Zoya Afroz’s transformation from child artist to leading lady in Netflix’s thriller ‘Tasakri’ is the stuff of inspiration. The series, now a global sensation, showcases her as Priya, an air hostess entangled in a high-stakes smuggling ring, earning rave reviews for her nuanced performance.
Her career kicked off young with Suraj Barjatya’s family saga ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’, followed by stints under Ramesh Sippy and Rohan Sippy. Films like ‘Kuch Na Kaho’ and modeling gigs paved the way, culminating in her Miss India win and international representation.
Yet, acting remained her true calling. “The industry immersion from a tender age was invaluable,” Zoya reflects. “Learning from masters made the long haul worthwhile. Topping charts with ‘Tasakri’ is surreal.”
Director Neeraj Pandey’s affinity for strong female leads drew Zoya to Priya. “This character propels the story with grit and depth,” she says. The opportunity arose unexpectedly during a family visit to Assam. A sudden call prompted her to traverse vast distances for an audition. Selected instantly after a look test, she jumped into prep and filming.
“Neeraj sir’s faith propelled me,” she recalls. Her debut scene—an intense interrogation with Emraan Hashmi—tested her mettle. “Nerves hit hard that first morning, but it’s the scene fans love most.”
On Hashmi: “Effortlessly real and collaborative, he enhances everything. Their director-actor synergy infuses realism.”
Zoya’s philosophy? Fluidity in career paths. From pageants to OTT triumphs, “‘Tasakri’ marks a peak, but I’m hungry for more impactful characters,” she declares.
With ‘Tasakri’s’ success, Zoya is poised for bigger breakthroughs, her story reminding aspiring artists that bold moves and talent triumph.