Desimag : Sabina Sheema

Sabina Sheema

We caught up with one of UK’S up coming Bollywood Actresses earlier this month Sabina Sheema and guess what guys, she’s still single!

Sabina was the winner of the Zee Cinestar’s ki khoj. Sabina has already bagged a bollywood movie ‘Fast Forward’ which has Mithun Chakraborthy in it.

Sabina has also done some gujrati theater & is from anupam kher’s acting school based in Ealing.

Lets find out what she’s up to?

Desimag: So Sabina, why do you want to become an actress?

Sabina: Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to be an actress. I loved watching films when I was younger and have never really thought about doing anything else. My passion is acting.

Desimag: What motivates you?

S: What motivates me are films for a start because that is what I want to get into and the different types of characters you get to innact.

Desimag: Who inspires you?

S: A lot of people inspire me both Hollywood and Bollywood actors. In Hollywood the first name that comes to me is always Al Pacino. Scarface is one of my favourite movies. And in Bollywood, Anupam Kher. Not only is he my mentor but as an actor as well. He is just such a versatile actor.

Desimag: Who are your favourite actors?

S: My favourite actors are the ones who inspire me like I just mentioned Al Pacino and Anupam Kher

Desimag: How did you get into acting?

S: For a start, because my passion for acting was so strong I studied it in School for my A-levels  and from there I went on to do a three month acting course in Mumbai. After that I got really serious and decided, that this was what I wanted and then moved to Mumbai to do a reality show called Zee Cine stars which I won.  From there, I got to make a lot of contacts through the judges who were very well known personalities within the industries.

 After winning the completion, I went for an audition for a dance based movie called ‘Fast Forward’ which fortunately for me I got casted for. And that’s how it began.

Desimag: So your starring in Zaigham Ali Syed’s upcoming film, Fast Forward. Can you tell us a little bit about this?

S:it is a danced based movie which obviously involves a lot of dancing and it’s about dance competitions. It’s very youthful, fresh, and has a modern which as of now has not been seen in Hindi cinema. 

Desimag: What’s your role in it?

S: I play one of the main leads called Disha. I can’t actually reveal too much about her character without revealing the plot. She is very much a today’s girl which a lot of young girls will be able to relate to.

Desimag: What’s it really like, working for the Bollywood Industry? 

S: Well I can’t say too much just yet as I just got into it but luckily for me at the moment I haven’t had any problems or been in any awkward situations. Ask me that question in another two years, I’ll have a lot more to say then!

Desimag: Do you think being British is a downfall or can anyone who is enthusiastic and motivated like yourself, get into this industry?

S: I think you have just said it in the question. Being British is not a downfall. Whatever you want to do, and if you work hard for I, then nothing is impossible!

Sabina Sheema

Desimag: There can be a lot of distractions when you are focusing on a career, you know boyfriends, friends, the party lifestyles etc. How do you stay grounded and focused?

S: For a start I don’t have a boyfriend because my schedule is quite tight and it can be very demanding and at the moment I am focusing on myself rather than a relationship.  

Desimag: We hear you have a good relationship with the very talented and much appreciated Anupam Kher, can you tell us more?

S: Yes I do have a good relationship with him as he is my teacher. I did a three month course at his school called actor prepares in Mumbai. He is a very helpful person. Even after passing out of the school, he never forgets his students and you can always go to him for advice and I am also exclusively signed to his talent company Actor Prepares.

Desimag: Can you tell me how you met?

S: Well when I was 15, I used to waitress for a catering company and there was an awards function happening and that’s when I met him for the first time. I was with my sisters at the time and we were all star struck but pretended we weren’t even though he saw right through us. As I was only 15, it was okay for me to act like a fan but I felt embarrassed and shy to tell him that I wanted to be an actress and in the end we met him again on the set of Bend it Like Beckham and then my mum finally told him. The first thing he said to me was can you speak Hindi and I lied and said yes , but I can now tho!

Desimag: Whats it really like working with Adhyayan Suman and your other Co-stars?

S: Well he was originally cast but I didn’t actually get to act with him because it did not work out and he is not a part of the film anymore. My other co stars were fantastic to work with. We had three months of rehearsals before shooting the movie so we all had a blast and enjoyed the process.

Desimag: can you tell us a little bit about the music of Fast Forward?

S: The music is what makes the film. When I first heard the music, to be honest I wasn’t very sure about it because it sounded techno to me and the dance routines were hip hop but once the steps were choreographed I don’t think any other music would have gone better. It’s very energising and lively. It’s the kind of music that I can see being played in clubs.

Desimag: what is your favourite song in the film?

S: My favourite song in the movie is the second main competition song that comes in the movie. I think all the songs are great because they are the kind of songs which give you goose bumps and make you want to get up and dance.

Desimag: When will your shooting finish for this film?

S: I just completed everything in December just before I left for London so we are hoping for a February or march release.

Desimag: What other projects are you working on?

S: I am working on another Hindi project as a main lead called Nakshatra which is directed by a new comer called Mohan Savalkar. It’s a suspense thriller.

Desimag: Are you excited about it? It sounds different from the other movies you have done..

S: It is completely different and yes of course i am excited about it. I’m more excited because I get to portray a character who in some ways is a bit like me. Because it’s a thriller I’m excited as I love watching suspense movies and finally being in one is exhilarating for me.  

Desimag: A – are you doing any Hollywood Films?

Not as yet but never say never. But I know that it will definitely be in the pipeline in the  near future. There are things which I know are happening so finger’s crossed.

Desimag : how long are you in the UK for?

S: I am only here for Christmas and new years to spend time with my friends and family and then I have to be back for the shooting of Nakshatra.

Desimag: Now that you are based in India, do you have a message for your fans?

S: It is always flattering to know that there are people out there who support me and are interested in watching me. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has believed in me and believed in my talent and that it is possible to make your dreams come true if you really want them to.

DesiMag: Sabina in 5 years time?

S: Is gonna be a superstar!

Leave a Reply