In the glittering world of Bollywood and OTT platforms, few journeys capture the essence of perseverance like that of actress Zoya Afroz. From stepping onto film sets as a child artist to commanding the screen in Netflix’s breakout series ‘Tasakri’, Zoya’s path is a testament to dedication and raw talent.
‘Tasakri’ has taken the nation and the world by storm, topping charts and earning global acclaim. Zoya’s portrayal of Priya, a resilient air hostess caught in a web of smugglers and customs officials, has become the talk of the town. Her performance adds layers of complexity to a character that drives the narrative forward.
Reflecting on her early days, Zoya recalls beginning her career on the sets of Suraj Barjatya’s ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’. She later collaborated with legendary directors like Ramesh Sippy and Rohan Sippy, honing her craft in films such as ‘Kuch Na Kaho’. These experiences as a child artist and model built a strong foundation, even as she ventured into pageantry, representing India at Miss International after clinching Miss India.
“Starting young gave me an insider’s view of the industry,” Zoya shares. “Working with industry giants taught me the nuances of acting. Though the road was long, it’s been deeply rewarding. Being part of a No. 1 OTT series like ‘Tasakri’ feels like a dream realized.”
The role of Priya stood out for its depth, courtesy of director Neeraj Pandey’s masterful writing. “Neeraj sir crafts women characters with incredible strength and nuance,” she explains. “Priya isn’t just a side figure; she’s pivotal to the plot.”
Zoya’s commitment to the project was extraordinary. Vacationing in her nanihal in Assam, she received the audition call and immediately packed her bags, traveling thousands of kilometers. She aced the look test on the spot, dove into workshops the next day, and shooting commenced soon after. “Neeraj Pandey’s trust was inspiring,” she says.
One of the most challenging scenes was her interrogation sequence with Emraan Hashmi, her very first shot. “I was nervous, but that emotional scene has resonated most with audiences,” Zoya notes. Praising Hashmi, she adds, “He’s grounded, intuitive, and elevates every scene. Neeraj and Emraan bring authenticity to stories and characters.”
Looking ahead, Zoya remains unbound by conventions. “Acting, pageants, and comebacks are all part of one journey,” she asserts. “‘Tasakri’ is a milestone, and I crave more powerful roles that challenge and inspire.”
As ‘Tasakri’ continues to captivate, Zoya Afroz’s star is rising, proving that true talent always finds its way.