Rebel with a cause: Zarina says she's enjoyed watching SRK

Zarina from Tajikistan could almost pass for a Persian princess. Debuting in the film ‘Spring of Hope’, directed and produced by Afghanistan-based Hashmat Khan, Zarina says that she “dreamt of being an actor” since childhood.

Rebel with a cause

She reveals, “As a child I enjoyed watching Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit’s films.” The power of Zarina’s dreams set free the bonds of convention when the student of financial studies and  bank employee quit it all to play protagonist in Hashmat Khan’s love lore. “Initially my parents opposed the idea, but eventually I convinced them.”

Tales from Tajikistan

Ask Zarina, whose head is covered with a dupatta, whether she dons the purdah in her homeland and she says, “No, we are free. I have the chadar on my head in a few scenes in the film.” Nevertheless, she adds, “We’re not an industrialised nation, so women are still downgraded there.”

Liberty to love

Quiz the protagonist of the romantic tale whether girls in Tajikistan have the freedom to choose and she reveals, “Yes, we have the freedom to love and marry. Freedom and restrictions co-exist.” While actor Hashmat Khan has confessed that the duo is in love and would marry in the future, Zarina remains non-committal. All that she says is, “As a director I like him and respect him. I will work in his films.”

Bollywood calling?

The Hindi film buff asserts, “I would love to work in your films, but I’m not comfortable with the song and dance routine. I’d love to do a special role.” The girl from a burgeoning nation is sure about her goals. “I want to make my future, so there’s no marriage as of now. Even after marriage I do not want to be confined to the four walls,” Zarina asserts.

Spring of Hope’ will screen at the Third Eye Asian Film Festival in Mumbai and the International Film Festival of India in Goa.

k_farhana@dnaindia.net