By Umer Nangiana


Elegant and cheerful, Ayesha Sana, the award-winning TV anchor and actress from Pakistan, spiced up the recently concluded Mercedes-Benz Pakistan Fashion Week Doha (PFWD) with her signature hosting style, taking the level of entertainment a whole notch up.
Sana almost singlehandedly conducted the two-day fashion extravaganza with elan. Enjoying a wide fan-base both inside and outside Pakistan, Sana would be surrounded by a throng of fans every evening soon after the show for selfies.
The Meena Bazar with Ayesha Sana fame anchor was definitely one of the celebrity appeals at this year’s PFWD. Sana, who started her career in modelling, and acting in one of the most successful comic series Family Front on Pakistan Television (PTV), has won more recognition as an anchor than as an actor.
She has won several awards, including the best anchorperson award at the 14th annual PTV awards. She has also shown her acting skills in several hit drama serials and is all set to make a guest appearance in a running serial on Geo Entertainment after a gap of five years.
“It is for Kaise Huye Be Naam. It is a production by Ahsan Khan with Mairaj Deen’s direction and it is a great production with a lot of super stars,” Sana tells Community. Excerpts:  

You have been in the showbiz industry for a very long time yet you look so young, what’s the secret?
I am 42 and I think I do look 42, isn’t it? No, I think somewhere on Wikipedia or some websites my age is written as 49 which is incorrect. In fact, I would like to tell people that I am not a tech savvy person. I am not on any of the social network sites like Facebook or Twitter. I do not even use Whatsapp. So any information that you would find here and there on Internet may not be credible. But I am 42 and I have a 21-year-old son and a 3-year-old son and I am pretty happy where I am.

How do you keep yourself fit?
I am the biggest junkee (junk food lover) and the unhealthiest eater. There are people who are very health conscious and take care in whatever they eat, I am the exact opposite of them. I have never ever done any exercise in my life and I live on junk food. So I think it is all God’s gift and I am thankful to Him.

People often criticise morning shows for falling from ethical standards, how do you see them?
Then why do people watch them? Why do they have big ratings and why do people like them? I am a very non-judgmental person. I do not like commenting on anyone. Whatever one is doing, whether he or she is working hard or not, all of that has to be decided by the people.
I think people like them and I personally believe that the recognition I have received through Pakistan Television (PTV) and through my morning shows is unmatched.
(At PTV) we had to work within certain parameters. We had personal checks and balances. PTV has its mood and culture. I do not want to say anything about private channels. But I think no one can get to the phenomenal outreach that the PTV has. Pakistani dramas are the hallmark of the nation and they are so well received all over that I think we can only get better.  

Have you ever been offered films?
I have not worked in films yet but seeing the way Pakistani film industry is taking shape now with all the new independent filmmakers coming in, I would definitely like to work in one of these films if I am given a chance. I have not received any worthwhile offer as yet. Syed Noor (film director and producer) has always a standing offer for me but let’s see.

Personally, who is your favourite anchor?
Difficult question, I think all of them have done a good job. I would not like to specify any one of them.

What movies do you like?
I watch all kinds of movies including Hollywood and Bollywood. I conduct a lot of film premieres and I host those as well so have to watch a lot of movies. Yes, but if you ask me about my favourite singer, that is none other than Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Any upcoming projects?
I have another mega event coming up, Pakistan Fashion Extravaganza in London on May 31 which I am hosting. There are a few other international projects coming up as well and every day is another day. People get to see things as they happen and I do not believe in telling them beforehand because I am a very superstitious person when it comes to that.

What do you consider as your best work?
It is yet to come but Meena Bazaar with Ayesha Sana is very close to my heart and yes would love to do it again, anytime.