Zain Durrani compares acting to a never-ending competitive exam
Zain, who has carved a niche for himself with selective and meaningful roles, reflected on the emotional toll rejections can have. 'You don't start with the ability to handle rejections. You learn by facing them repeatedly. You might be perfect for one role and not even be considered for another,' he explained.
Maintaining emotional balance is key, according to the actor. 'If you keep your head in the right place, you develop a thick skin. But it shouldn't be so thick that it robs you of your vulnerability and sensitivity — those are an actor's biggest assets.'
Recalling a tough phase during the COVID-19 lockdown, Zain admitted he had moments of doubt about continuing in the profession. 'There was a time I questioned everything, but then Bell Bottom came along, and that changed everything for me,' he said.
With the industry now embracing OTT platforms, fresh voices, and unique storytelling, Zain remains optimistic. 'The film world is evolving to accommodate more talent. We'll all find our space under the sun,' he added.
Zain's latest film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, directed by Santosh Singh, co-stars Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey. A romantic comedy inspired by Ruskin Bond's short story The Eyes Have It, the film is produced by Mansi and Varun Bagla under Zee Studios and Mini Films.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
10 minutes ago
- First Post
Innovation or damage control? Musk unveils 'Baby Grok' for kid-friendly AI content
The decision to create a kid-safe AI app follows backlash over Grok's more mature offerings, making Baby Grok's reveal seem like a timely, if not essential, shift read more Following a stir with three polarising AI companions, Elon Musk is now pivoting to introduce a child-friendly version of Grok, named Baby Grok. Though specifics remain undisclosed, the announcement has sparked curiosity, particularly given the bold personas of Grok's current AI avatars. Grok doing damage control? The decision to create a kid-safe AI app follows backlash over Grok's more mature offerings, making Baby Grok's reveal seem like a timely, if not essential, shift. Crafted for a safer, age-appropriate experience, the upcoming app appears to be Musk's effort at damage control (or possibly diversification) amid the uproar over Grok's provocative characters online. No release date has been shared, and details are limited, but it's evident that Grok is expanding its scope. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who are recently introduced Grok AI companions? Now, let's examine the recently introduced Grok AI companions. Among them is Ani, an anime-style female companion dressed in a gothic corset, noted for flirtatious behaviour and increasingly intimate conversations as users interact more. Users have reported exchanges that venture into suggestive territory, with Ani even appearing in virtual lingerie. Then there's Rudi, a red panda with a dual nature—one part quirky sidekick, the other an aggressively foul-mouthed rant machine. And there's Valentine, a male companion modelled after Christian Grey and Edward Cullen, two fictional heartthrobs often criticised for romanticising emotional manipulation and toxic relationship patterns. Unsurprisingly, the mix of Ani's risqué tone, Rudi's erratic outbursts, and Valentine's questionable inspirations has fueled debate about the messages these AI companions may convey, particularly to younger or impressionable users. Many critics argue that the line between entertainment and ethical AI design is growing alarmingly faint. Whether Baby Grok emerges as a wholesome digital companion or another eccentric addition to the Grokverse remains to be seen. But it's clear that this new app is likely a response to criticism. Grok controversies Grok's AI companions aren't the only source of controversy. Since its debut, Grok AI has made headlines, often unfavorably. Initially, Grok drew attention for its sharp-witted remarks. For instance, Grok responded to an X user with playful banter, incorporating Hindi slang. More recently, however, its responses took a darker turn, amplifying its rogue reputation. Grok AI faced significant backlash after producing replies that endorsed antisemitic stereotypes, conspiracy theories, and even expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The disturbing content, posted on X, included repeated references to Jewish surnames tied to online radicalism. In response to the outcry, the company announced it had revised the model with new guidelines to curb such offensive and bizarre outputs.
Indian Express
10 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar and Kunal Kohli mourn demise of Don director Chandra Barot: ‘He was like a family friend'
Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, best known for directing the iconic 1978 film Don starring Amitabh Bachchan, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. His wife, Deepa Barot, revealed that he had been battling pulmonary fibrosis for the past seven years and was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital, where he breathed his last. Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Kunal Kohli, Sanjay Gupta, and many others have mourned the loss of the director. On his Tumblr blog, Bachchan remembered Barot and wrote, 'Another and another sad moment. Dear dear friend and my director of DON – Chandra Barot passed away this morning … It is difficult to put in words the loss .. we worked together yes, but he was more a family friend than any else .. I can only pray.' Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar, who is currently taking the Don franchise forward by directing the third installment Don 3, shared a heartfelt post. Taking to his Instagram handle, he shared photos of Barot and wrote in the caption, 'Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family.' A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar) ALSO READ | Amitabh Bachchan's Don left producer in massive debut, he died before movie's premiere; Zeenat Aman let go off her fee, his debts were paid off with film's earning Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta also took to his X handle and wrote, 'Rest In Peace Chandra Barot Sir. Many thanks for DON. One of the most entertaining Hindi films ever.' Director Kunal Kohli penned an emotional note on his X account, revealing that the Don director was the only one who he had ever assisted. 'Chandra ji RIP sir. The only director I assisted. Not in Don. For a film with Vinod Khanna called Boss, which never saw the light of day. But what an enriching experience working with him. Heard so many BTS stories of Don. I used to bunk college and assist Chandraji. Remarkably sharp man. Lovely person. Has very enlightening and fun chats with him. Thank you sir for giving us #Don indian cinemas' most stylish films to date. #ChandraBarot,' his post read. Chandra ji RIP sir. The only director I assisted. Not in Don. For a film with Vinod Khanna called Boss that never saw the light of day. But what am enriching experience working with him. Heard so many BTS stories of Don. I sided bunk college and assist Chandraji. Remarkably sharp… — kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) July 20, 2025 Chandra Barot's journey in cinema began under the mentorship of actor-director Manoj Kumar. He started his career as an assistant director on several Hindi classics, including Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), Yaadgar (1970), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974). In addition to Don, Barot directed films, including Bengali film Aashrita (1989) and Pyar Bhara Dil (1991). However, some of his projects, such as Hong Kong Wali Script and Neil Ko Pakadna… Impossible, were shelved and never made it to theatres.
News18
19 minutes ago
- News18
Gauahar Khan Opens Up About Dealing With Miscarriage: ‘No One Had Expected…'
Last Updated: Gauahar Khan opens up about her miscarriage during her first pregnancy, revealing the emotional toll it took on her mental health. Gauahar Khan is currently awaiting the birth of her second child with husband Zaid Darbar. Gauahar, who is a mother to a two-year-old son, Zehaan, recently opened up about going through a difficult phase after experiencing a miscarriage during her first pregnancy and revealed that it took a toll on her. During a conversation with Debina Bonnerjee, the actress shared that since she got married at the age of 36, the couple decided to start a family within a year. However, she faced a miscarriage during her first pregnancy and revealed, 'At that point, you assume that everything is going to be fine, and no one had expected me to lose my child. It was extremely difficult, and it took me some time to get over it. So by the time I gave birth to Zehaan, I was already 39, and if I wanted another child, it was now or never." Gauahar revealed that she didn't take a break from work during her pregnancy. She shared that she was shooting Shiksha Mandal when she was pregnant with her first child and did all the action scenes, only to lose her baby just a month later. In April this year, Gauahar Khan and husband Zaid Darbar announced their second pregnancy. The couple shared the news with an adorable Instagram reel, and love soon poured in from their industry peers. Earlier, while speaking to News18 Showsha, she revealed that though she has been through this experience once before, the second pregnancy has brought with it a fresh set of challenges. 'I can't say that I'm more chill this time around. My second pregnancy is more difficult. Each pregnancy is very different, and what you feel each time is different. There are too many myths surrounding pregnancy, but the whole experience is very personal, and it differs from one woman to another. You can't say that yeh hi hota hai toh yeh hi hoga," she told us. While emotional pangs are part and parcel of every pregnancy, Gauahar drew attention to how her second pregnancy is also physically more laborious. 'This time, I think there's a little more effort, unlike the first time when I was doing things a little more effortlessly," she added. For the unversed, Gauahar and Zaid tied the knot in December 2020. They first met at a grocery store during the COVID-19 lockdown and later, Zaid reached out to her on social media. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
