One of the dangers people talk about is that as an actor you’ll be stuck in a niche and directors will be unwilling to cast you in a more diverse set of roles once an audience grows accustomed to seeing you play one thing or another.

Of course, there are actors that make short lived forays outside of their comfort zone but never really transform their careers into a more open collection of roles despite these attempts. But there are other actors who more successfully demonstrate ability in a more diverse set of roles, opening doors to different film projects and TV roles as a result of this versatility. One such actor is Rabya Kulsoom. This starlet broke through typecast roles and broke her own mold, killing it in roles people wouldn’t expect. Coming from a family of famous actors, Rabya carved her own niche in the industry despite being a star kid. TV, web, music videos and now even a film, Rabya has proved her mettle in every medium in quite a short span of time. MAG chatted with this insightful actor and person and here is what we have for our readers.
Excerpts follow:

Apart from the fact that you belong to a family of actors, what attracted you to begin a career as an actor?

A part of me was always attracted to this field and because I have grown up being on the sets of different dramas meeting legends of the country with my mom, I used to be so fascinated by the environment and the sound of roll/action and cut and actors performing. It was always the process and the craft that attracted me the most, the art of learning lines and delivering it in front of the camera and everything about it really inspired me to just go out there and act.

You have a few web series to your credit. What do you prefer for your craft: web or TV?

I enjoyed web because of the liberty and freedom you get on that platform, but if you talk about recognition, TV! Hands down.

How often do you think the roles you get justify your talent? How much do you have to rely on improvisations?

Firstly, you don’t get to improvise a lot on TV. Yes, you can add things to your character which can get you recognition if you work hard and come up with good additions, with the approval of your director and writer, of course. Secondly, yes, I have gotten roles and parts where luckily I got a chance to showcase my talent and I try and give my 100 per cent with whatever comes my way but I think I have only utilised 40 per cent of my talent with the characters I have played till date and would love to do many other different characters with different shades. I think I am capable of playing much more complexed characters than I already have on my credit.

As an actor, what do you think are some changes that the drama industry could use?

Drama industry should stop obsessing over dukhiyaari bichaari lachaar aurat and should come up with narratives that are less dramatic and more real and lively and happy and positive and most importantly, inspiring. I am done with putting glycerin in my eyes and doing those crying scenes all the time for the sake of ratings.

In a few dramas you had smaller roles to play. How do you see these roles? How do you make them memorable to create maximum impact, irrespective of its length?

Length of the character is never an issue for me, I always try and make my character impactful and memorable and you do that by working hard, creating a back story to it and add some character traits to make it memorable. Sadly, our industry goes by quantity over quality. So, I sometimes regret trying and delivering quality and not quantity.

Which of your characters do you most identify with?

Abeer from Haara Dil and Sana from Meer Abru. Also, Aliya from Ek Jhooti Love Story.

Does the demand of always being in the public eye get overwhelming? How do you deal with it?

It's draining because you have to look good all the time, but I enjoy the attention.

Do you consider yourself an influencer? What are some responsibilities you have to undertake?

I think I am still trying to be one. And yes, you have to be very careful with your words, with your actions and with your conduct, even your pictures and posts so that you don’t offend people who love you and follow you. But that does not mean that you stop being yourself. It's just that you have to act responsibly so that there is minimum negativity and less drama.

Tell us a bit about your upcoming project Gawah Rehna?

Gawah Rehna is a project made with dedication, love and hard work, and here I am talking about each and every single person involved and associated with it. I wish and hope it comes out soon and people watch it.

What other subjects or mediums would you want to be a part of in the future?

Something very lighthearted. And as I love acting, I would love to act for TV, web or cinema! Medium doesn't matter actually. If I get to act, I will act and enjoy it the most.

• Coordination: Umer Mushtaq
• Hair & Makeup: Nighat Misbah @Depilex
• Wardrobe: On-Fleek
• Photography & Styling: Yasser Sadiq
• PR: Alchemist