HUMA TAHIR

Huma Tahir is a versatile actor. Based in Karachi, she began her acting career about three years ago. She is known for her drama serials ‘Paradise’, ‘Naqaab’, ‘Do Kinaray’, ‘Mohalla’ and ‘Sauda’. These serials not only showcased her adaptability to modern storytelling but also proved her ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing entertainment industry.

Huma may be new to the world of acting but she is not new to the beauty industry. She is an accomplished makeup artist and hair stylist and has been in the beauty business for more than 25 years. Huma has completed several hair and makeup courses in various countries. She has done countless makeup shoots for fashion magazines and has been part of major fashion shows in Pakistan and abroad including Karachi Fashion Week (locally) and Fashion Pakistan Week (internationally).

She has served as the official technical advisor of Schwarzkopf products in Pakistan and has also been associated with Pivot Point, Pakistan. She is also recognised for her work as a beauty educator, frequently engaging with her followers on Instagram and Facebook regarding entertainment, lifestyle and professional styling. In an exclusive interview, Huma shares her likes and dislikes with our readers…

You started as a makeup artist and are now into acting. What made you interested in becoming an actor?

I have always been drawn to acting but never got the chance to translate my interest into it. When I got an opportunity about three years ago, I thought it was about time to give acting a real shot.

Who introduced you to the world of acting?

Babar Javed, a well-known director and producer, gave me my first break.

How many drama serials have you done so far?

Almost 20.

What are your most memorable drama series to date?

‘Naqaab’, ‘Meri Bahuain’ and ‘Iblees’.

What are you currently working on?

I am playing a poor widow in ‘Ajaib Ghar’.

Are you still working as a stylist or are you just focusing on acting?

Yes, I am working as a freelance stylist and take appointments depending on my shooting schedule.

What do you enjoy more – working as a makeup artist, hair stylist or as an actor?

Since acting is my passion, I enjoy it a lot. However, I also love working as a hair stylist.

What do you usually wear in daily life?

Something comfortable. In my daily life, you’ll usually see me wearing a kurta shalwar or loose T-shirt with jeans.

What is your favourite thing in your closet right now?

My loose jeans and a washed-out T-shirt.

Your most valuable possession?

My talent.

What is the best purchase you’ve ever made?

Local branded perfumes – they’re worth buying.

What is the worst purchase you’ve ever made?

A lawn suit with mixed threads.

What’s your annoying habit?

I’m too sensitive (which can be a bad thing). Also, I don’t always listen to words, I tend to focus on what’s behind them.

What is your biggest fear?

Losing my mother.

What bores you the most?

Talking about material things.

You are crazy about…

Cold coffee.

What are your healthy habits?

I take a 35-minute walk daily.

Your favourite hangout?

Cafes.

Song that always gets you on the dance floor?

‘Paid to Exist’.

What’s the last thing you bought?

Duppattas from Khaadi.

You get super uncomfortable when…

When people talk badly about their own friends.

First pay cheque?

My first cheque was PKR 2500, which I earned as a teacher after graduation.

Your favourite co-actor?

All of them - I can’t pick just one.

Your favourite director?

I am fortunate to have worked with the best directors in the industry. Again, I can’t choose one.

You are extremely possessive about…

My close friends.

You don’t like people who are...

Manipulative.

Where do you go for your shopping?

Dolmen Mall, Clifton, Karachi.

One thing you like best about yourself?

My sense of humour.

First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I express gratitude for having another day of life.

How do you unwind?

By watching TV mindlessly.

When you are not on shoots, you are usually busy with…

Spending time with my mother.

If you had access to a time machine which era, would you revisit?

The ’70s. I love the hippie and bizarre style of that era.

The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…

I have been betrayed in relationships. My lesson: don’t trust blindly.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Chilling on an island with palm trees by the beach.