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Zhalay Sarhadi

By Nida raza
Tue, 04, 17

There is something about Zhalay Sarhadi. Her chiseled features and charming personality attracted viewers from her very first entry into TV.

you & me

There is something about Zhalay Sarhadi. Her chiseled features and charming personality attracted viewers from her very first entry into TV. Zhalay Sarhadi has been part of showbiz since she was a child. “My paternal side of the family has been associated with performing arts for almost a century now,” says Zhalay. However, Zhalay gives credit to veteran actor Saajid Hasan for her professional entry into dramas. “Saajid Hasan, was the one who encouraged me in my initial years as a TV actor,” tells Zhalay.  During her early days on TV, she also hosted a reality show ‘Shaadi Online’ on Geo TV and gained immense popularity among masses. Zhalay has acted in countless dramas and serials. Some of her most popular serials include ‘Madiha Maleeha’, ‘Uraan’, ‘Virasat’, ‘Kahi Unkahi’, ‘Digest Writer’ and ‘Noor Mahal’. Currently she is working on two drama serials. Zhalay also tried her luck in movies and acted in ‘Ramchand Pakistani’ in 2008. She did a small role as ‘Bunno’ in ‘Jalaibee’ (2015). Her latest movie ‘Chalay Thay Sath’ has just released all over Pakistan. Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this talented actress...

How many dramas/serials have you done so far?Zhalay Sarhadi

I have been working for more than a decade; so have lost count on how many serials I have been part of.  

What are your most memorable drama serials to-date?

I loved my character in ‘Noor Mahal’, also in ‘Sabz Pari Lal Kabootar’.

Is acting your passion or just a time pass? Or a way of making money?

I studied to become a painter initially but when I was introduced to theatre and mime, I fell in love with this medium and my love affair with acting started and is still on. 

How has been the experience of working in ‘Chalay Thay Sath’ so far?

The experience was interesting. As the film itself was something I believed in and the beauty of the places was inspirational. 

What are your expectations from the film? Will it be able to make it to box office?

I have no clue as to how it will fare on the box office. I just hope and pray that the stories that make ‘Chalay Thay Saath’ a unique film, get to connect with the audience. If that happens, the by-product would bring good results at the box office.

What is one major difference you have noticed between small screen and big screen?

The size of the screen for one. In actuality that is a major defining factor. Cinema scope allows actors to be larger than life and magnified. Hence acting is at a test. Also story telling can be more visual and less narrative based.

 Your favourite international labels:

I am not a brand conscious person. I see designs, colours or cuts that I like. Also, while buying anything I take into consideration the quality of the product. 

Your favourite photographers:


Akif Ilyas, Zara Tareen, Rizwaan, Kashif Rashid, Shahbaz, Jaffer Hasan and Fayyaz Ahmed are some I have worked with and loved a lot.

What do you usually wear in daily life?

Jeans and a top.

 What is one cosmetic you cannot do without?

Lipstick.

When stepping out, do you wear makeup all the time?

 Nope not at all. Just sun block.

Your idea of romance:

Cuddling with my husband on the beach on a cold winter’s night. 

One thing you like best about yourself

My ability to think the best of people. It’s also the one thing I hate about myself.

Zhalay SarhadiWhich designer’s clothes you would always love to wear?

There are two - Tena Durrani and Inaaya by Naushaba Brohi.

You like guys who are...

Smart, funny and honest. Looks are important but they take a back seat after a while.

Your favourite co-star:

Faysal Qureshi.

Your most irritating habit:

I can’t confront bitchy women. Whereas can totally deal with such men! 

You don’t like people who are...

Snide back stabbers.

You always feel happy in the company of ...

My family and my friends. 

You are afraid of...

 Fear itself. 

Happiness is...

When you allow yourself the luxury of being happy.

Your most valuable possession

My compassion.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Pompeii.

Your all time favourite movies?

‘Sounds of Music’ and ‘Masoom’. 

Are you a shopaholic?

No I am not.

What bores you the most?

 Monotony in work.

When feeling low you prefer:

To work out.

You are crazy about...Zhalay Sarhadi

My daughter and sometimes my husband.

Among your friends you are known as...

Hahaha... you have to ask them this.

 Are you a social person or a loner?

I am a very social person. Though I have my moments of solitude. 

How do you like to spend your Sundays?

Relaxing with Amir and Anaya. 

What’s your favourite breakfast food?

Fried eggs sunny side up with toast.

Your beauty regimen:

Cleansing and moisturizing. 

Your favourite exercise...

Cardio.

The best gift you have ever received?

The gift of love from all my fans. 

The best thing that’s been said about you

That I am a loyal friend. 

The biggest misconception about you...

That I am in it for the glamour of the profession and not pursuance of serious histrionics.

What would be your advice to someone who is thinking of training to be an actor?

Ditch your ego and inhibitions and get ready to be demeaned. You have to believe in what you want and try equally hard to get it. Focus on yourself and not what others are doing.

What do you like most about your job?

Everything!

If you weren’t doing what you are doing today... you would be

I would be a singer and a painter.