ZARNISH KHAN - MADE FOR THE SCREEN

  • 02 Nov - 08 Nov, 2019
  • Mag The Weekly
  • Interview

Relatively new to our screens, Zarnish Khan made sure she made a name for herself as soon as she made her way in the industry. So talented is Khan, that it took only one year and a couple of shows and she bagged an award to her name for Best Soap Actress. Khan has cut her own path and believes in being her own person, one that we are looking forward to on the other side of the screen. The starlet talks to MAG about her budding career and acting choices; read on…

Who is Zarnish Khan when she isn’t on the screen?

She is a very simple girl – the girl next door. She’s very passionate and family oriented.

How did acting pan out for you?

Acting was more of destiny than a choice for me. When I was growing up, I had no concept of this career choice in my head. It just happened. A friend of my mother’s thought I was talented and had the looks for it. She took me to the sets where I met a director who asked me to say few lines. He liked my style of acting and from then onwards my journey began.

What challenges did you have to overcome to make your way to the screen?

If you’re asking in terms of family support then I haven’t faced that much because my family has always been very supportive with the kind of choices I have made in my life, with the kind of things I wanted to do. I think in that regard, I was sorted. And from the audience, the response has been very commendable. People have loved my work and have given me the platform to work so it’s basically the love that’s making me still do it otherwise it would have been a one-time thing.

The most challenging role you have done so far?

Every character I do is challenging on some level, otherwise I wouldn’t have done it. Every character of mine has had something special about it. If I had to name one, I would say Zainab’s character from Laaj. It was very difficult as I was portraying the role of a conventional girl from Punjab who wears shalwar kameez, traditional jewelry and paranda and speak in a Punjabi accent. It took some research. I actually went to the village and lived with the people there. I observed them and that was a big part of playing this character.

How would you contrast your life before and after your modeling and acting career?

I think my career has not affected my personal life in any manner. As I said, I am very family oriented. I make sure that I do not disturb my personal life or family with work issues.

Give us a scoop of your filtering process; how do you choose your scripts?

First thing I do is I listen to the one liner. If I like the story then I go through it myself. I don’t care if the screen time is less, I care about the character and the character should have something interesting about it. Something that makes me want to take it up such as Donia in Ishq Zahe Naseeb, which has also been very well-received. The filtering process is just that the character I take up needs to click with me.

You played a wheelchair bound woman in Ishq Zahe Naseeb. How did you prepare for the role?

Initially I wasn’t sure if I should do it but when I read the whole script a part of my heart fell for it and the only thing I could think of was that I need to do it, I need to portray it in the best possible way. Her class, her attitude and everything that Donia is carries something I always wanted to do. I think I have been really blessed to work with such a great director and team. I made a mark for the character which I’m really glad about.

How was your experience working alongside Sami Khan?

It was amazing. Sami Khan and I are really good friends; I don’t get along with people easily but Sami is one of those who just clicked with me and we literally worked on our chemistry on-screen.

Do you think you have a social responsibility working on an influential platform?

Big time. As actors we have a huge social responsibility because whatever we do or say is being heard, recognised and acted upon. This just entitles us with more responsibility, which is why every project we take up should have a reason behind it. We shouldn’t just do it for the sake of it.

Is it true that who you are has to change in order to be accepted in the entertainment business?

I don’t believe that – I am the kind of a person who makes her own trends. You should know what suits you the best, what’s the best for you. Make your own path and live it up.

What’s next for you?

I’m not the kind of person who will set a five year plan for her life. I take life as it comes. I am very spontaneous and I want to enjoy every moment of my life. I think when you plan too much, you miss out on the fun, so let’s see.

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