In the dazzling constellation of television serials and cinematic splendour, dramas and movies transcend mere entertainment, and are vivid portals to unexplored realms. With every flicker of performance illuminated on our living room screens, characters become cherished companions for the audience resonating with their hopes, dreams, and dilemmas. Within this bedazzled world, one star who radiates unparalleled brilliance, captivating viewers with her stellar performances, and charisma is the highly celebrated and renowned actress: Yumna Zaidi.
From years of ruling hearts on the television screen with her successful portrayal of characters, including the headstrong Shaista in ‘Sinf-e-Ahaan’, adorable loud-mouth Mahjabeen in ‘Pyar Ke Sadqay’ and the unforgettable Meerub from the global, groundbreaking hit ‘Tere Bin’, her repertoire boasts a series of diverse roles with commercial successes followed by massive critical acclaim.
Our latest collaboration with Yumna Zaidi for the SAPPHIRE Unstitched Lawn ’24 collection celebrates the vibrant essence of summer, mirroring her radiant and infectious spirit. Join us as we delve into an exciting conversation filled with an interesting tete-a-tete regarding her life; from her signature personal style to her favourite co-actors, giving twenty-eight takes for a shoot, and whether acting was her true calling!
On the other side of the glamorous facade of the silver screen lies a genuine soul, a person whose warmth and humility lights up every room she enters. Whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes, Yumna Zaidi’s infectious laughter and joyous persona infuses an aura of joy and camaraderie wherever she goes. But is this happy-go-lucky persona a manifestation of her lively spirit?
Through her candid revelations and heartfelt musings, we glimpse the inner workings of a multifaceted artist, driven by passion and purpose!
How are you, Yumna? You look absolutely gorgeous today!
“I'm good, and so happy to see you! I'm wearing this nice trendy SAPPHIRE lawn!”
On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you about life right now?
“Do you want me to be honest? I think 8!”
Describe yourself in a hashtag.
“Oh, I think #happytobehappy!”
What's the biggest surprise you’ve had?
“Right now, just 5 minutes before when I saw you at the gate!”
Who is your style inspiration?
“I won't call her my style inspiration but I really like Gigi Hadid’s style statements.”
Flats or sneakers?
“Why not heels? I love heels!”
Vintage or contemporary?
“Vintage!”
Do you follow a skin care regimen?
“I do, yeah!”
What is your go-to breakfast?
“Easiest and healthy - boiled eggs!”
What is your biggest strength?
“Uh, resilience!”
Is there any recent TV binge that is your favourite?
“I hardly have time to watch my own dramas let alone watch TV!”
So, you're not watching anything lately?
“No.”
Do you have any favourite books?
“I wish I had time to read books! (laughingly adding) I have only been reading my scripts, for the past few years.”
What is the most important lesson that you have learned in life?
“I think keeping fewer expectations, makes you live more happily.”
What is your happiest memory with your mom?
“I just love her! I want her to be happy, and celebrate her daily. I love hugging her so yeah, she is my happy person!”
Do you have any time to spend with her?
“I make sure to take out time, especially for her!”
From her close bond with her parents to her beloved Nano’s watch, Yumna Zaidi remains grounded amidst the whirlwind of fame and comes across as a nostalgic soul.
Yet behind this glitzy world, does Yumna think acting was her destined path? With a colossal fan base and stardom on her side, has she ever considered exploring other professions? Well, Yumna sheds light on it and takes us through her favourite memories, sources of inspiration, her love for summers, confessions about her fear of heights, and other delightful nuances!
What words would your friends use to describe you?
I think nice and humble, but I also get upset with them sometimes!”
Who did you use to admire as a child?
“My mother and father - both my parents!”
What are you most proud of?
“I think for the person I am right now!”
What is your most prized possession?
“I can tell precious, my nani’s watch!”
Do you remember your first job?
“Of course, I remember my first job! My first job was as a voiceover artist.”
Your favourite movie genre?
“Romantic and horror!”
Do you like pizza?
“Yes!”
What is your favourite topping?
“Sausages!”
What do you want to be remembered for?
“I'm an actress so definitely for my acting and my work!”
So, you don’t have any big fear in your life?
“No, I think if you begin to think like this then you will certainly find something, but recently I have realised I have height phobia!”
The most adventurous thing that you have done in your life?
“Paragliding! Since I have a height phobia and also some crazy adventurous rides I've taken!”
What's inspiring you in life right now?
“The energy that I am receiving from my present life and universe right now, I think is very inspiring!”
How do you define beauty?
“I think beauty is your comfort, beauty is your beautiful heart, and it is how you think!”
Chai or coffee?
“You tell me chai or coffee?”
Definitely chai
“Then come on, let's go and have chai!”
Beaches or mountains?
“Beaches!”
Winters or summers?
“Summers!”
Favourite colours of summer?
“Halka peela and halka gulabi!”
Long shirts or short shirts?
“Both!”
Pants or shalwar?
“Shalwar!”
Half sleeves or full sleeves?
“Always, full-sleeves!”
For an actor this experienced, one would expect minimal retakes, yet Yumna dwells on how she once had to give twenty-eight retakes! But does she get attached to any of her characters? And is she a director-driven artist or likes to add her flair to each character? Read along as she candidly tells us all!
Do you like music?
“A lot!”
Do you know how to play any instrument?
“Yes, sitar!”
When did you learn this?
“Bas chupa rustum hon mei!”
Yumna, I have asked many rapid-fire questions from you but people also want to know about your dramas. Which one is your favourite out of: ‘Rishtay Khuch Adhure Sei,’ ‘Mausam,’ ‘Pyar Ke Sadqay,’ and ‘Tere Bin’?
“I think Pyar Ke Sadqay and Tere Bin!”
Which TV character out of the ones you have played is very close to real life?
“I think none because I have done so many different characters and either some of them are too strong or insane. In real life, I'm a very normal person!”
Who is your favourite co-actor?
“Nouman Ijaz, Syra Yousuf, Bilal, Wahaj Ali, Ahmed - all of them!”
Which actor and director would you love to work with?
“I would love to work with Sania Saeed, and I would really like to work with Asim Raza, so let's see!”
Tell us if any crazy experiences have happened during the shoot.
“If I think of crazy like this then since I am a one-take artist, during one shoot I did 27 to 28 takes! I remember either the movement going wrong or the dialogue delivery not being right. So, it was frustrating and I wasn’t happy about it!”
Do you watch your dramas?
“I do sometimes, not always!”
Do you pick out errors?
“I watch my work only to pick out errors and faults!”
Have you ever cried watching your own work?
“No, I have never cried watching any of my work!”
You can always count on Yumna to play versatile roles, winning rave reviews with her stellar performances. One such groundbreaking drama was ‘Tere Bin’ which cast a spell upon everyone, even beyond the borders, ruling the ratings game.
From hashtags on X to the exceptional chemistry of the lead actors, the Yumna-Wahaj duo ruled the screens. With another season in a reboot for a sequel, Yumna sheds light on whether audience reactions were unprecedented!
So, Tere Bin was a massive success, it’s a global hit drama even in India and Bangladesh and so many places, did you expect such a reaction?
“I think even the makers did not predict it to be such a massive success! It was loved by many, so yeah thankful for that!”
Last question now that you have worked for the big screen, how was your experience different from that to TV?
“I’ve answered it many times, I always take acting as an assignment whether it’s for film or television or a short story and I equally work very hard for all of them!”
We asked many questions and want to end on a note by saying that you are a fabulous human!
“No, I loved it and thank you for coming. Now tell me how did you like the chai? Rate it out of ten!”
