Arjumand Rahim opens up about anxiety, depression after father's death

Actor credits therapy, psychiatric care for recovery, urges reflection on life

Actor Arjumand Rahim spoke candidly about her struggle with anxiety and depression following the sudden death of her father from cardiac arrest, highlighting the role of therapy and psychiatric care in her recovery.

Arjumand, appearing on a show, shared, "My father passed away in 2006. Later, I went through a lot of anxiety and became depressed." The actor added, "It was severe anxiety, and I had to seek proper treatment. I also experienced panic attacks and did not understand what was happening. The scariest part is not knowing what is going on."

Further, she noted, "When a person understands they have a problem, only then can they find a solution that helps. Otherwise, you do not know why your heart is racing, why you are sweating, or why you keep worrying that you are about to have a heart attack. I lost my father like that. He died very suddenly after feeling unwell, and it turned out to be cardiac arrest."

Arjumand revealed that therapy, psychiatric care, and medication eventually helped her recover. "Going through therapy, consulting a psychiatrist, and taking medication gradually makes you feel better," she said.

Reflecting on life's priorities, the actor encouraged people to slow down and pay more attention to their well-being. "You should pause and reflect on your life, especially in today's fast-paced world where we often ignore important things," she urged.

With this, Arjumand also stressed the importance of spending quality time with family, sharing how her own family made a conscious effort to stay connected after their loss. "We realised we should make more of an effort to get together, even if it is just once a month for tea. We try to meet as often as we can," the actor shared.

Beyond discussing her personal life and struggles, she opened up about her acting career and entry into the entertainment industry. Saying she entered the industry in the mid-1990s, Arjumand noted that she initially became known for portraying shy and innocent characters before she was repeatedly cast in more dominant roles.

"My dominant roles became associated with me after dramas like Sher, where I played a strong Punjabi woman. It was a great character, but afterward I kept receiving similar offers. I wanted to explore different kinds of roles, not just the ones people thought suited me," the actor said.

She also expressed her belief that directors often typecast actors instead of allowing them to showcase their range. "I think it is also a form of laziness," Arjumand said. The actor added, "Directors see someone perform one type of role well and keep casting them in similar characters because it is easier."

According to Arjumand, 20 years ago she questioned why she was always cast as the innocent, weak girl, but stated that she was now repeatedly offered dominant roles. "I really want to play different kinds of characters," she said.

Comparing Pakistan's entertainment industry with international productions, Arjumand highlighted the importance of planning and time management. "I went to New York to study acting. Although I was not working in the industry there, I noticed that the biggest difference was time management and planning," she said.

According to the actor, in Pakistan, people tend to do everything at the last minute. "It is not just a problem in the media industry, it is a broader issue," she said. Arjumand added, "We invest money in one project, then move on before completing it. Time management and financial responsibility should be part of our ethical training."

Concluding the conversation, she expressed her desire to see more critically acclaimed television dramas that balance meaningful storytelling with entertainment. "When dramas receive critical acclaim, they spark conversations across social media. Directors should focus on creating such projects with a clear vision. If there is an important message, it should be presented in an engaging way rather than overwhelming viewers."

Arjumand has remained a prominent television actor since 1995, with some notable projects including Chup Raho, Phaans, Sher, Manto, as well as the anthology series Ek Mohabbat Sau Afsaney and Qurat-ul-Ain.

She currently stars in the Express Entertainment drama Raja London Ka on Express TV.