Annie Zaidi discusses husband's death, mental health and comeback in drama industry

Veteran actor reflects on personal loss, raising children alone and returning to TV after years away from spotlight

Veteran actor Annie Zaidi recently reflected on her decades-long career, personal hardships and eventual return to television during a candid interview.

Recalling her acting debut in Chhaon, directed by Kazim Pasha and written by Shahid Kazmi, she said she was introduced to the industry by legendary actor Laila. Initially, her role was intended to last only four episodes.

“My character was originally meant to die in four episodes,” Annie recalled. However, the drama became so popular that officials from the network requested that her character be extended, eventually keeping her on screen for 13 episodes.

The sudden increase in workload came as a shock to the actor. “I literally cried and told them that I wouldn't be able to do this much hard work,” she said.

Annie also shared a humorous memory from the set involving a scene in which she had to slap her co-star, actor Riaz, the elder brother of actor Nayyar Ejaz. According to her, the director wanted the slap to appear realistic, prompting her to apply oil to her hand before filming.

When Riaz asked why she was doing so, she jokingly replied, “If you hit with oil on your hand, the connection is very good.” The tactic worked perhaps a little too well. “When I hit him in the scene, thankfully it was okayed in just one take, but he told me that I had hit him way too hard,” she laughed.

Following the success of the drama, Annie moved to the United States with her children, where she pursued a career in dentistry and stepped away from acting.

Explaining why she left the entertainment industry at the height of her popularity, she said family responsibilities took priority. “My children were growing up, and life was moving at a fast pace until tragedy struck in 2006 when my husband suddenly passed away,” she said.

Although the loss profoundly changed her life, she said she was grateful to have an independent career that enabled her to support her family. “Even though I was alone, I married off all three of my children without anyone's help,” she said proudly.

She credited much of her resilience to her late husband, recalling how he encouraged her to become self-sufficient. “He forced me to get my licence even when I didn't want to work. I used to go to work crying, but his positive attitude helped me because, in a way, God had already prepared me for the difficult times ahead,” she said.

 

 

 

 

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Annie also shared an emotional memory from shortly before her husband's death. “Two nights before he was admitted to the hospital, he looked at me and said, ‘Even if you move your little finger, I will give my life for you,’” she recalled.

She admitted that she deliberately avoided having emotionally charged final conversations with him in hospital because she feared she would not be able to cope with the pain.

Following his death, Annie said practical concerns left little room for grief. “My dining table was completely covered with hospital bills and mortgage payments,” she said. “You will be surprised to know that I didn't even have time to cry.”

According to the actor, the full weight of her loss only struck her much later, once her responsibilities had eased.

She also spoke candidly about mental health and the importance of seeking professional help during periods of trauma and grief. “In our society, people look down on antidepressants, but if a qualified doctor prescribes them to help soothe your shattered nerves, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking them,” she said.

Annie stressed that suppressing emotions or attempting to appear strong at all times can have long-term consequences.

Her eventual return to Pakistan and acting, she explained, happened unexpectedly. After travelling to Lahore for her youngest daughter's wedding and seeing that all of her children were settled, she decided to pursue her passion once again. That decision led to her comeback role in Mohabbat Subh Ka Sitara Hai.

More recently, Annie won widespread praise for her role in the hit drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. She admitted she initially believed her portrayal of a positive and supportive mother would go largely unnoticed.

Instead, the response exceeded her expectations. “I received so many messages from young men saying, ‘I wish I had a mother-in-law like you,’” she said with a smile.

For Annie, the appreciation from viewers made the experience particularly rewarding. “Knowing that I portrayed a character people loved so much made it all worthwhile,” she concluded.