Pakistani model and social media sensation Qandeel Baloch has reportedly been shot dead by her brother in Multan.
She spoke to TOI at length just three days ago. Excerpts from what was probably her last interview…
TOI spoke to her on Thursday after she became a Twitter sensation for her twerk video, Ban.On Saturday morning, Qandeel Baloch, 26, was killed, allegedly by her own brother, for being the fiery , outspoken and independent woman she was. Often referred to as Pakistan’s answer to Poonam Pandey, she was happy to speak to us over the phone. At no point did the model-actress, who told TOI that she had sought police protection, talk about any threat from her brother. In fact, she wanted to work in India if a good film offer came her way . And of course, she was elo quent while expressing her love for Imran Khan, speaking about her misadventure with a mufti or her ex-husband and child. Here are a few excerpts from perhaps her last interview.
What made you twerk in the video, Ban?
I tried it, but frankly , I don’t know how to twerk. Maine galat kiya. I should have taken classes before doing the video, which I didn’t. Right now I am not relaxed because of the court cases on me, but once I am free from it all, I would like to do my own music video. I can sing rather well. In this video, I didn’t look into the costume bit, but I’ll be cautious next time onwards.
Was Miley Cyrus your inspiration?
No, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga are my inspiration… The production house, which made the video, wanted to feature a controversial figure and there’s no one better than me at the moment.
The lyrics go like ‘Tere thumke pe lag jana ban’. You must have been sure that the video would be banned sooner or later…
The storyboard, the costumes and the feel of the video were a bit too much… The two three music channels that are there in the country are never going to play it. I did it solely for the internet. I can’t imagine this video getting so popular! In Pakistan, I have got tremendous backlash for the video, people have lodged complaints and I am being dragged to court. Woh samajhte hain ki main Pakistan ko badnaam kar rahi hoon iss tarah ke kaam karke. Many said I am not a Baloch and I have nothing to do with the community; in general, the feeling is that I am doing everything to bring shame to Pakistan. But I will not stop. Sar pe dupatta toh pehen ne wali main hoon nahin.
After Taher Shah, you are the second internet sensation from Pakistan who is getting trolled outside the country…
Please don’t compare me with Taher Shah. He is a joker, while I am an artiste -I am a model and an actress. Taher Shah comes, makes people laugh and goes away . I work with a lot of honesty . Yes, I have set my image, which is bold, but I have nothing to do with a joker. My aim is to change the social norms of Pakistan, women here look up to me. I started very early, worked on myself and the effect is for all to see.
How did you get into showbiz?
I am from an ordinary family and had nothing to do with the glamour world. In my home, no one could have imagined reaching where I am today . Then, I decided to take the reins of my life in my hands. I really worked hard to be where I am today . Also, my focus was never on the electronic media, I didn’t want to show my face on TV , but concentrated on social media. I am not hungry for roles on TV or in films. I am happy being a social media sensation.
You first came into limelight after you said you would strip dance for the country and even dedicate the video to Shahid Afridi if Pakistan beat India in the T20 World Cup match in March. No wonder, you have earned the moniker of Pakistan’s Poonam Pandey. In 2011, she had promised to strip for Team India if the country won the World Cup…
That was not the first video though it became popular worldwide. Before this, I had made several selfie videos, which went viral. My Dubsmash videos too were popular. My video during the T20 World Cup was like a trailer, not the full movie. But Pakistan didn’t win. I used to be a fan of Shahid Afridi, but after the big defeat, I started hating him. About being Pakistan’s Poonam Pandey , it’s you who call me that. At times, I feel very sad, even angry . Yes, Poonam Pandey is bold, but she is not all that great. I know I am much better.
Soon after you tasted fame, your former husband Aashiq Hussain claimed that you had demanded a huge sum of money from him, which led to the divorce and that he has your son’s custody…
I was 17 when I was forced into marriage.I had no hand in it and I didn’t even enjoy being with the man. Also, I wanted to study but no one listened to me. I wanted to move forward in life, it wasn’t a happy situation. Because of some family problems I had to stick around. But now that I am successful, some are claiming to be my husband, others are claiming to be my long lost buddies, I don’t know why!
Did you speak to Aashiq after becoming famous?
Yes, he spoke to me and asked for money . It was a huge amount. He said I had taken money from him eight years ago and if I didn’t pay him back, he would expose me; reveal my son’s pictures to the media. I asked him why I should pay money to him! Since then, he has been speaking non-stop to the media, making false allegations against me. Yes, I had a grey past, but I have changed now.
Are you going to fight for your child’s custody?
I want to, and that too soon. But my parents have advised me against it. Right now, I plan to fly out of the country. There was a time my parents never listened to me. They wouldn’t have forced me into marriage had they heard me out. But now, they support me. They are dependent on me. I have bought them a house and they are happy with me.
You seem to be controversy’s favourite child. After you clicked a selfie with Mufti Abdul Qavi, the government had to sack him immediately…
See, muftis and maulvis have a huge following in Pakistan. In an Islamic country, they rule the roost. Mufti Abdul Qavi had invited me and I went to meet him. I wanted to take lessons in Islam from him but having spoken to him for some time, I realised he was a fake person. So, I exposed him through pictures. After that, I am getting threat calls every day.
Courtesy: Times of India
