After kickstarting his career with films, Nakuul Mehta gained prominence on television with his stint in Ishqbaaz and Pyaar Ka Dard Hai. Now, he has forayed into OTT with Do You Wanna Partner and Space Gen Chandrayaan. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, the actor reflects on his journey, failures, and how fatherhood changed him. Nakuul Mehta on dealing with failures While Nakuul Mehta now knows all the tricks of the trade, he has dealt with several rejections before seeing fame in this industry. Reflecting on his audition days, the actor shares, “I've actually had more failures than successes. I would have auditioned at least 500 times in my life from the beginning of my career and not done a hundredth of that work. That's also the nature of the business you've chosen to be in. I think at some point you realize that failure is not to be taken personally, nor is success.” He added, “Like, for me to even imagine that I'd be living in Mumbai and make a career and have people watching your work is unthinkable. So, I don't take this for granted. I feel like this could be your best and last piece of work, and you've got to celebrate that. Then you're constantly moving and not being bogged down by your losses or by what's not there.” Nakuul Mehta on fatherhood Nakuul got married to Jankee in 2012, and in 2021, they welcomed their first child, whom they named Sufi. In 2025, the couple welcomed their second child, a baby girl, whom they named Rumi. While Nakuul shares how he has days of insecurity, he also admits that being a father has changed things for him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jankee Mehta (@jank_ee) The Ishqbaaz actor shares, “I think becoming a parent has changed a lot of things for me. Because when you go back, and in your child's eye, all he wants is for you to be present. You live for how you can become the best version so that this person can grow up to be a better human being. And then all of the outside noise sort of dwindles down. It's not to say that I don't have days of insecurity. I do. I'm a human being, so I have it. But you build a circle of trust and friendship around you, where you can be honest. And then days of insecurity kind of pass.” When asked how the actor strikes a work-life balance, he remarks, “I feel fathers are not considered parents on a set, unlike mothers. A mother is always a mother, who's a working mother. It's never a working father. But I take that role very seriously. There are days you're successful, there are days you fail, and that's life—but you try.” Talking about Space Gen Chandrayaan, the series also stars Shriya Saran and Danish Sait in pivotal roles.
28 January,2026 04:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Aakruti BaglaAmazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, announces its upcoming series Ab Hoga Hisaab. Set in Punjab, the series is deeply rooted in ambition, brotherhood, and the relentless pull of migration. Loosely inspired by true events, Ab Hoga Hisaab follows the lives of two brothers, Bobby and Bunty Manocha, whose lives take a dramatic turn after a life-altering incident, which pulls them into a dangerous world driven by power, greed, and survival. Ab Hoga Hisaab teaser The announcement promo offers a chilling glimpse into the high-stakes universe of the show, establishing a tone steeped in revenge, dominance, and unresolved moral debt. The teaser introduces Sanjay Kapoor as Goldy Sekhon, a ruthless force who believes in striking before time runs out; Shaheer as Bobby Manocha, a man pushed to the brink emotionally and physically; and Mouni Roy as Kamna, a sharp, calculating presence who understands the true price of power. Anchored by the haunting refrain, “Gunahon ka aur karmon ka… Ab Hoga Hisaab,” the promo sets the tone for a morally charged battle where loyalty is fragile, lines are constantly crossed, and every past action demands reckoning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amazon MX Player (@mxplayer) Produced by Arré Studio and directed by Divyanshu Malhotra, the series boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Kapoor, Shaheer, Mouni Roy, Avinash Mishra, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Harman Singha, and Asheema Vardaan, each bringing raw intensity and emotional depth to a narrative built on brotherhood, betrayal, and resistance against a far greater force. The cast speaks about Ab Hoga Hisaab Sharing his experience, Shaheer said, "Hisaab is built on emotion and intensity, and being part of this world has been an incredible experience. The vision behind the series, the energy on set, and the layered writing make it a special project. I’m excited for audiences to experience it.” Sanjay Kapoor shared, "What drew me to Hisaab was its honesty and the way it captures human emotions under extreme pressure. There is a realism in the writing and an intensity in the world that make the story powerful. We can’t wait for the audience to witness this compelling revenge drama unfold." Mouni Roy added, “What instantly drew me to Hisaab was the depth and detailing of its world and the way every character shapes the rhythm of the story. The story has a precise pulse and mood that makes it both challenging and exciting to perform. I’m thrilled for viewers to dive in.” Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of Content, Amazon MX Player, said, “At Amazon MX Player, we are focused on telling stories that feel raw and rooted. Ab Hoga Hisaab brings strong performances, intense emotional core, and a world inspired by true experiences. The series brings a compelling narrative that is both grounded and gripping.” Ab Hoga Hisaab will soon stream exclusively on Amazon MX Player, free of charge, across the MX Player app, Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xstream.
28 January,2026 11:05 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of the Kim Kardashian-starrer The Fifth Wheel have begun the production of this female-driven film. The film is being directed by Eva Longoria. Streaming giant Netflix has released first-look images from the set of The Fifth Wheel, which also stars Nikki Glaser in the lead role. Taking to her Instagram handle, Netflix shared behind-the-scenes photos from the film's shoot. "The Fifth Wheel, starring Kim Kardashian, Nikki Glaser, Fortune Feimster, Brenda Song, and directed by Eva Longoria, is now in production," wrote Netflix while sharing the photos. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) Written by Paula Pell and Janine Brito, the film is set to follow a group of high school best friends as they "attempt to reconnect during a weekend haunt to Vegas, but when a hot outsider (the titular fifth wheel, played by Kardashian, of course) crashes their weekend, they're forced to face their messy lives, bad decisions and unraveling friendships," reported Variety. The Fifth Wheel is Longoria's second time directing a feature film. The Desperate Housewives star previously directed Flamin' Hot back in 2023, chronicling the creation of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The comedy is Kardashian's latest foray into acting; the reality star previously starred as Allura Grant in Hulu's legal drama All's Fair and as prominent publicist Siobhan Corbyn alongside Emma Roberts in Season 12 of American Horror Story. The Fifth Wheel marks Kardashian's first leading film role and first collaboration with Netflix. The film is produced by Pell, Kardashian, Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell and Alex Brown for Gloria Sanchez, and Cris Abrego and Longoria's Hyphenate Media Group. Mary Bundy and David Hyman serve as executive producers, according to Variety. A release date has yet to be announced. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 January,2026 10:38 AM IST | Washington DC | ANIRanvir Shorey, who reprises his role as the pookie gangster Chhota Davan in Amazon MX Player’s Bindiya Ke Bahubali season 2, has high regard for his long-time collaborator and veteran actor Saurabh Shukla. The latter essays Ranvir’s father in the show. They met through their common friend and actor Rajat Kapoor and have been going strong even after decades in showbiz. Ranvir exclusively tells mid-day, “Saurabh is older than me in every possible way – experience, talent, and wisdom. There's a very older brother vibe, which I have with Saurabh. I not only enjoy spending time, but I also look forward to it. It’s a learning and fun experience for me.” Why Ranvir Shorey lost out on work opportunities Recently, many filmmakers and producers have prioritised social media clout over traditional acting merit when casting. Ranvir, known for his unfiltered presence online, acknowledges that his outspoken nature may have cost him significant professional opportunities. He explains, “Of course, I have no concrete evidence or conclusive proof of this. But I think it does affect how you are perceived in the business. But it’s one life, bro; I do not want to be boxed up. I don't want to toe the line. I don't want to live a life where I feel like my opinions have to lick somebody's feet.” Ranvir, who started his career with television and later transitioned into movies and OTT, says the industry has changed for good. “I think there are far more opportunities today in the world of filmmaking. And the flip side to that is that there is far more competition also.” Ranvir Shorey on Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 Ranvir is currently filming Khosla Ka Ghosla 2, a project he committed to only after confirming that original cast members Anupam Kher and Boman Irani were returning. Describing them as the "pillars" of the franchise, he likens the experience to a family reunion. “I didn't want to be the reason the Khosla family couldn't get back together,” he notes, emphasising his loyalty to the original ensemble. While Ranvir can shapeshift into any given role, he is largely associated with comedy as a genre. At a time when cringeworthy content is taking over intelligent writing, the actor states that it is paramount to back good projects. “People don't realise how much goes on behind the scenes. What actors, directors, and writers struggle with, you cannot imagine. The kind of egos you have to deal with just to be able to do the kind of work you want to do,” he signs off.
25 January,2026 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesActress Richa Chadha was seen sporting a chic, shorter hairstyle to embrace a brand new look for an upcoming project that she is set to shoot from the first week of February. A source close to the actress told IANS: “Richa has always been someone who enjoys playing with her look for the sake of her craft. Whenever she changes her appearance, there’s usually a creative reason behind it.” “The new haircut is for a brand new project that will start in February. It's a major series for an OTT platform that will have Richa essaying the female lead in,” the source added. The actress will announce her new project for which she is sporting the new short-hair look. Richa made her acting debut with a small role in the comedy film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and tasted success with her work in the 2012 crime film Gangs of Wasseypur. She gained wider acclaim with her work in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Masaan, Fukrey, Section 375, and the series Inside Edge. Richa was last seen on screen in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed series Heeramand: the Diamond Bazaar. Set in the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore during the Indian independence movement, the series explores the lives of tawaifs and their intersection with political and personal struggles under British colonial rule. The ensemble cast includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Taha Shah Badussha. In 2022, she and her beau, Ali Fazal, announced their impending marriage and added that the ceremony would be eco-friendly. In October 2022, she married Ali at a ceremony in Lucknow. In 2024, the two welcomed their first child, a baby girl. Talking about Ali, he is currently busy with the movie adaptation of the series Mirzapur, which follows Akhandanand “Kaleen” Tripathi, a crime boss and businessman who is the proverbial ruler of Mirzapur district in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh state in India. In the first season, the main cast features Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. The second season retains the principal cast from the first season, excluding Massey and Pilgaonkar, with a new cast comprising Vijay Varma, Isha Talwar, Lilliput, Anjum Sharma, Priyanshu Painyuli, Anangsha Biswas, and Neha Sargam. The series was filmed primarily in Uttar Pradesh, with the majority of scenes shot in Mirzapur, as well as in other locations, including Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Ghazipur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2026 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Nitin Rao, who got to star alongside Emraan Hashmi in the latest release Taskaree, has heaped praise on the Bollywood star and said that despite being such a senior actor, he never made him feel that hierarchy on set. Talking about working with Emraan, Nitin said: “Working with Emraan Hashmi was a very comfortable and enriching experience. Despite being such a senior actor, he never made me feel that hierarchy on set. From day one, everything felt natural and organic. We had a lot of conversations, and our scenes flowed effortlessly.” He added, “There was no nervousness or hesitation from my side because he creates a very relaxed environment around him. His calm and restrained approach helped me stay present in the moment, and our performances naturally fed off each other.” Nitin has worked on projects like Kaun Pravin Tambe?, Darbar starring Rajinikanth, and Samrat Prithviraj to name a few. Talking about what made Taskaree an instant yes for him, Nitin shares: “Taskaree felt like a homecoming for me. I had previously worked with the same production house on Kaun Pravin Tambe?, so there was already a sense of familiarity and trust. When I came in for the audition, everything clicked naturally - both sides felt I was right for the role. What excited me most was how different this character was from what I had done before.” “In Kaun Pravin Tambe?, I played Abhi Koravela, a real-life character who was soft-spoken, gentle, and calm. In Taskaree, my character operates at the ground level of Mumbai’s smuggling network — rough, tough, and deeply entrenched in crime, where violence and execution are just part of the job. That contrast really intrigued me.” She added: “It gave me a chance to explore a completely different side of myself as an actor and showcase my versatility, which is why I immediately said yes to the project.” Delving deeper into the emotional core of his character, Nitin reflects on how different it is from his real self. He added, “I am very different from this character. In real life, I’m calm, positive, and deeply connected to yoga and mindfulness. Playing someone who thrives in chaos and violence was a complete contrast - almost 180 degrees from who I am.” “That’s what made it exciting. I wanted to experiment and push myself out of my comfort zone. The response I’ve received so far has been very encouraging, which reassures me that the risk was worth it.” Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web also stars Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Zoya Afroz, Nandish Sandhu, and Anurag Sinha. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 January,2026 01:49 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe trailer of Bhumi Pednekar's intense crime thriller series Daldal was unveiled on Wednesday. The compelling trailer comes after the impactful and unsettling teaser that was released a few days ago, which garnered widespread acclaim for its disruptive and chilling visuals. Daldal trailer released The trailer for Daldal shows a gritty, adrenaline-fueled descent into the harrowing world of DCP Rita Ferreira, played by Bhumi Satish Pednekar. The trailer unveils a series of brutal, meticulously orchestrated murders that uncover the deeply twisted psyche of a cold-blooded killer. As the number of murders rises, Rita is pulled deeper into a dark and unsettling investigation that threatens to consume her. After reaching her breaking point, she races against time while battling her own inner demons. All this while facing the relentless pressure of a system that demands results at any cost. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Talking about her role as DCP Rita Ferreira, Bhumi Satish Pednekar, said, “Playing Rita Ferreira has been one of the most intense and creatively fulfilling experiences of my career. She is a woman forged by ambition, haunted by doubt, and burdened by the weight of her past – a character who demanded that I explore the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength in ways I had never done before. Stepping into her world was both challenging and deeply rewarding, as Rita's journey mirrors the complexities we all face when confronting our own demons." She adds, "Reuniting with Vikram, after the hugely successful Toilet-Ek Prem Katha, was like a homecoming, and I am profoundly grateful to Suresh, Amrit, and the entire team behind this series for entrusting me with such a richly layered and emotionally demanding role. Daldal holds a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled that the series is premiering exclusively on Prime Video on January 30, reaching audiences across India and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. I hope Rita's story resonates with viewers as powerfully as it has with me." About Daldal Daldal is set in the bustling city of Mumbai and revolves around DCP Rita Ferreira, played by Bhumi Satish Pednekar, as she embarks on a dangerous investigation to track down a cold-blooded serial killer. The series, based on Vish Dhamija’s bestselling book Bhendi Bazaar, is helmed by Amrit Raj Gupta and produced by Vikram Malhotra and Suresh Triveni. An Abundantia Entertainment production, the series is created by Suresh Triveni and written by Sreekanth Agneeaswaran, Rohan D’Souza, and Priya Saggi, with powerful dialogues penned by Suresh Triveni and Hussain Haidry. Alongside Bhumi Satish Pednekar, the series also stars Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal in lead roles. Daldal will premiere on Prime Video across India and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide on January 30.
21 January,2026 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter a critically acclaimed first season that set a new benchmark for Indian police procedurals, Kohrra returns on February 11, reaffirming its place as one of Netflix India’s most prestigious and finely crafted investigative dramas. The series is a Film Squad Production in Association with Act Three, produced by Saurabh Malhotra, Sudip Sharma, Manuj Mittra and Tina Tharwani. Created and written by Gunjit Chopra, Diggi Sisodia and Sudip Sharma, Season 2 brings a fresh case and a new pairing, rooted once again in Punjab’s bleak, wintry terrain where silence often speaks louder than a confession. Kohhra Season 2 Plot Leaving Jagrana behind, Assistant Sub-Inspector Amarpal Garundi (Barun Sobti) is posted to Dalerpura Police Station, where he now works under his new commanding officer, Dhanwant Kaur (Mona Singh). Different as they may seem, both share the same passion to throw themselves into a case- even as the walls they’ve built to escape their pasts crumble right before their eyes. With Barun Sobti returning as Garundi and Mona Singh joining the franchise in a nuanced, compelling new role, Kohrra Season 2 promises a haunting new chapter in Indian noir. One where truth emerges slowly, unbeknownst to greater but more familiar beasts lurking in the mist. Creator Sudip Sharma turns director Season 2 also marks an important creative evolution for the series. Sudip Sharma, the visionary creator and showrunner of Kohrra, steps into the director’s chair (alongside Faisal Rahman), bringing an even more intimate and immersive lens to the storytelling. Sudip Sharma shares, “It’s quite exciting to be back. Season 1 allowed us to explore quieter tensions between people, between past and present. This season as well, we’ve tried to bring forth as authentic a portrayal of Punjab as possible, with the characters rooted in a universal reality we’ve seen play out across the country. The show's an emotional roller-coaster. Barun and Mona have done a fantastic job, and I can’t wait for people to see it for themselves.” Tanya Bami - Series Head, Netflix India adds, “Set in a new city against the backdrop of a new crime and new partnership, S02 is even more riveting. I completely credit the expert craftsmanship of Sudip Sharma, who is not only the creator & showrunner, but is also making his directorial debut with S2. For all crime fans, this is an unmissable crime drama thriller.” Kohrra Season 2 begins its investigation on February 11, only on Netflix.
20 January,2026 12:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA lot goes into making a series, but the first — and most important — step is getting the content right. Former Indian Navy sailor and screenwriter Vipul K Rawal, who has written the recent Netflix series Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, says that while not all his stories are inspired by reality, the Emraan Hashmi-led series is one that “is based on many real-life incidents, a result of director Neeraj Pandey and my extensive research”. Rawal says he had insider access while writing the story of a customs officer, and integrated several real accounts into the script. “We were introduced to both retired and active smugglers by our consultant, who happens to be a customs officer. A lot of their modus operandi has been incorporated in the script, which was given to us by smugglers and customs officers.” A still from ‘Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web’. Pics/Instagram Smugglers are men (and sometimes women) who live by plundering, evoking fear, and thriving where law and order can’t reach — in films. So, one would assume that meeting a few would be intimidating. Rawal, however, insists, “They are not like the smugglers that are usually shown in movies. They are normal people who are doing business. The only difference is that they are importing things into the country without paying the customs duty. But Emraan’s character [Arjun Meena] is totally fictional.” From the Navy to writing, he calls it a slow pivot, describing it as a “gradual shift towards writing”. Rawal — who has also authored the book Film Ki Kahani Kaise Likhen and is planning his second directorial venture — adds, “Being successful in any creative field is always tough. If the person doesn’t have the intelligence to understand things, it does take time to break in.” Vipul Rawal’s work 2016 ‘Rustom’2018 ‘Batti Gul Meter Chalu’2023 ‘Mission Raniganj’2024 ‘Sikandar Ka Muqaddar’
20 January,2026 11:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRThere’s something unnervingly convincing about Anurag Thakur when he slips into character — so much so that even his family struggled to separate the man from the role. Whether he played a cop in Vikramaditya Motwane’s Black Warrant (2025) or took on the recently released Freedom at Midnight 2 by Nikkhil Advani, Thakur leaves a mark. Widely appreciated for his performance as Madanlal Pahwa, the actor talks to mid-day about his approach, tackling the lull between projects, and why theatre remains his first love. Excerpts from the interview. Showrunner Nikkhil Advani said your performance stood out and you are one to watch out for. What reactions have you been getting for Freedom at Midnight 2?Yes, Nikkhil sir called to thank me for trusting him with this [role]. He was glad it came out the way he wanted it. Sir told me, ‘You are my Manoj Bajpayee’. My sister, who didn’t know Madanlal Pahwa, asked my father about him. He told her, it was Anurag. The reactions have been unexpected and beautiful. Still from ‘Freedom at Midnight 2’ You’ve been working in the industry since 2015. According to you, what has been your breakthrough project?According to the audience, of course, Black Warrant — it’s a Vikramaditya Motwane series and a beautiful show. [Despite] having worked for a long time, I’d also say Black Warrant, show-wise. [Since then], things have changed for the better. When it comes to playing a real-life character compared to a fictional one, does your approach change?The basic approach is the same, where I focus on the backstory and the mental and physical transformation of it. But if I have a reference photo or a reference video of the character, then I obviously try to adapt to it. Luckily for me, Madanlal Pahwa’s reference is only in name, so I had the freedom to portray him the way I wanted. Still from ‘Freedom at ‘Black Warrant’ How did you build the character without references?All the information I got from the script, I wrote it down in a diary. I also started reading up on him from books and the web. I researched what was going on in the country at the time. In one of the articles [I had read], he had lost his index finger while making a bomb. I asked Nikkhil sir if it was okay to keep the finger bent. I thought it would help me relate to Madanlal Pahwa more. Did anything shown in the series differ from what you knew of the Partition story?I think the show was written in a very balanced and neutral way, so I did not feel any anomaly. I didn’t focus on what my opinion was in school [when we studied about the Partition]. When you have a director like Nikkhil sir, you trust his vision, writing, and everything he does. Moreover, I am not a critic, judge, or filmmaker; I approached it as an actor with sole focus on my character. To mentally [align with my character], I had to keep repeating in my head: Yes, I have to kill someone. How else would you actually convince yourself to kill or assassinate someone? The backstory, references, and the things that have happened with him during the exodus [convinced Madanlal] to do it. It takes time to make a name in the industry and among fans. How do you keep your passion alive through the struggles?By working. I kept doing theatre and workshops with friends. I have been part of a theatre group in Delhi. I was also a teacher; I wrote, directed, and acted in plays when we formed a new group — Bayaar Theatre Group. I also keep sharpening my skills as an actor. Right now, I am not doing any films or web shows. But I am in the play Hum Hum, written by a close friend, on February 3. The play I’m performing on February 21 is called Aham Murakami, a Hindi-Japanese drama written and directed by Lovely Raj. Between theatre and movies, what gives you creative satisfaction?Since I have spent more time on stage, right now it is theatre for me. But the more I am working on camera, I feel that there is no major difference between the two mediums. Some technical things are very different, like theatre requires teamwork, but on camera you can act alone, minus the technicians on set. After a point, both are the same for me. The ultimate goal is to be happy, honest [to my craft], to be able to keep exploring, and stay passionate.
20 January,2026 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamBollywood beauty Zoya Afroz, who recently featured in the Netflix web series Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, had a head start in the film industry courtesy of her stints as a child star. Her most prominent role was baby Radhika in Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999). She later went on to venture into projects like Mann and Kuch Naa Kaho. In an exclusive interview with mid-day, Zoya shares her journey in showbiz, working with the incredibly talented Emraan Hashmi, and more. Zoya Afroz on her stint as a child actor Zoya believes that, despite having a head start in Bollywood, she only benefited in terms of familiarity, not momentum. Being a child artiste helped her grow and get comfortable in front of the camera since she didn’t come from a film family. “Every opportunity still had to be earned,” she asserts. With Taskaree, Zoya considers this phase as a fresh beginning, one where she’s been recognised for her choices. “For me, longevity comes from reinvention and persistence, not early access,” adds Zoya. Zoya Afroz on working with Emraan Hashmi In Taskaree, Zoya plays a former cabin crew member, Priya Khubchandani, who works undercover for customs officer Arjun Meena, played by Emraan Hashmi. Zoya says working with the superstar was an education in restraint. “He brings a calm confidence to the set, which makes scenes feel organic rather than rehearsed. What I appreciated most was how present he is, he listens and reacts, and that elevates the scene. It creates a space where performances naturally deepen. He is also a thorough gentleman and a very well-read man,” she shares. Zoya Afroz on choosing projects Zoya is drawn to roles that have inner conflict, shaped by circumstance but not defined by it. “I’m less interested in ‘strong’ characters and more interested in complex ones.” However, she does have boundaries when choosing a project. I wouldn’t do anything that exists purely to provoke or objectify, without narrative necessity. If something doesn’t move the story or reveal the character, it doesn’t belong on screen,” she adds. Going forward, Zoya would love to work with filmmakers who respect subtext and challenge actors-directors like Neeraj Pandey (again), Vishal Bhardwaj, Zoya Akhtar, Meghna Gulzar, and Shoojit Sircar, and actors who bring depth and honesty to their craft.
19 January,2026 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesADVERTISEMENT
