Q. Parveen ji, you have interviewed so many personalities in your life.
Tell me, how does it feel to be on the other side of the fence… How does
it feel to be interviewed?
[laughs] You know, am so used to interviewing people that I was ready to
ask you a couple of questions myself! But, it feels nice to be
interviewed… I have done many interviews and seen many on TV or read in
magazines and newspapers, and believe me, the feeling is good.

Q. So, tell us about yourself.
On radio, I come across as a sweet and cool person, but I was very rebellious at one time in my life. I was very temperamental as a child. I used to throw a lot of tantrums,
but marriage has changed a lot of things. Now I have become more relaxed
and understanding.

Q. How did radio happen?
I was going through a troublesome phase in my life. I had given up
teaching after my marriage. I was mostly at home or at my husband’s
shop. Then one day, Allaudin Qureishi who was at that time working for
KBC radio, called me up for a translation. It was a news bulletin in
English, which was to be translated in Urdu. I did it in a short time
and he was so amazed at my speed that on the very same day, they decided to
put me on air to read my news in Urdu! For four years after that, I read
news for KBC. I loved it, because everyone would come and tell me, “Wah,
kitna achha news parhti hain…[you read news so beautifully]”.
Imagine, I never got paid a single cent, but I didn't mind! I was in my own world, elated!
Every time someone praised me, I loved myself even more... So much so that news
reading became an obsession. It was a big break from teaching Chinua
Achebe. I was so updated with news – and that gave me true satisfaction.

Q. Mashallah, you are so beautiful. It’s a thrill to see you every
morning, all dressed up, looking smart. What’s your beauty secret?
[laughs] Well, I love doing make-up. I take an extra-step to ensure that
I look smart [ zara hatke]. Even when I was a kid, I would apply a bit of lipstick,
powder and eye liner when my mom was not around. I used to stand before
the mirror and admire myself! For every occasion, be it
weddings or even eid, I would insist on having matching earrings and
shoes that go with my dress. In fact, my husband complains that he never
gets to see my salary, because all my money goes in to shopping!

Q. Since you are so beautiful, am sure there were many boys queuing up
for you during your childhood?
No at all, Javed. We were brought up in a very strict Islamic way. There were no
boys in my life, despite the fact that I went to a mixed college. All my
friends had boyfriends whom they would go to parties with,
but not me! I was all alone.

Q. And how did marriage happen? Was it love or arranged?
[She smiles as she reflects back]. I was working in an Accounting firm,
thinking that I would change my career from teaching to accounting. The
first time I saw Hanif, he looked like a business man from India. He was
wearing a ring and I thought he must have been newly married. I didn’t
pay much attention to him initially. But he had noticed me. He started calling and I
spoke to him. We went out a couple of times and in a few months, we had
decided to get married. Our courtship lasted just a few months, and we
clicked. We knew we were meant for each other.

Q. So, what did you find most attractive in your husband?
Umm, his voice. He has a strong voice. It reflects
masculinity, assuarance and self confidence. Also, he was well-bred, a
degree holder and a man who matched up to my level. He doesn’t smoke, drink or
womanize. He is a solid person. It all came in an attractive package deal. How could I have said no?

Q. That’s nice. Now, tell me, have you ever fancied any other man after
your marriage?
Never! Of course, there was a time when I used to idolize Dillip Kumar, but
not after marriage. I admire Dillip
Kumar as an actor, but my feelings are void of any “romantic” fantasies.

Q. What is the one gift that your husband gave you that you treasure the
most?
The fact that he came into my life. And I love him for supporting me
throughout my life, my career and of course, giving me two beautiful
daughters.

Q. Ok, Parveen ji, tell us three things that no one knows about you?
Firstly, am not a hotel chef. I give out many recipes and people think that
am a very good cook. Secondly, during my show, I come across as a person
with tremendous knowledge... but I would like to tell my listeners that I
don’t talk off the cuff, I do a lot of research and prepare well for my
show. And lastly, I love my show very much and love all the preparation
that I do for it. [ I would want to add that Parveen ji sometimes shops
at Garissa Lodge, loves food at Hashmi’s barbeque and she is not very
technology savvy! Computers are not really her cup of tea! Sorry, Parveen ji, I spilled all your beans!]

But that’s not all. Mr. Hanif Adam, husband to Parveen Adam, shares his
opinions:

I love her presentation, her style and the preparation that she does for
her show. We always sit together and discuss her show – there are times
when we really argue, because Parveen is stubborn. There have been times
when we have gone off to sleep, angry with each other and don’t talk.
But then she will make my favorite dish – chicken biryani – she knows
that’s my weakness, and I know that’s her way of reaching a compromise with me!
Parveen believes that the more we argue, the more we get closer to each
other.
No, I don’t get jealous of her or the fact that she has a big fan following. I support her career and have always
encouraged her. I have watched “Abhimaan” and I thought Amitabh was
stupid to get jealous of his wife! [True, we are in a different
generation now!]

Parveen’s sister Tasneem reveals a few interesting facts about their
childhood.

Parveen was always eager to meet new people, she would make friends and
sometimes bully us! We would play “gilli danda” and Parveen would always
want to win! Also, she was very conscious about her beauty. We were very
close to each other and still are. Am so proud of her because she works
hard and has made it!

Interestingly, Parveen’s daughters, Zoya and Mehreen do not want to
follow in their mother’s footsteps. Their ambition is to become renowned
doctors [both of them]. But they love their mother’s work and feel that
she deserves all the praise because she is dedicated to her work.
Any advice that their mom gives them? “Always enjoy what you do, else
don’t do it, and don’t gossip!”