you & me
A n established thespian, Malika Zafar rose to fame by playing a pivotal role ‘Milli’ in 2016 hit TV serial ‘Udaari’. She has learnt acting from the legendary Hollywood star, Meryl Streep’s teacher during her summer school at Harvard. She further went on to study acting in Mumbai and did a one-year conservatory programme in method acting from the Lee Strasberg Film and Theatre Institute in New York.
According to Malika, she was introduced to the world of showbiz by her great-grandmother Malika Pukraj and her aunt Tahira Syed. Her theatrical work spans over six years including plays directed by the maestro, Nida Butt. “I’ve done lots of theatre and independent films but have just ventured into TV. I’ve shot for three T.V dramas so far,” says Malika.
She is also a professionally trained dancer and excels in Bharatanatyam, Tap, Ballet, Jazz and Salsa. Malika learnt the art of dance from Indu Mitha. “My first dance performance was at Lok Virsa when I was five years old,” she shares. Malika defines herself as an actor with a mission and aspires to play significant roles on TV and films to help project women in a positive light. These days she is working on a short film and a drama for television. This week meet the wonderful Malika Zafar. Let’s see what are her likes & dislikes...
What is your most memorable drama serial/theatre show to-date?
I enjoyed acting in ‘The God of Carnage’. I played a woman who appears to be an urbane, polished woman but regresses rapidly into her primal self
Is acting/dancing your passion or just a time pass? Or a way of making money?
A passion
Your favourite international label:
Valentino
Your favourite designer:
Alexander McQueen (late)
Your favourite photographer:
Michael Kenna. I love his black and white landscapes
What do you usually wear in daily life?
Jeans and a top
What is one cosmetic you cannot do without?
Sun block
When stepping out, do you wear makeup all the time?
No
Your idea of romance:
The way to my heart is definitely through my stomach
One thing you like best about yourself
My resilience
Which designer’s clothes you would always love to wear?
Not any one designer
You like guys who are....
Intelligent
Your favourite co-star:
It would be a dream to work with Mark Rylance
Your most irritating habit:
I’m very irritable when hungry
You don’t like people who are...
Hypocrites
You always feel happy in the company of...
My family
You are afraid of...
Cockroaches
Happiness is...
Peace of mind
Your most valuable possession:
Meaningful relationships
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Il Posto, they have a fantastic gluten free menu
Your all time favourite movie:
‘That Obscure Object of Desire’- Bunuel
Are you a shopaholic?
Quite the opposite. I barely shop
What bores you the most?
Small talk and narrow mindedness
When feeling low you prefer:
To exercise
You are crazy about...
Food
Among your friends you are known as...
You’d have to ask them
Are you a social person or a loner?
A bit of both
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
In bed with a good book
What’s your favourite breakfast food?
Cheese omelette
Your beauty regimen:
Cleansing and moisturising
Your favourite exercise...
Rock climbing
The best gift you have ever received:
These heirloom pearl and diamond earrings my grandmother gave me
The best thing that has been said about me
That I’m kind
The biggest misconception about me...
That I’m choosy
What would be your advice to someone who is thinking of training to be an actress?
That they should get professional training
What do you like most about your job/work?
That you get to explore different psyches
If you weren’t doing what you are doing today... you would be
A surgeon.