From Afghanistan with Love

Warina Hussain anxiously awaits her acting debut with SKF’s Love Yatri opposite Aayush Sharma.  The film has garnered a huge amount of interest.  Not just because of Salman Khan, but also for its peppy music and foot-tapping garba beats.  In an exclusive interview, the fledgling actress talks about her life, modelling and the infamous casting couch.
Hailing from Afghanistan, Warina Hussain reveals the arduous journey that eventually brought her to Mumbai.  “I’ve been here in India for the last eight years.  Since the conditions in Afghanistan were not good, we went to Uzbekistan.  My life was a struggle.  I have no father. If you don’t have a man in your family, it’s more difficult.  I left Afghanistan when I was 13-14 years old.  I wish to go back someday.”

Beginning with Modelling
“When I reached Delhi, I asked for numbers of modelling agencies from Justdial.  I got a call from a small agency.  It was a small office in a dilapidated condition and they did my portfolio.  We came to Mumbai and stayed in a small lodge.  It’s difficult to get a house here as a single girl.  I earn my bread and butter from my work.   If I don’t work, I won’t be able to pay my bills or rent.

Moving to Mumbai
“We were in Uzbekistan for four years. You should know the Uzbek language or Russian.  We did not know either, so we found it difficult to settle there.  Mom decided to come to India as the language was easier.  I can speak Hindi, English and Zardari.  Half the people in Afghanistan know Hindi and Bollywood is popular there.  Serials are also popular there.  My mother travelled every where but her serials went with her.  She has watched all of Ekta Kapoor’s serials.

Audition Anxiety
“I auditioned for two scenes.  Salman sir saw both the auditions and then zeroed in on me.  One fine day, I was told by Aayush that I have to reach Galaxy, as the meeting with Salman sir was scheduled for 6 PM but it got shifted to nine.  I kept roaming around in Bandra for almost three hours, and this was the most difficult time for me.  I was very nervous.
Working with Aayush Sharma
“When we started, Aayush was chilled-out.  I am an introvert but now he is a friend. I steal his caps and jackets.  As a co-star, he helped me with the script. When I didn’t understand anything, he helped me as he has worked as an assistant director.

Doing a Salman Khan film
“I was very excited as I am a huge Salman Khan fan.  He knew that I came from a different background.  He would tell me not to take any tension.  They are my friends now, and Arpita is like family.

Following her Dreams
“All my friends and family in Afghanistan are proud that I am acting.  I get a lot of fan mail from there.  I have followed my dreams but I feel good that I have inspired many girls.  There is no looking back now.

Avoiding the Casting Couch
“I share everything with my mom.  I didn’t have the sensibility to understand what is right and wrong.  I would inquire about the production house and only then decide.  I did my meetings in the day time.  I did not entertain people who weren’t genuine.”