Zoha Tauqeer says supporting her mother's happiness shaped her outlook on life

Rising actor Zoha Tauqeer has opened up about losing her father at a young age, supporting her mother's decision to remarry, and navigating the pressures of life and work with optimism and self-awareness. In a recent conversation, the Aapa Shameem, Chaalbaaz and Zabt actor reflected on grief, family, relationships and her journey in the entertainment industry.

Zoha revealed that she was just four years old when her father died of lung cancer, but said she still holds vivid memories of the bond they shared. "I remember quite a bit of his life with me. I was the most loved child. He had a lung issue, and it used to hurt in his left side, but even then, he wouldn't take me off his lap," she recalled.

After his death, Zoha said her mother became the family's pillar, working tirelessly to ensure her children never felt the absence of their father. Still, she said, everyday moments—from filling out school admission forms to becoming increasingly protective of her siblings—served as quiet reminders of the loss they had endured.

Discussing her mother's decision to remarry, Zoha said she and her siblings approached it with understanding rather than resistance. "Even in childhood, we knew that it was important for our mom to be happy, and while making the decision, she asked for our permission [to get married]," she said.

Reflecting on personal growth, the actor said embracing change with a positive mindset was essential, adding that people remain trapped in the same patterns if they fail to reflect on their experiences. "If you don't correct your mistakes or understand the process of life, you will keep making the same mistakes again and again," she said.

Recalling her acting journey, Zoha said she landed her debut drama while she was still in college, fulfilling a dream she had spoken about since childhood. She admitted that adapting to the demanding pace of television was overwhelming at first but credited her co-stars with helping her settle into the industry.

Looking ahead, Zoha said she wanted to move beyond formulaic characters and pursue meaningful, story-driven roles. She named fellow actors Saba Qamar and Sajal Aly as her biggest inspirations.

On set, Zoha described herself as reserved, preferring to stay in her own space so as not to disrupt others' rhythm. She also admitted she avoids watching herself on screen, relying instead on her director's reactions to assess her performance. "I get very shy, I don't look at myself on camera. I trust the director's instructions and look at their expressions to know if I acted on point or what to improve next," she said.

Summing up her outlook on life, Zoha said she believes optimism begins with intention. "If you think well and assume good from life, then only good things will come your way," she concluded.