My first marriage was for all the wrong reasons: Zara Noor Abbas

Actor opens up about nepotism in the industry, family and divorce

KARACHI: As much as celebrities deny it, nepotism does exist in every entertainment industry - be it Hollywood, Bollywood or Pakistan's. But just because someone is born into a family of stars does not always guarantee an easy entry for them in the world of showbiz. There are still quite a few celebrities who have managed to make it big on their own, despite the powerful entertainment families they belong to.

Zara Noor Abbas is one such actor, who has manged to earn a name for herself by her sheer hard work and perseverance. The 28-year-old actor is currently making waves in the industry and has also signed her first Pakistani film Paray Hut Love helmed by Asim Raza.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ZARA NOOR ABBAS

Addressing the crowd at TEDx GCU Lahore, Zara opened up about her struggles to enter showbiz. She said, "I came from a middle class family, aspiring to be an actor. I participated in various plays and dance competitions during my childhood but then I heard about a play that was taking place in Iran. I asked my father if I could take part but he refused."

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ZARA NOOR ABBAS

The Dharkan actor then went to her mother Asma Abbasi, for her permission. Asma asked Zara to observe hijab as her father would only let her go if she did. Consequently, he agreed and she went to Iran.

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Recalling her return from Iran, Zara stated, "Once I was back, I got the opportunity to act in another play but this time I did not tell my  father. My mother, along with my aunts, came to watch my performance and praised it immensely."

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ZARA NOOR ABBAS

The star then thought of pursuing acting professionally and sat down with her parents to discuss her plans. Zara added, "They said 'Jaan choro humari. Shaadi karlo aur jo karna hai karo'. I was really desperate to act so I agreed to their conditions."

The Khamoshi star then went to the US to find suitors. She met a man who had no issues with her working as an actor and the two decided to tie the knot. "But soon after I realised that I had gotten married for all the wrong reasons - to escape my family and start acting. This led to my divorce and my family thankfully was very accepting of it."

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ZARA NOOR ABBAS

Soon after, Zara's mother was diagnosed with cancer and the doctors had given up hope. "She received chemotherapy and by the grace of Allah, was to beat the illness," added the 28-year-old actor.

Zara then met Asad Siddiqui at a film premiere, who was also a divorcee. The two fell in love and eventually got married in 2017.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ZARA NOOR ABBAS

"He never said that he wouldn't let me work. Asad wanted me to realise things on my own," she continued.

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Despite facing many hardships, Zara states that she would like to advise the girls of this generation to realise what they want in life. "They should also know their true worth. Never ever give up!"

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