With Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web gaining traction not only in India but also internationally, actor Zoya Afroz is still processing the scale of its success. The Emraan Hashmi-led web series has emerged as a global trending title, and for Zoya, the response has been both overwhelming and deeply validating.
Calling it a “pleasant surprise,” she said the achievement still feels surreal. “This feeling hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s such a big feat, and to see an Indian show perform at this level globally is overwhelming,” she shared.
‘I Want to Be Recognised for My Talent’
Zoya, who portrayed Priya, an air hostess in the crime thriller, noted that the appreciation she has received this time is different. Instead of conversations focusing on her appearance, audiences have acknowledged her performance.
“It’s common for women to be complimented mainly on their looks. But women are talented and skilled, and that deserves recognition too,” she said. “For me, being appreciated for my talent more than my appearance is the biggest achievement.”
The actor believes the industry and audiences alike should celebrate women for their craft and capabilities rather than limiting praise to physical attributes.
Breaking the ‘Beauty Queen or Actor’ Label
Having represented India at the Miss International pageant, Zoya acknowledges that a pageantry background often comes with stereotypes in Bollywood.
“I’ve been acting since I was three years old. There has never been a phase where I wasn’t acting. Representing India internationally was a dream in between,” she explained. “But people tend to put women in boxes. You’re either a beauty queen or an actor. Why can’t we be both?”
Zoya firmly rejects the idea of being reduced to a single identity. She believes women can successfully balance multiple roles and ambitions without being confined by labels.
“I can be an actor who performs and a beauty queen who represented her country. And I can do much more in the future. We don’t want to be reduced to just one thing,” she added.
From Child Actor to Leading Performer
Zoya began her career at a very young age, appearing in films such as Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999) and Kuch Naa Kaho (2004). Unlike many child actors who struggle during the transition to lead roles, she sees her journey as a natural continuation rather than a reinvention.
“Everyone’s path is different. Many child actors choose other professions, but I always knew I wanted to act. For me, continuing as an actor was inevitable,” she said.
Working with filmmakers like Sooraj Barjatya early in her career gave her what she calls a “masterclass” in acting. Having grown up on film sets, she doesn’t view her evolution as a shift but as growth.
“Everything is impossible until it’s done,” she concluded.
