An athlete turned actress, Rehma Zaman always exuded a fiery spirit, evident from her sporty persona since childhood. Little did she know she had the potential to make a mark in the entertainment world too! Creating ripples with her outstanding performance in Mannat Murad, Rehma is poised to command the screen, shaping the realm of acting with impactful roles and promising prospects of even better characters. Speaking to Social Diary, she shared more on her acting roles, why favoritism exists isn’t a bad thing, and how OTT platforms are changing the way of storytelling. Read On:
SD: Let’s start with your childhood. Do you have any special memories of growing up?
Rehma: My upbringing was fascinating; raised by strict parents, my siblings and I were instilled with a deep commitment to education. Additionally, I developed a passion for sports from a young age, constantly energized to engage in activities like cycling, skating, basketball, and events promoting physical fitness, rather than passively sitting in front of the television.
SD: How did you venture into the entertainment industry?
Rehma: Not many people know, but I’ve been competing as an international-level athlete, proudly representing Pakistan across various events. High jumping was my specialty, clinching medals at national, state, and even interstate levels. The pinnacle was when I participated in the World Games in Taiwan, attracting significant media attention upon my return. This exposure kickstarted my journey into modeling and commercials, eventually leading me to pursue acting.
SD: Was the drama industry all that you expected it to be and did you face any setbacks initially?
Rehma: From my standpoint, I lean towards the drama industry over modeling. Acting is my passion; I adore the craft. While modeling may offer quick earnings, acting resonates with me because I enjoy embodying diverse characters and exploring the depth of performance. Despite the prevalent negative stereotypes surrounding the drama industry, I haven’t encountered any issues or negativity.
However, I must acknowledge that I faced criticism regarding my natural curly hair, with some suggesting it might hinder my chances of securing leading roles. This criticism saddened me, leading me to adopt the habit of straightening my hair.
SD: Do you feel favoritism does exist?
Rehma: I acknowledge that it exists, and while I don’t necessarily deem it inherently wrong, I believe in fairness. As a director, if I have friends or family members who possess strong acting abilities, I’d naturally consider them for roles. However, I strongly advocate for equal opportunities for those without connections but possess the skills and potential to excel.
SD: How would you compare the modeling industry to the drama industry in terms of progression?
Rehma: I believe there’s no direct comparison between the two industries and their growth trajectories; they’re entirely distinct entities. From my perspective, both are flourishing. In the fashion industry, our models are making waves by representing and winning international beauty pageants. Simultaneously, our dramas are gaining global recognition and viewership, indicating they’re on a steady and promising path forward.
SD: Your performance Mannat Murad was truly defining; do you feel you had done full justice to the role?
Rehma:” Mannat Murad” holds a special place in my heart; it’s a project I deeply cherish. Working on a project by Wajahat Hussain alongside talented co-stars like Iqra Aziz has been a blessing. However, reflecting on my performance, I feel I could have portrayed my character more effectively, delivering a stronger representation. I firmly believe in continual improvement and refining one’s craft to strive for excellence.
SD: When looking at the kind of roles that are popular in the mainstream drama industry, do you feel production houses need to move from stereotypical settings and focus on stories and characters with depth
Rehma: Certainly, it’s the dream, and I’ve observed a commendable effort by drama houses to present more nuanced characters and compelling storylines. I aspire to be part of narratives that resonate with real-life concepts. While it’s true that OTT platforms and web series are effectively addressing social and youth-related issues on screen, it’s disheartening that the majority of the audience still leans towards the traditional saas-bahu dramas.
SD: Is there a specific role in a drama that you feel you could have done better?
Rehma: When reflecting on my own roles, I can’t help but feel that I could have portrayed them with more depth and nuance. However, this sentiment extends beyond my own performances; I often find myself thinking that other actresses could have brought something more to their characters as well. Nevertheless, there’s a line of actresses whom I deeply admire, such as Saba Qamar, Sajal Aly, Yumna Zaidi, and Iqra Aziz. Their ability to deliver phenomenal performances is truly commendable.
SD: Would you ever consider venturing into films and if so, what kind of role would attract you? ‘
Rehma: Yes definitely but something new and distinctive like a murder mystery or a detective character.
SD: How do you see yourself shining in 2024?
Rehma: I pray for better opportunities ahead, where I can showcase my craft and skills to the fullest, fulfilling the expectations of my audience.
SD: Any new projects you can share with our readers?
Rehma: I had done a Ramadan play and when there’s something new, people would know of it through my social media platforms. 
