Maheen Siddiqui is fairly new to the television trade and is learning the ropes of acting as her career progresses, picking up cues and tips that will help her become an even better performer. Icon caught up with the up and coming actress of serials such as Dobara, Agar and Dooriyaan to find out what makes her tick…

What did Dobara do for you as an emerging actress?

Maheen Siddiqui: Dobara was such a beautiful experience for me and the best first experience one could ask for. I was very fortunate to have such an amazing cast to support me during a time like that. It really helped open the door to taking acting seriously as a profession. Before that I was studying art and working as a graphic designer in Toronto, Canada. Dobara was an experience that allowed me to explore a different creative field and thankfully gave me the credibility to further work on different projects.

After Agar and Dooriyaan, where do you see yourself now?

MS: These projects were huge learning experiences for me. My role in both projects was a lot more prominent and I feel I had more to prove. Dooriyaan was especially very challenging, as it was my first main lead project. Now I’m more focused on projects where I can do something a bit different. I feel everyone worries about becoming typecast so it’s definitely a trap I’m weary of.

The young and talented Maheen Siddiqui oozes style, poise and confidence and reflects the same in the roles she plays on television

What kind of roles attract you? Who would you like to play?

MS: I think a role that’s different from what I’ve played is what I’m on the hunt for. I want to be able to play roles that tell the viewer a meaningful story, characters that are empowering women.

Are you a director’s actor? Do you see shades of yourself in the characters you play?

MS: I feel a great working relationship with a director is very essential to the success of a character. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some great directors and have had the privilege of learning from them. In my last project Dooriyaan, I worked with Adeel Siddiqui, who is immensely talented. We really had a great time creating the character of Nimra and collaborating on how we wanted to show her story. I owe a lot of my growth as an actor to him. He really allowed me the space to bring my interpretation of this character, which I’m very grateful to him for.

What is the biggest challenge in life for you?

MS: I think as someone who is very shy, I’m always trying to make sure I don’t let my fears hold me back. I never want to look back at something and think I didn’t go for that specific situation because I was afraid or shy.

Who inspires you among the senior lot of actors?

MS: We have such great talented actors and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a few. Hadiqa Kiani and Juggun Kazim are two women I really admire, and I’m so lucky to have worked with both these strong women. The way they guided me and uplifted me is something that will always stay with me.

What do you watch on television and listen to in music?

MS: Honestly, it really varies, and it’s never really one specific genre. I really enjoy documentaries, so I’m always bingeing on some sort of true crime documentary most of the time. My music taste is all over the place. It ranges from desi fusion music to jazz.

Have you given films a thought?

MS: Yes. Most certainly. Why not!

Ten things that describe you best.

MS: Iced lattes, meditation, quality time with friends and family, sunflowers, yoga, skincare, acrylic portraits, true crime novels, summers in Toronto and gallery exhibitions.

What would you tell all your fans out there?

MS: Thank you so much for all the support. None of this would be possible without each and every one of you. Lots and lots and lots of love to you all!

Published in Dawn, ICON, June 2nd, 2024