Hasina Haque Interview

Hasina Haque joined the cast of CASUALTY at the beginning of the new series as nurse ‘Mads’. She kindly talks to holby.tv about her role.

What can you tell us about your character Madiha?

Madiha is a happy person.  She’s passionate about her job and is keen to do well and fit in with the team at Holby. She cares about people and tries to be supportive to all the patients that come into A&E. At times she can be very cheeky but only because she can get away with it!  Oh and she also cooks a great green chilli curry!

Can you relate to her in any way? Are you similar?

Well, I can cook a green chilly curry and I’m very passionate about my work! I think I find it easier to understand her as we share similar backgrounds in terms of family values and traditions.

How did you get the role? How did you celebrate learning you’d got the part?

I auditioned for the part and was recalled several times until they thought they would take a risk with me! I celebrated with FFF ( friends, family and food)…and more food.

Were you nervous joining such an established show? What was your first day on Set like?

The process of landing the role of Madiha happened so quickly that, before i could get nervous about meeting everyone,  I was on set on a Monday evening and shooting my first scenes! The cast and crew are just so warm and welcoming that my nerves disappeared after about 5 minutes of being on set.

Do you enjoy working in Bristol?

I love it. It’s a mini London without the underground.. yey!

Were you a fan of the show before joining?

Yes, I remember watching it a lot in my teens with my parents.

Have you had to do any research for your role as a nurse? Do you think you’d be a good person to have around in an emergency?

We are very lucky to have a great medical team on set to advise and guide us. I think I’d be a great person to have in a emergency as long as I’m not the patient!

Do you mind the blood and gore side to Casualty or are you squeamish?

I love the blood and gore, as long as it’s not pouring out of me.

Have you ever been a real life casualty?

I broke my finger a couple of years ago, does that count?

Are you health conscious?

I wouldn’t say health conscious more health  aware – I like to keep in shape and eat good food.

What past acting roles have we seen in you in?

I played Labiba in ‘England People Very Nice’ and Diana in ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’, both at the National Theatre. And for The Royal Court ‘Jyoti’  in Disconnect.

Who or what inspired you to become an actress? Who are your favourite actors/ actresses?

A taster course for aspiring actors inspired me to become an actress.  I loved it! I went along just for fun but then discovered it’s what I wanted to pursue. I have many favourite actors and actresses and tend to remember favourite moments of their performances from films and theatre productions, i.e  Sir Ian Mckellen in Waiting for Godot, Leonardo Dicaprio in Blood Diamond and Dame Judi  Dench in Shakepeare in Love.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Eating at restaurants with my family and friends, going to the gym and sitting in coffee shops with a good book.