After a self-imposed exile of six years, Bahrain-based singer and actress Miraya Varma is back with her goals set in show business.
Bahrain’s R&B singer and actress Miraya Varma is far from new in the entertainment business. Miraya began modelling when she was 14 and remained in the spotlight until she moved to the UK as a 19-year-old student.
Last year, she marked her comeback with the Bahraini production Dead Sands, where her character ‘Samara’ was praised by critics. Miraya also released her first R&B single last year and bagged the JJ’s Karaoke Idol competition in December.
She’ll soon get busy again with a sequel to Dead Sands. With offers from the South Indian film industry in hand, Miraya maintains that music is her first love.
Woman This Month (WTM): Tell us about the latest on the work front.
Miraya Verma (MV): I’m excited about some overseas developments, but I can’t give details at this point. I’m working with a British producer and an international celebrity for a music video that’ll be shot in Bahrain this year. I also have an Indian-Arabic music video set to release this year.
WTM: What’s been your greatest challenge?
MV: Staying away from something that I love most — the stage. My parents wanted me to get professional degrees. I was away for five years, studying in the UK where I nearly gave up on myself. I had gained weight and didn’t care for my appearance or voice.
Last year, when I decided to make a comeback, I shed 21 kilos in six months. I’ve done over a 100 photoshoots for fashion and make-up since then.
WTM: Who has been your greatest personal inspiration?
MV: My mother is an accomplished singer and danseuse. She’s immensely talented and I’ve admired her since early childhood. It was she who got me out of my non-caring phase. She told me: ‘Your talent is what God gave you, but what you do with it is your gift to God.’ That really stayed with me.
WTM: If there’s something you could change about Bahrain’s entertainment scene, what would it be?
MV: Entertainers in Bahrain need a lot of support to make their mark internationally. This involves financial backing as well as media exposure. For instance, the music video I was doing required a lot of support and it’s been a struggle for me to get that. It would be nice if someone took interest, appreciated and encouraged young talent, so that we can show the world what we’re made of.
WTM: What’s your greatest ambition?
MV: I love singing and want to make my mark in music. The only reason I got into the world of modelling and movies is because I want to be noticed as a singer. Music really defines me. I want to be singing even when I’m 70!
