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Films have the power to transport us to new worlds - Areej Chaudhary

By Kaukab Jahan
04 February, 2025

In a candid conversation with You! Areej Chaudhary shares some of her thoughts regarding her acting career. Read on…

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Known for her exceptional looks and versatile acting, Areej Chaudhary is a name to reckon with. Chaudhry’s captivating looks earned her the opportunity to represent Pakistan in prestigious international pageants such as Miss Earth 2020, Miss Global 2022, and Miss Eco International 2022.

A psychologist by profession, Chaudhary’s acting career started after she was crowned Miss Pakistan World in 2020. Her first drama was ‘Maahi’ followed by ‘Sitam’, ‘Sirat-e-Mustaqeem’,’ Wo Pagal Si’, ‘Makafat’, ‘Inteqaam’ and ‘Dhikhawa’. She made her film debut with a supporting role in ‘Dhai Chaal’ in 2023.

Of late, Chaudhary has garnered immense fame with back-to-back hit drama serials - ‘Gentleman’ and ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’, which aired recently on different TV channels. Her latest movie ‘Jinna Teri Marzi’, a Pakistani-Indian joint production shot in the UK, has also got audience’s appreciation. In a candid conversation with You! Chaudhary shares some of her thoughts regarding her acting career. Read on…

Films have the power to transport us to new worlds - Areej Chaudhary

You! Your character as Natasha in the drama ‘Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum’ (KMKT) got viewers’ attention. What do you have to say in this regard?

Areej Chaudhary: To be honest, I had an inkling that my character Natasha would resonate with audiences, as complex characters often do. I believed that her nuances would capture people’s attention, and that’s exactly what happened. I was drawn to the script, especially Farhat Ishtiaq’s writing, and I felt a connection to the story from the start.

Natasha was a challenging role for me. A fun-loving girl, Natasha was bored with her lacklustre life. Her husband was loaded but was a regular guy and Natasha was looking for some excitement in her life that she found in Adeel (Emmad Irfani). I thoroughly enjoyed playing the role of Natasha.

You! How was your experience working with Emmad Irfani and Naima in KMKT?

AC: My chemistry was great with Emmad Irfani and I instantly clicked with Naeema Butt. We developed a strong bond. It felt like a family on set. It was a pleasure working with Emmad, he is just as charming and a gentleman in real life too.

You! What type of roles do you want to portray in future?

AC: I am eager to take on roles that are unique and challenging, something that pushes the boundaries and allows me to showcase my versatility as an actress. I am looking for projects that are innovative and bold, something that truly stands out.

Films have the power to transport us to new worlds - Areej Chaudhary

You! Viewers also have seen you on the big screen in ‘Dhai Chaal’. So, are there more films in future?

AC: I have worked in films and have a new project in the pipeline. Although dramas are currently more popular in Pakistan, my passion lies with films. I recently completed a horror-comedy film called ‘Jinna Teri Marzi’, a joint Pakistan-India production with a Punjabi production house, shot in the UK. The experience was fantastic, and I would love to collaborate on more cross-border projects. I hope the film industry in Pakistan grows, offering audiences something unique and imaginative. Films have the power to transport us to new worlds, whereas dramas tend to be more grounded in reality.

You! Your new film is in Punjabi, did you know the language already or learned it specifically for the film?

AC: Although I don’t speak the language fluently, I can understand it to some extent. When I first heard the title, ‘Jinna Teri Marzi’, I was curious about its meaning, and later discovered it was related to ‘jin’ (supernatural being). While reading the script, I realised the story revolved around this concept. Speaking Punjabi was a challenge, but I received tremendous support from my Indian team, Javed Sheikh, and Punjabi comedians, who helped me navigate the language. However, the most difficult part was dubbing, which took around 5-6 days to complete. Despite the hurdles, the film has turned out to be an entertaining one.

You! Has criticism on social media affected you in any way?

Films have the power to transport us to new worlds - Areej Chaudhary

AC: In entertainment industry, admiration and criticism often coexist. My approach is to remain patient and unfazed by negative comments. With strong nerves and a clear conscience, I focus on my work and don’t let others’ opinions dictate my self-worth. I do read comments, but I choose to laugh them off and ignore them, unless there’s something constructive that can help me grow. By not taking trolls to heart, I have been able to maintain my confidence and continue doing what I love i.e. acting.

You! You have also participated in various beauty pageants. How has your experience been?

AC: My experience has been great. I have learnt a lot. Normally, in international beauty pageants, the focus is more on confidence, poise, and self-expression, than your features and skin. People assume it’s just fun whereas participating in beauty pageants is a serious business. It’s a tough competition out there and one needs to behave in a professional manner.

When you are in showbiz, you are somewhat prepared to face criticism. I don’t mind healthy criticism but it is my request to my fans and readers that please do not judge us and don’t act like a ‘moral police’. As a celebrity, I have learned to ignore the noise and focus on what makes me happy. My philosophy is to listen to your heart and do whatever you like rather than trying to please others. It is essential to prioritise self-acceptance and not let external opinions dictate our choices.