How did you start your career?
I started my career at a very early age. I was thirteen years old and my father wanted me to become an actress. It was his dream, actually so he just went all out and I followed him. I wanted him to feel proud of me and, being the eldest child, I wanted to support my family as we were going through a rough time. So,

I made it my mission to have a successful career

and make lots of money to put my family out of the misery. So, that’s how I started my career. My first break was with Feroz Khan. He launched me at the age of 14 in the movie ‘Prem Aggan’ and I’m very grateful to him.

But you had a very difficult time at the start of your career. Can you share that time with your fans?
I did have a very difficult time at the beginning of my career as being from a non-filmy background, I didn’t know where to go or whom to meet. So we went ahead and met everybody! We went to the smallest and biggest offices in hope to get some work. And everywhere I went, most people were really impolite. They were blinded by the position and power they held over newcomers. So, I saw a lot of things that a 13 year old shouldn’t be exposed to but I’m grateful for having all the experiences as they made me a better person today. They taught me what NOT to be and to treat people the way I want to be treated.

Yeh Meri Life Hai was the kick-start of your career?
‘Yeh Meri Life Hai’ was indeed the kick-start of my career. I saw myself achieving stardom overnight and to see my dream of being a star coming true before my eyes was absolutely phenomenal. I can never be enough thankful for the universe for blessing me with that.

Who is your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the common people who live their daily life so simply. Their only desire in life is to keep their family happy. I love simplicity. I love simple people who have are loyal, honest and have integrity.

Any upcoming projects?
My upcoming project is ‘Ab Dil ki Sunn’.

‘Ab Dil Ki Sunn’ has gone viral on social media. Tell us how you feel about that?
Yes, it’s gone viral and I’m so thankful for that. I’m grateful that it’s touching people’s hearts and doing what it’s supposed to do. Because all we wanted to be was be honest and help raise mental health awareness.

Who is your inspiration?
Simple. I think simplicity, being genuine and honest touches people. I think I’m able to create and connect the way I intended to.

Apart from being an actress and model, you also own design companies, Saisha and Chocolate Box Films Pvt. Ltd. Tell us something about it.?
I owned the company Saisha and I decided to bring down the curtain as it wasn’t profitable. Shama Sikandar’s Production Films is Chocolate Box films. We thought that its better that we change the company name to my name and it’s my company.

Most cooperative actor you have worked with so far?
All the actors have been really, really cooperative. I didn’t really had to work with anyone non cooperative. I’ve had a very good experience with all my co-stars. Also because I’m professional, courteous and friendly on the sets. So, I show all my support and love to the people that I work with. I feel you get what you give. And sometimes people just have a bad day so I choose to understand them. So that’s probably why I’ve had a very nice relationship with all my co-actors.

What is success according to you?
For me, success is being able to sleep and wake up peacefully and being aware all the time. Everything else just follows. I’m a peace oriented person and I always wanted peace more than anything else and today I’m extremely grateful that I have that.

RAPID FIRE

One wish from genie?
That everyone becomes an aware being. That everyone becomes aware of what they’re doing.

Movie you want to remake?
I don’t like the idea of remakes. I feel like once something is done, it’s done. Trying to recreate is practically not possible. So, I would rather make something completely different.

Worst actor in the industry?
I don’t think I could or should answer that. I just feel like it’s not very nice to say to someone that they’re the worst (laughs). It obviously hurts.

If you were asked to exchange something from someone, what would you exchange and with whom?
I think I’m blessed with the best of the best. And I don’t think I like the idea of exchanging or wanting to exchange something. I’m quite content, so, I don’t really know. (Laughs) Maybe I could exchange smiles with someone. That doesn’t cost anything but brings much happiness.

Modelling or acting?
Acting

Last time you cried?
Recently. I’ve become so sensitive to everything. It’s like this special connect with the universe. Every time I feel a deep sense of gratitude, I get teary-eyed.

Three things you want to change in yourself?
1. I wish I could wake up a little early and start off my day.
2. I wish I could stop eating sweets.
3. Certain times I feel like I’m not good enough so I want to change that about myself.