha. Momal claimed that the film is going to be “an intense love story.”

“It is very different because I don’t think such a love story has come out since the revival of Pakistani cinema,” she said. “It’s something new, very filmy and it has all the elements a film should have.”

We however, were curious as to why she isn’t using the big screen for a film appearance?

“I can’t act with dad! Not at all! I can’t take his instructions as a director,” the actress exclaimed with a hearty laugh.

Momal also told us how she is eager to do a negative role, instead of the same old characters she has been doing since ages, but is yet to be offered one. Is Momal Sheikh as a villain what you’ll be seeing next on your TV screens? We can’t help but agree that this might be the role the actress needs to set her apart and take her career up a notch!

Mariam Tahir

The author is Assistant Editor at Something Haute, plus a fashion student who loves reading, traveling, eating and sleeping but manages to find time in between to write.