3 hours agoAuthor: Virendra Mishra
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Zoya Afroz started her career as a child artist. Zoya, who was Miss India International in 2021, made her debut as an actress with Himesh Reshammiya's film 'The Expose'.
During a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Zoya talked about struggle, casting couch and rejection. The actress said that outsiders have to struggle a lot to make their mark among casting directors.
Let's know what else Zoya Afroz said during the conversation…
You started your career as a child artist, how has the journey been so far?
The journey has been great, I have learnt a lot. All the credit goes to my parents. They recognised the talent of a child at the age of three and guided me in the right direction. There has been a lot of hard work and struggle in this journey. My first film was 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' with Sooraj Barjatya ji. Getting such an opportunity is a big thing for a child.
Whose decision was it to make a career in acting?
I used to act in front of the mirror when I was just two-three years old. My parents sent a picture taken at home for the Rasna ad. After a few days, I got a letter saying that I had been selected for the ad. My journey started from there. Mummy used to take me for auditions after school. She has worked very hard.
Where did you get the inspiration to become Miss India?
There were photos of Aishwarya, Sushmita and Dia Mirza in my house. I used to think after seeing them that I want to become something like that. Coincidentally, I got a chance to work with Aishwarya Rai in 'Kuch Naa Kaho'. I used to trouble her a lot in that film. I used to ask her what should be done to become Miss India? She said that you should come first in your class, always focus on studies and always keep learning. You will become Miss India. That thing got stuck in my heart.
Which film was offered to you after participating in Miss India?
I participated in Femina Miss India in 2013. I was the second runner up. After this, in 2014, I got a chance to work in Himesh Reshammiya's film 'The Expose'. It had a character similar to Parveen Bobby. I was very excited. I worked very hard for this film.
How easy was the journey after your first film and what kind of difficulties did you face?
The journey of an actor is always difficult. Especially when you are an outsider. There has been a lot of struggle in life. Had to give a lot of auditions. After giving 8-10 auditions in a day, it is very difficult to get a chance to showcase your talent.
I have done a film 'Sweety Weds NRI', web series 'Mukhbir', 'Matsyakand', in which my work was highly appreciated. Now a film 'Objection My Lord' is about to release. I am playing the role of a lawyer in it.
What kind of problems do outsiders face?
You have to struggle a lot to make your mark among casting directors. They will call you for audition for a role only when they know you. I was always told that I don't fit the Indian look. I have not understood this till date. Because of this, I have got a lot of rejections.
Has it ever happened that after being finalised for a film, you were rejected?
This happened for a film. I auditioned for it 18-20 times. I got selected, but later I came to know that the role was given to someone else. It hurts a lot, but it is also very important. Because now when I get a role, I appreciate it more.
What kind of experiences have you had with casting couch?
Nothing like this has ever happened to me. Because I don't give anyone a chance to cross the line. Casting couch happens, this is the truth. You cannot deny it. Whether it is girls or casting directors, education is very important. We have come here to work. We have come to show our art and talent. If you come with this thinking, then you can avoid casting couch. This happens in every industry. There are many difficulties for girls.
You haven't got good opportunities yet, what is the reason for this?
The problem with outsiders is that they have to choose from the opportunities they get. The opportunities I was getting were not that good. There were some roles that I could not do. I only think of a role in which I can showcase my talent.
