A lot of talent in the entertainment business lies unexplored in Pakistan, and this is particularly true in the case of cinema. However, things are rapidly changing and Lollywood is expected to experience renewed vigour.
Juggun Kazim is a rather multifaceted personality. Starting out in modeling and later venturing into hosting and acting and then landing in journalism, the girl seems to have done it all. She graduated with a degree in Media Information Techno-culture and Sociology with a minor in psychology, from the University of Western Ontario, Canada, in 2002.
On returning from Canada in December 2004, she started to pursue a career in media.
Modeling
Juggun started modeling in Pakistan by the end of December 2004. She did plenty of commercials and earned experience and repute. Juggun has versatile looks that landed her many modeling assignments.
By the end of 2007 her new music video, Jal’s Sajni, went on air which received much critical acclaim. Her new video, which she shot for Shehzad Roy, is due to be released.
Acting
Juggun’s interest in acting developed when she was only four years old. When she was asked that what she wanted to be when she grew up, she replied: Main bara ho kay actor banu ga.
She went to Canada to get training in acting. As of late she has acted in various projects in Pakistan. The ones that she was most noted in 2007 were Manosalva, playing the character of Sheena for Hum TV, Sitam in the character of Kiran for PTV and in Piyasi in which she played the character of Dolly again for Hum TV.
She has also acted in a number of series and telefilms. Her latest serial is about to go on air on a private channel by the name of Sher Dil.
The most exciting venture which she is starring in is a feature film with Shaan called Love at 0300. The shooting on this project is scheduled to start soon. A brief encounter with her was interesting for this scribe.
Q: How do you feel after signing Shan’s Love at 0300?
A: I’m fortunate that I started off my career with a great actor/director Shan. He is a lovely human being as well. It is he who tempted me to become part of this upcoming venture.
Q: Before joining did you have any experience in acting?
A: Yeah. When I was in Canada, I did two major plays there. Often I used to consult senior actors who helped me and gave me proper guidline that helped me polish my acting skills.
Q: Generally Bollywood and Lollywood films have dances. How skilled you are in this department?
A: Every film does not demand a dance sequence. Khuda Kay Liye is the best example that can be quoted. Love at 0300 is a story-oriented movie which would certainly be a healthy addition to this dying industry.
Q: Young girls have lot of reservations about joining modelling/TV or Lollywood due to the bad image given to it. How far it’s true?
A: Frankly speaking, I found nice people around me. Secondly I would state that character is in your hand. It may slip or become a wall against evil forces. Young girls should feel comfortable and know that it is easier to work in the field of modeling, TV and Lollywood than at a bank. I mean you are safer here.
Q: Do you think that film industry needs new faces?
A: Yes, it badly needs new faces. Numerous artists have turned towards private TV channels but Lollywood remains deserted, particularly the educated class does not dare to step in the film industry. My sole objective to sign Love at 0300 is to give boost to Pakistan film industry. If Indians excel in cinema, it is simply because of fresh stories and new faces. Shan deserves a lot appreciation for realising this shortcoming and making efforts to overcome it.
Q: Since you have a foreign degree and ample experience in this field, what qualities do you think a good artist should have?
A: A good artist should have acute observation and retentive memory and the ability to judge. A true artist notices minor things happening around him/her. Since film or drama has variety of situations so he/she can best apply it accordingly.
