Pakistani actress Nazeeha Zainab recently shared her journey as an actress, her early accomplishments, and her future objectives in an interview on the show “Show Shaw” by the digital channel Pakistan Connect hosted by Alamdar Khan on March 14.
During the conversation, the young actress spoke frankly about how she got into the acting industry and the experiences that shaped her career.
When asked the opening question, “Who is Nazeeha?”, the young star went on to introduce herself in a lighthearted way.
She described herself as just a girl who has suddenly made her way into the industry and made an impact out of nowhere. As she puts it, there was no detailed plan behind her entry into acting.
“It was totally random,” she explained and further added that it was not planned out clearly. Instead, opportunities presented themselves and she chose to follow them.
Nazeeha also disclosed that she is currently just 16 years old and will celebrate her 17th birthday later this year.
Despite her young age, she has already managed to be widely recognised , making her one of the youngest rising stars in the drama industry of Pakistan.
Talking about the first acting experience, Nazeeha shared that her first project, the television drama Jama Taqseem, was directed by Ali Hassan. She described the whole experience as very positive.
“My first acting experience was amazing,” she said. “The cast was wonderful, the production was great and the director was very supportive.”
She fondly addressed the director with the word “Ali bhai” and even addressed him as her favourite director.
Nazeeha also gave a hint of a forthcoming project, saying that the director of this drama is also one of her favourite people to work with.
Speaking about how she prepared for her role in Jama Taqseem, the actress revealed that she had some doubts at first about the project.
At first, she thought maybe the drama would prove to be a regular family story that could not stand out to viewers. However, her perception changed after she carefully read the story.
She realised that the character of Sidra is much more intense and with layers than she initially expected. Portraying Sidra was emotionally challenging for her because the character undergoes a number of challenging experiences.
“It was hard to bring those emotions to the screen,” she explained adding that the struggles portrayed in the story reflect struggles that many girls face in real life.
Nazeeha also spoke about the fan love she has received since the drama. She said it is exciting to her when people come up to her in public and identify her as Sidra.
“A lot of people come up to me and say to me ‘you are Sidra from Jama Taqseem’.” she shared. “Even young kids know me and ask me if I am the Sidra from that drama.”
Discussing her overall experience in the acting industry, Nazeeha said that the working environment on set becomes very supportive as time goes by.
She explained when people first join a project, everyone around them is unfamiliar and this makes them reserved in the beginning.
However, she believes that as time goes, the cast and crew starts to form a close bond and the entire team starts to feel like a family.
The actress also underscored the important role her parents have played in supporting her career. She said that they are very proud of her balancing her education and acting.
Laughing while giving the interview she shared that her exams are going to start from March 31 and at the same time she is shooting for her next project.
When asked how she deals with such a demanding routine.
She said “For me it’s easy,” she said. “I sometimes study the entire night, and arrive at the set in the morning.”
Nazeeha also narrated an interesting story of how her real-life sister ended up appearing in Jama Taqseem.
She explained that when she went for the audition for the role of Sidra her sister went with her.
The director saw her sister and asked if she knew how to act. As a result, her sister was cast as Sidra’s younger sibling in the drama that resulted in natural on-screen chemistry.
Looking to the future, Nazeeha said that she hopes to continue to act. She wants acting as a permanent career, especially due thanks to the love and appreciation from audiences.
At the same time, she also hopes to continue with her studies and become a doctor.
Through her performances she would like to play roles that can deliver meaningful and positive messages. She believes her character Sidra gave the audience an important lesson of standing up for yourself.
Concluding the interview, Nazeeha encouraged the youth to keep up with their goals and to follow their passions.
“Focus on you and do what you want,” she said. “Life is short.”
Also read: Bold Pakistani Drama Jama Taqseem Highlights Family Challenges
