My real name is actually Sameera and I was born on the 22nd of August and my hometown is Multan.

I was the first person from the family to go into showbiz but now looks like my younger sister Rubina is developing the same inclination as myself and may well follow in my footsteps. I have no problem with Rubina going into the industry as it is hardly as bad a place as is made out by the press.

When I was first cast in an urdu movie i was strictly known as a Punjabi star and was physically rather heavy. I had to go on a crash course to burn off those extra inches and tone down that flab. I realized that i would be rejected outright in Urdu movies looking as heavy as i had done recently so i shed all those extra kilo's.

I also changed the way i dressed and carried myself and tried to acquire a certain amount of polish that i knew would not go amiss in urdu movies. Ghunghat did storming business but still there were numerous doubters who felt that I was cut out only for the Punjabi set up. I took it upon myself as a challenge to conquer the urdu scene as I had done in Punjabi films.

When I started out in urdu films the scene was dominated by Reema, Neeli and Meera but thanks to a few lucky breaks and Syed Noor's support, I have managed to carve out a niche for myself in this arena as well.

An unfortunate result of working so frequently with Syed Noor has been that scandals have been cooked up by the press and gossip column writers. Whenever in Showbiz when an actress works regularly with any director or co-star it is quite normal that rumours start to circulate and such has been the case with Saima and Syed Noor.

I have wearing revealing and westernized dresses in movies and had a lot of negative feedback from my fans after Ghar Kab Aao Gay where they felt I looked awkward in those strange outfits. I actually fought with the dress designer and the producer over the clothes given to me for Ghar Kab Aao Gay but relented when I was told of the huge losses that would be incurred if shooting was held up. But never again will I wear such terrible outfits.

I have never considered myself a superstar nor spoken of myself in glowing terms but you have only to study the Box Office Reports to learn which heroine is the hot favourite - once it was said that if you cast any heroine with Sultan Rahi, it would do the job. Nowadays in Lollywood it is said that just cast Saima in a film along with Shaan or Moammar Rana and your film will be sold in all territory's right away.

I am quite picky with my selection of roles but what to do....once in a while you have to compromise due to sifarish or pressure and accept substandard films. I want to choose carefully and be selective so that I can settle in for a long innings in the industry.

After my fathers death I was devastated and decided to quit working - but then after friends encouraged me, I decided to take up my assignments and forge ahead. I urge my fans to pray that God gives me the strength to continue to work.

Of my upcoming films I am hopeful of Syed Noor's Dil Kach Da Khadona and Oof Yeh Beewian which has been produced by Hanif, my secretary.

A Note for my fans:

Dear fans,
I have tried to open up for you and let you in to my world and to let you know everything about me. Inspite of this if there is anything else that you would still like to ask me then please feel free to write to me at:

Filmstar Saima
House: C/1012
Model Town, Lahore
Pakistan

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