It is said that one has to pay the price of success but there are only a few people who really do not need to make any sacrifices to achieve it and Gia Ali is undoubtedly one of them. Her struggle from an ordinary middle class girl to be a top model was smooth and steady. She did not make any compromises during her journey from a beauty salon to the film industry rather opportunities came her way and she chose the best for herself. Recently she associated herself with a welfare organisation which has further added composure to her persona and transformed her into a humble individual. Confident to talk, ravishing to look and determined in approach, Gia is definitely a girl to look up to. Here, let's find out more about this fabulous lady in a candid interview. 
Excerpts:
Your showbiz journey involves struggle of a middle class girl to be on the top slot of the fashion world, how tiring that struggle was?
I never wanted to be on top slot. Even today I do not consider myself a top model. I wanted to be the way I am. As far as struggle is concerned, it should be there. But in my case specifically, I didn't need to put in that much effort and everything happened so smoothly for me. I never went to any modelling agency with my portfolio asking for work. Things just came my way and I made right choices with the right people at the right time.
Would you like to share with us from where you started your career?
I started as a model when I was 18, and it was the time when I was about to get married but my life took a different turn and somehow I ended up as a model. Since childhood, I was a little tomboyish mainly because I was the eldest and only sister of five brothers. To learn about those girly things, I got enrolled in a grooming course, and right after doing it modelling offers started pouring in. Meanwhile, I was also managing salons at PC Bhurban, Pindi and Marriott, Islamabad.
While working there I got a film offer, which could be an excellent opportunity for any new comer as Sajjad Gul was directing it. The dialogues were written by Anwar Maqsood, Nabila was behind all the grooming, Amir Adnan was designing clothes for the film and other clothing brands were also associated with it. Apparently, it was a very attractive package, even though, it took me two months to decide whether to go for it or not.
I started as a model when I was 18, and it was the time when I was about to get married but my life took a different turn and somehow I ended up as a model. Since childhood, I was a little tomboyish mainly because I was the eldest and only sister of five brothers. To learn about those girly things, I got enrolled in a grooming course, and right after doing it modelling offers started pouring in. Meanwhile, I was also managing salons at PC Bhurban, Pindi and Marriott, Islamabad.
While working there I got a film offer, which could be an excellent opportunity for any new comer as Sajjad Gul was directing it. The dialogues were written by Anwar Maqsood, Nabila was behind all the grooming, Amir Adnan was designing clothes for the film and other clothing brands were also associated with it. Apparently, it was a very attractive package, even though, it took me two months to decide whether to go for it or not.
But even after getting a good start with a hit film you did not work in too many movies. Why?
Let me tell you that I had decided even before the release of my first movie that I would not sign any more projects in the film industry. And I had my own reasons for it; the kind of films being made in Pakistan and the kind of people making those movies were definitely not the ones with whom I wanted to work in my life. So, I moved towards television.
Let me tell you that I had decided even before the release of my first movie that I would not sign any more projects in the film industry. And I had my own reasons for it; the kind of films being made in Pakistan and the kind of people making those movies were definitely not the ones with whom I wanted to work in my life. So, I moved towards television.
Also on television you have only a few acting projects at your credit?
So, what's wrong in that? In fact, it is a good thing that I have always preferred quality over quantity. When people place you at a certain level as an actor it becomes your responsibility to live up to their expectations. By giving powerful performances I have always tried to never disappoint my fans. At the age of 23, I did character of a mother of two kids in a TV serial because I noticed performance margin in it. It is better to do selected work rather than giving flops repeatedly.
So, what's wrong in that? In fact, it is a good thing that I have always preferred quality over quantity. When people place you at a certain level as an actor it becomes your responsibility to live up to their expectations. By giving powerful performances I have always tried to never disappoint my fans. At the age of 23, I did character of a mother of two kids in a TV serial because I noticed performance margin in it. It is better to do selected work rather than giving flops repeatedly.
I have also heard that you have some issues with top notch people of film industry such as Syed Noor and Masarrat Misbah. Is it so?
Masarrat Misbah does not actually belong to the film industry. So if I was not working with her it was not a big deal.
Syed Noor is my god father but the problem is that he casts Saima in every film whether she fits the character or not. And I am not the only person complaining about it. Reema, Meera and Resham all have raised similar objections against him. I have always respected him but everybody notices his unprofessionalism and industry has been suffering because of it. He should try another actresses especially those who have started their careers with him and have given several hits.
Masarrat Misbah does not actually belong to the film industry. So if I was not working with her it was not a big deal.
Syed Noor is my god father but the problem is that he casts Saima in every film whether she fits the character or not. And I am not the only person complaining about it. Reema, Meera and Resham all have raised similar objections against him. I have always respected him but everybody notices his unprofessionalism and industry has been suffering because of it. He should try another actresses especially those who have started their careers with him and have given several hits.
But there were rumours that Misbah put hindrance in your career growth, are you on good terms with her?
My parents always advised me that when one door closes, another opens. In the beginning of my career, people used to tell me that I was kept out of particular fashion show because of someone but it never bothered me. Luckily, at that time there were many good people around me who supported me including Nabila who hold my hand and guided me what to do next in my life. I believe time heals everything and today there is nothing bitter between two of us. We hug each other like anything and all enmity has vanished with time.
My parents always advised me that when one door closes, another opens. In the beginning of my career, people used to tell me that I was kept out of particular fashion show because of someone but it never bothered me. Luckily, at that time there were many good people around me who supported me including Nabila who hold my hand and guided me what to do next in my life. I believe time heals everything and today there is nothing bitter between two of us. We hug each other like anything and all enmity has vanished with time.
These days many youngsters are also getting into movies, would you like to work with them?Of course! I would love to work with them as I am here to work. Though I don't socialise much but I have an agent who look after all my work. I call work my hobby because it is something I not only enjoy doing but I simply love it.
Only a few people have the guts to experiment with their looks and you are one of them. Where do you take inspirations for your looks?
It comes naturally to me. I think not just actors but every human being should experiment with themselves. I have seen girls having same look for years but I cannot do so. I keep on changing my looks. Once I went for that crew cut when nobody was daring to do so. At that period of time, I did many roles in which that getup complemented my character. I believe if you are healthy and strong from inside then you wouldn't be afraid of taking risks in life.
It comes naturally to me. I think not just actors but every human being should experiment with themselves. I have seen girls having same look for years but I cannot do so. I keep on changing my looks. Once I went for that crew cut when nobody was daring to do so. At that period of time, I did many roles in which that getup complemented my character. I believe if you are healthy and strong from inside then you wouldn't be afraid of taking risks in life.
Today when you look back at your past performances, do you find any room for improvement in them?
There are 100 percent chances of improvement because with time you learn things and implement them in your life. Most of our film actors have not learnt acting from anywhere and we have not been to theatre either. So, it is our inborn talent which of course gets polished with time.
There are 100 percent chances of improvement because with time you learn things and implement them in your life. Most of our film actors have not learnt acting from anywhere and we have not been to theatre either. So, it is our inborn talent which of course gets polished with time.
When you see new girls entering into this field, what piece of advice you usually give to them?
I always advise them to first complete their education and start their career with professional people. They are lucky that they have so many choices available to them. People like Nabila, Ather Shehzad and Frieha Altaf all are providing youngsters a good platform to start. But the problem with young people is that they get confused and distracted and eventually end up taking drugs and addicted to wrong activities. They should make good decisions and try to maintain their image.
People say that media is not a place to make friends but in your case it seems that you have made really good friends over here. What do you have to say on that?
Problems arise when our expectations shattered. My mother used to advise me not to expect anything from anyone. I consider myself lucky that I have met some really good people here but it is always a twoway process. As I was good to them so they also reciprocated in the similar manner.
I always advise them to first complete their education and start their career with professional people. They are lucky that they have so many choices available to them. People like Nabila, Ather Shehzad and Frieha Altaf all are providing youngsters a good platform to start. But the problem with young people is that they get confused and distracted and eventually end up taking drugs and addicted to wrong activities. They should make good decisions and try to maintain their image.
People say that media is not a place to make friends but in your case it seems that you have made really good friends over here. What do you have to say on that?
Problems arise when our expectations shattered. My mother used to advise me not to expect anything from anyone. I consider myself lucky that I have met some really good people here but it is always a twoway process. As I was good to them so they also reciprocated in the similar manner.
You used to be Khawar Riaz's favourite model, but you have not mentioned his name so far.
Yes, it is true that he has supported me a lot but I have also supported him, as I just said it is a two way process. Actually, after the success of Deewane Teray Pyar Ke, Nabila wanted me to shift to Karachi but I preferred to stay in Lahore so that my friends could also take some advantage of my success. So I did a lot of best projects with him. Even today when I work with him, we always deliver an extraordinary classy shoot.
Yes, it is true that he has supported me a lot but I have also supported him, as I just said it is a two way process. Actually, after the success of Deewane Teray Pyar Ke, Nabila wanted me to shift to Karachi but I preferred to stay in Lahore so that my friends could also take some advantage of my success. So I did a lot of best projects with him. Even today when I work with him, we always deliver an extraordinary classy shoot.
As you have just mentioned that you believe to take your friends along with you, did you support your brother Munna Mushtaq also in establishing his career?
No, not at all! He is more hard working than me. Let me share something with you, there was a time in my life when I did not want to work. My brother helped me to come out of that phase by providing me some excellent working opportunities. Being a brother he put so much effort and injected energy in me that I start working again.
As a sister, I gave him only one favour, I gave him my time in the beginning of his career when he was trying to establish himself as a photographer. During the long shoots of 12 to 14 hours, I used to patiently wait at his sets watching other models throwing tantrums. So yes, I had given him my patience and time.
Even he handled my mood swings and gave me strength when our mother died. He did not only provide financial support but was also emotionally available for us.
No, not at all! He is more hard working than me. Let me share something with you, there was a time in my life when I did not want to work. My brother helped me to come out of that phase by providing me some excellent working opportunities. Being a brother he put so much effort and injected energy in me that I start working again.
As a sister, I gave him only one favour, I gave him my time in the beginning of his career when he was trying to establish himself as a photographer. During the long shoots of 12 to 14 hours, I used to patiently wait at his sets watching other models throwing tantrums. So yes, I had given him my patience and time.
Even he handled my mood swings and gave me strength when our mother died. He did not only provide financial support but was also emotionally available for us.
Nowadays, a lot of female models have been turning into entrepreneurs; do you also have plans to start your own businesss?
Well, a lot of people have approached me in this regard but I prefer to put my money in my brothers' business rather than linking my name with some other enterprises. My brothers have their import export business and I support them in that.
Well, a lot of people have approached me in this regard but I prefer to put my money in my brothers' business rather than linking my name with some other enterprises. My brothers have their import export business and I support them in that.
How has showbiz exposure changed you as a person?
I have become more responsible towards society and more mature. Being famous has taught me how to remain patient when I am out in public.
I have become more responsible towards society and more mature. Being famous has taught me how to remain patient when I am out in public.
They say modelling is a fleeting business, but you and Iraj have proved the saying wrong having managed to stay at top even after decades.
It is so because we both are health conscious and mentally at peace. Fortunately, we got success at the very beginning of our careers. I believe that the fear of failure makes your personality very shaky. We never had that fear because our families were with us, and before taking any major decision of our lives, we always preferred to discuss it with them. We were never insecure about the top position.
There is a lot of pressure on actresses to look good and for that they are ready to do surgeries and botox? Have you ever gone under the knife to look beautiful?
I have not done anything like that so far but I do not see anything wrong in it. If someday I feel like doing it I will definitely go for it and I will not hide it from anyone.
It is so because we both are health conscious and mentally at peace. Fortunately, we got success at the very beginning of our careers. I believe that the fear of failure makes your personality very shaky. We never had that fear because our families were with us, and before taking any major decision of our lives, we always preferred to discuss it with them. We were never insecure about the top position.
There is a lot of pressure on actresses to look good and for that they are ready to do surgeries and botox? Have you ever gone under the knife to look beautiful?
I have not done anything like that so far but I do not see anything wrong in it. If someday I feel like doing it I will definitely go for it and I will not hide it from anyone.
Do you have to make any compromises along the way?
I never make compromises because I am not a weak person. A person makes compromises in life for greed and to get more money. Luckily, neither my family nor I was hungry for money so I never have to take decisions against my will.
Most of our actresses aim to work in Bollywood, has anyone from there approached you so far?
In 1994 when I was in India for some modelling assignments, a few producers approached me. Even I signed a film with Gulzar Sb assistant but that movie couldn't go on floors due to some reasons. Recently, I refused two Bollywood movies but you will soon see me in Tamil films.
I never make compromises because I am not a weak person. A person makes compromises in life for greed and to get more money. Luckily, neither my family nor I was hungry for money so I never have to take decisions against my will.
Most of our actresses aim to work in Bollywood, has anyone from there approached you so far?
In 1994 when I was in India for some modelling assignments, a few producers approached me. Even I signed a film with Gulzar Sb assistant but that movie couldn't go on floors due to some reasons. Recently, I refused two Bollywood movies but you will soon see me in Tamil films.
In the beginning of the interview you told me that you were about to get married when you stepped into showbiz, so do you have marriage on your cards now?
Marriage has never been my goal. I have always been in love and I always have a boyfriend in my life but I don't want to get married right now. I believe one should not push herself to marriage to meet the society standards. Even after getting married if you are not happy then there is no use of going for it.
Designer
Aeisha Varsey
Marriage has never been my goal. I have always been in love and I always have a boyfriend in my life but I don't want to get married right now. I believe one should not push herself to marriage to meet the society standards. Even after getting married if you are not happy then there is no use of going for it.
Designer
Aeisha Varsey
Jewellery
Anum Yazdani
Anum Yazdani
Hair, make-up& photography
Akif Ilyas
Akif Ilyas
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