I want to play women who are inspiring and strong: Zoya Afroz
Zoya Afroz
, the little girl we remember from Hum Saath Saath Hain, is all grown up! Now an actress and model with credits in films like Kabad: The Coin and Sweetiee Weds NRI, and web series like Mukhbir: The Story of a Spy and Fireflies, Zoya recently starred in a web show Sikandar Ka Muqaddar with
Tamannaah Bhatia
, Jimmy Sheirgill, and Avinash Tiwary, the actress believes her journey is just beginning.
Despite living in Mumbai, her heart remains in Lucknow, its streets, delicious food, and unique culture.
In conversation with us, Zoya reflects on her journey from a child artist to finding her own path in Bollywood, sharing heartwarming stories about her early co-stars, how deeply her Lucknow upbringing has shaped her, and her hopes for the future of her career.
'Picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost'
Looking back at her journey from being a child actor to finding her way in Bollywood, Zoya says, 'I started when I was only about three and couldn't even talk properly.
So, it's been a long journey, but it has been good.' Talking about why not many child actors translate into big actors as adults, Zoya thinks everyone has their own path. 'I can't speak for others, but for me, I believe if you have a dream in your heart, there's a reason for it.
If you work hard at it, it will lead somewhere. I'm still on my journey, and yes! Picture abhi baaki hai.' She says with a smile.
Zoya (inset) as Radhika in Hum Saath Saath Hain
'Choosing impactful roles is important'
When asked if she cares more about having a good role or just being on screen a lot, Zoya says, 'I've never really worried about how much screen time I get.
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For me, the role must be important. I want to make a mark. I want to play women who are inspiring, have different sides to them, and are strong, whether the role is for five minutes or fifty.'
Asked if she wants to be in big, popular Bollywood movies or if she only likes character roles, she says, 'I love both! I would love to be in a classic Bollywood movie with beautiful saris, dancing in the snow. I've done it before, and I'd love to do it again.
But I also enjoy roles that challenge me and have a lot of depth. OTT have made space for those kinds of stories.'
Zoya with Avinash Tiwary in a still from the web show Sikandar Ka Muqaddar
'My memories as a child actor show how far I have come in the industry'
Having worked as a child artist in movies that everyone loves, like Hum Saath Saath Hain and Kuch Naa Kaho, Zoya shares sweet memories of the actors she worked with. 'I remember meeting Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at a party. When I told Abhishek I was the little girl from Kuch Naa Kaho, he was incredibly kind.
He immediately took me through the crowd to meet Aishwarya who complemented me for my height.' Talking about Hum Saath Saath Hain, where she played Salman Khan's niece, Radhika, Zoya remembers, 'That movie had so many Bollywood stars in one place! I was just a little girl, but I remember how warm everyone was.
Everyone knows how fond of kids Salman sir really is. He would bring us chocolates and joke around with us. It felt like one big family on set. We used to all sit together outside on chairs, just chatting like one big family. All these memories show how far I've come in the industry.'
-Amina Ashraf
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