In this sizzling issue, Grazia’s International Beauty Editor – Kaniz Ali glams up and interviews british actress LAILA ROUASS. Renowned for her roles in Footballers Wives and Holby City, the stunning model turned actress opens up to Kaniz exclusively talking about work, life and all things behind the scenes.
In Laila’s early years Laila studied at a university in London but shortly left to pursue her career in India. Spending 6 years in India, Laila worked forChannel V the sister company of Star TV. 6 years later she arrived back into the UK with her acting career going from strength to strength. Laila was also a contestant on UK’s Strictly Come Dancing.
CEO: Zahraa Saifullah
Managing Editor: Nashmia Amir Butt
Creatively Directed By Kaniz Ali
Photography By Danny Singh
Assisted By Iman Chana
Make Up By Kaniz Ali
Hair By Masion De Poupee
Location: Mayfair, London, Uk
Interview By Kaniz Ali
KANIZ: Talk to us about your background
LAILA: I was born in London, UK born to Moroccan parents. I am the eldest of 7 children.
KANIZ: What inspired you to head into modelling ? How did you first get noticed?
LAILA: My aunt was a dancer, I went to a few shoots with her at the age of 16 and got noticed instantly. I fell into modelling at the age of 17. I was first noticed by a high profilephotographer.
KANIZ: What inspired you to head into the world of acting ?
( Laila laughs …. )
LAILA: I am actually an “accidental actress.”. I started attending Westminster university and realised quite quickly it wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy it. I decided to drop out and focus on pursuing my modelling career and then I was approached for a few short acting roles and I thought why not give it a go and it went on from there. I attended drama school to brush my skills.
KANIZ: What aspect of acting do you enjoy the most ?
LAILA: I love being free, being able to play various different roles which doesn’t necessarily relate to my own personality. It’s like escapism and it’s really exciting.
KANIZ: Could you tell me your greatest strengths and weaknesses as an actor ?
LAILA: I absolutely adore what I do which really helps, going into everything with an open heart which I believe is a strength and also I’ve been told by many people I am easy to work with. I can be directed easily. I like to be warm and friendly on set and work with everyone giving it my utmost best so I have no regrets afterwards.
My weaknesses, I do get nervous, and I have insecurities, which most people don’t realise. I am only human after all. I’m not always confident as everything thinks and sometimes being on stage or tv can quite daunting.
KANIZ: What role do you think you play the best ?
( Laila laughs )
LAILA: – I absolutely LOVE playing the deranged, not princess like, harsh, crazy strong alpha female. The feisty roles are my favourite. It’s fun and gets me out of my comfort zone.
KANIZ: What have been your favourite moments as an actress ?
LAILA: Footballers Wives will always hold a very special place in my heart. I was not only highly recognised for it, but working with the cast were great. The hours were good which helped me manage my work life as an actor. Acting in Holby City was also another one of my favourites.
KANIZ: Which has been your most challenging role up to date ?
LAILA: Holby City mainly because of the terminology which I had to learn as I was playing a medical role. Saying that I did absolutely love the role and character.
Traces was another tv drama that was really challenging for me as I was away from my daughter which was really tough.
KANIZ: How do you handle disagreements with fellow actors ?
LAILA: I have never had disagreements with fellow actors or colleagues, I don’t believe in it. I am very fortunate my work surroundings have always been great and I’ve always loved working with my fellow cast members.
KANIZ: How do you maintain your physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects ?
LAILA: I love walking and I am obsessive about it. I have to do at least a 10K steps a dayand pilates reformers. I have always worked out even when I am away on set. Secretly I was always carry dumbells with me so I can work out in my room.
In regards to my emotional health, I have a lot of faith and positive mindset which I believe helps me get through most things. I am a believer of the power of manifestation. I am realistic and I am huge believer of dealing with emotions.
KANIZ: Name your favourite memorable moments in your career ?
LAILA: It definitely has to be when I was 21/22 working in India. I was interviewing Bollywood stars without realising they were Bollywood stars.
KANIZ: How do you handle criticism in the industry ?
LAILA: I can handle criticism. I don’t think there is anything wrong with criticism. Truth be told I told I don’t really get criticism from people it’s usually with press. What I’ve learned though in my time is that you cannot control what others think. I can only control what I can control and that’s ok. It’s all about not taking things personally and taking everything with a pinch of salt.
KANIZ: How do you manage being a mother and working life ?
LAILA: I am a single mother so it’s been incredibly tough more so when my daughter was young. My mum has been and will always will be my rock! I found a balance with work and looking after my daughter through the help of my mother. As she grew slightly older my daughter went to boarding school. I wanted to her to be with other children of her age. One of the reasons why I left acting was to be with her and most importantly to support my Inez. Children grow up so fast. It has definitely got easier as she has grew older.
KANIZ If Laila was not an actress what would she be ?
( Laila laughs )
LAILA: That’s a good question! Emmmm probably a lawyer or a barrister because I love justice and standing up for what’s right and defending there rights. I would love to be in a court room, everyday would be different with different cases.
KANIZ: What are top 3 must have make up products ?
Huda Beauty’s Concealers, Huda Beauty Eyeshadow and Glossy Make Up Mascara
KANIZ: What do you like doing in your spare time ?
LAILA: I love spending time with my daughter, currently I am supporting her through her A-Levels, spending time with my 2 dogs, catching up with my friends. I also love reading.
KANIZ: What is the best advice you would give to someone starting new in the world of acting?
LAILA: Don’t be afraid to go out there and ask, if you don’t ask you don’t get. Do not be afraid of knock backs, do not be afraid to knock on casting directors doors. Also learn to have true freedom in front of the camera, that is when you can give your best performances. And I always say take your time with it all – you can do it!!
KANIZ: If you have worked on aid work projects on the ground, tell us more ?
LAILA: I was fortunate enough to travel out and work with refugees in Lesvos, Greece. I am a huge believer in giving back and standing by people especially the oppressed. I have also worked with Save The Children in India raising awareness and I was also involved in a project with One Global Family, raising awareness on hospitals that concentrate on prosthetics .
KANIZ: You were on the first people to speak about the current genocide taking place…… What made you take that step ?
LAILA: As an arab it’s very important for me to speak about what’s taking place and also as human being it’s even more important for me to speak up. It is so important to use your voice and social media platform and highlight what is taking place in the world to stand on the right side of humanity. Wrong is wrong and it’s important it is addressed, I don’t understand why a person wouldn’t.
KANIZ: What are your plans for the next 5 years?
LAILA: I don’t have any plans, I actually don’t plan. I manifest things. I would love to spend more time in my home in Spain, see my daughter through university which is very important for me. As you get older you realise how precious time is and I want to use it affectively.
