[(¯*♥¤»ƙɧՄՏɧՅԾԾ«¤♥*¯)]

MAG COVER STORY
|||MAG ||| May. 08 - 14 , 2010

Juggun Kazim
A Model Mother by AMBREEN ASIM




The bold and the beautiful, Juggun Kazim needs no introduction. The bubbly Lahori girl, with the real name Maher Bano, is no doubt one such person who came in the industry and conquered all. She explored all the genres of the showbiz industry from modelling, acting to hosting, and made her mark everywhere.
Her vibrant and spontaneous way of talking with a slight Punjabi tang immediately grabs the viewer’s attention and stays indelibly in their memory.
Sweet and vivacious Juggun Kazim began her acting and modelling career as “Jay Kazim” in Toronto. Juggan’s international projects includes films like “Pink Luddos” and “Sweet Destiny”; the two titles seem aptly suited to our gorgeous Juggun Kazim.
I have no clue why her character in “Saiqa” always reminds me of the story of Cinderella. It is impossible to forget her sensitive yet confident performances in Meri Un Suni Kahani, Sitam, Manosalwa, Sher Dil and Piyasi.
Besides hosting and acting, Juggun has a long list of commercials to her credit. Recently she has been chosen as the brand ambassador of an international hair colour brand.
Juggun has also acted in many music videos like ‘Ek Baar’ by Shehzad Roy and ‘Chal Bulleya’ by Mekaal Hasan band.
MTV‘s model of the year 2008, Juggun Kazim is not only a successful TV personality but a very affectionate single parent and an expert mom. Juggun’s whole life revolves around her son Hamza Ahmed. Hamza is her motivation to do everything in life. In a conservative society like Pakistan, it is difficult to raise a child as a single parent but Juggun Kazim has been raising her child with great dignity. She definitely is a 21st Century Mother with wit, affection, a successful career, and boundless love for her child. The mother who can carry it all with effortless ease and success. This interview will help us discover this new aspect of Juggun as an ‘expert mom.’ Excerpts:
Can balancing a demanding career with the responsibility of raising a child ever really be 50-50?
Of course it is never 50-50! Actually raising a child is a full time job and I have to adjust my career according to him. I love my career but I love my son more. It isn't easy all the time but being involved with both can be quite a lot of fun and keeps me occupied!

What do you do when you feel pulled in different directions?
I just breathe. We live in a world where if you don't multi-task you can't survive. Life is about being pulled in different directions. We just have to roll with the punches.

Does your son ever have a hard time when you're leaving for work?
I have been working since Hamza was 2 months old. He is used to my going to work. Some days he gets a little worked up but then I either readjust my schedule or take him with me. Also I have such a great support system from my mother to Amina Chachi to Zehra and Mahnaz Didi, that he is always well taken care of and loved.





What's your schedule these days?
Hectic for sure but now I am at the stage in my career where I state my terms clearly. I don't work on Sundays. It is family day. Also I pick and drop Hamza to school myself so work starts after that. Finally I make sure I drop in and put him to bed myself and then go back to work again. I don't get much sleep but it’s worth it.
How has your optimism helped you?
I have been blessed with a wonderful family, great friends and a gorgeous son. So I have all the reason in the world to be optimistic. Looking at the glass half full is the way to go. It makes me a happier, more functional and confident person. I enjoy the small blessings in life and that makes life more fun.

Now, as you have become the brand ambassador of a huge international brand, the new job must have its own demands. How are you balancing your role as a mother and a brand ambassador?
I am working with a brand that cares. They do not make unreasonable or unrealistic demands from me. When you work with people who respect your family situation it doesn't feel like work. So actually there isn't much to balance. Actually being a brand ambassador is one of the easiest and fun work commitments I have.

What advice do you have for women who struggle with working-mom guilt?
Stop feeling guilty about working! We live in an era where dual income households are a necessity. It is a known fact that working women spend more quality time with their children. So balance work and time at home and most importantly have fun with your kids. Give them hugs and cuddles and focused attention. Leave the rest to Allah!
Hair & make-up: Nabila’s Co-ordination: Thomas Fernandes
Styling & photography: Junaid Ali @ Rebel Images Models: Juggun Kazim & Hamza Ahmed

Source: MAGTHEWEEKLY

 

---