Model-turned-actor Zara Sheikh and popular star Hareem Farooq recently appeared on Nida Yasir’s Ramazan show, Shan e Sahoor. From talking about their love lives to making startling confessions about showbiz and friendships, both the stars had many significant details to share with viewers.

Entering the set first, Sheikh was the first one to take the stand. Upon being asked about her career, the renowned film star revealed that she began her modelling journey way back in school, “I started my modelling gigs from the time I was still in school. Once they selected about 11 to 12 children, and that was my first appearance in an advertisement. Before that, I had no connection to showbiz.”

She then disclosed that her real name is Sadia. “Zara is my brand name. I was a very shy and naïve person since birth. Back then I thought just changing my name would transform me into a different individual, but that’s not how it works,” adding that it was also never her “dream” to be an actor. “Everything that happened was sudden and accidental, but I had to accept it as I had no other option,” shared the Tere Pyar Mein actor.

“It’s a long story,” said Sheikh when the host asked about whether her family accepted her career in showbiz. After further persistence, she then revealed that her father never truly accepted her profession. “There were many problems, but later my family accepted my career in showbiz. However, my father never acknowledged my profession until his demise. He wanted me to do a government job and that required me to graduate which I never did.”

Never change yourself

The actor also revealed that her shy demeanour was one of the reasons she never could stand being in the limelight. “I never wanted to be an actor since I was always so shy. Many times, I used to tell myself, ‘I can’t do this, it’s not for me.’ Then I told myself, ‘Oh no, you have to do it, just be yourself!'” she shared.

Taking pride in her strong-willed personality, the Laaj star talked about her struggle to stay true to herself in all the glamour of showbiz. “I think you should let people accept you the way you are! That is a great thing, never change yourself and others or change them too. Zara is a little fake! But I am still very transparent, and I try to show all sides of myself candidly.”

On romantic relationships

During the show, Yasir took the chance to mention a rumour that went abuzz years ago, which suggested that Sheikh and famous actor Mikaal Zulfiqar were in a relationship. Responding to this, the star said, “Let the past go. I just don’t feel like talking about it. I want to move on in life, whether it was a good or bad experience.”

Sheikh then revealed that she does have a surprise in store for people. “In the future, I’ll give you a surprise. Don’t worry, I’m not married yet, but let’s see,” she said while chuckling.

Sheikh also opined that it’s quite difficult for career-driven individuals to find love. “Sometimes people work so hard in their life, they don’t get time to invest in romantic relationships, and that’s exactly what happened to me. I’ve been so obsessed and committed to my work, but the other thing never happens,” she explained.

While Farooq joined the show, Yasir then asked the star about her present lovelife. “You know what, you’re blessed if you have something like that in your life, and a person you feel that way about, but honestly I’m a bit shy about this topic,” replied the Parchi actor.

On being asked about her dream charming man, Farooq said that he must be “tall” but also a good-hearted man. “Over the years of my life, I’ve learnt that a human can only be judged by their hearts. If a person has empathy, kindness, generosity, that person should be beautiful,” she continues, adding that ambitionless people are a huge letdown for her. “I hate laziness and someone who doesn’t look after themselves. The thing is; people who do love taking care of others, always take care of themselves too.”

On making mistakes and showbiz life

“One mistake is that I often choose the wrong people,” lamented Sheikh, whole recounting a mistake she frequently makes in her life. “I don’t make friends in showbiz. I do go to events, but many people have created rumours about me having an attitude. There was a time I was very sick and when I returned to the industry, I did not make my problems the highlight. And that’s why people started gossiping and making weird rumours which tarnished my reputation,” she shared.

While discussing their greatest supporters, Farooq mentioned her younger sister who is an architect in New York. “My younger sister is far more beautiful and a much better actor than me, but she has no interest in showbiz. And she is my biggest cheerleader, and also the one I fought with the most.”

Treading a bit away from the main topic, Sheikh revealed that in her household no one fought with anyone. “My father was a very decent man, he used to talk to us like we were princesses. That’s why I’m a bit spoiled. I never like it when anyone speaks to be in a loud tone. If my father never spoke to me loudly, then no one else can,” she concluded.

On health and dieting

“Do you really think I diet?” playfully asked Sheikh when Yasir questioned their dieting regime. “I did work out, but someone told me if you leave it, it will make you clumsy and weak and honestly it did,” she explained.

Farooq then also explained her relationship with food. “I’m very health conscious. But the whole diet phase can’t work for long, especially for a foodie. In our subcontinent, we love food. There is food present at every celebration, it’s how we enjoy things. But there should be balance, so we must make sure that we are eating healthily.”

“I agree with Hareem, it’s a personal choice to eat how much you want,” concluded the Heer Maan Ja actor.