There are loads of celebrities in this industry. Some enjoy being in the spotlight as “stars”, while some quietly fulfil their role of “actors”. Zarina Wahab falls into the later category.
The actress, who has been working in films for more than 35 years, has been surprised by the turn of events. Wahab’s Malyalam film Adaminte Makan Abu (Abu, Son of Adam), that won the 58th National Award for Best Feature Film, is India’s official entry into the Oscars in the Best Foreign Language Film category. And not surprisingly Zarina is all smiles. “I’ve been working for many years. I’ve done Hindi films, television and regional films too. People have always complimented me for my prowess as an actress. But for my film going for a prestigious award ceremony like Oscars is the biggest turning point in my career. From the time I heard about this, my phone has been ringing non-stop,” says a proud Wahab.
Directed by Salim Ahmed and produced by Ashraf Bedi, Adaminte Makan Abu is about a poor couple who despite facing many hardships cannot raise enough money to go to Haj. Wahab plays the lead female role in the film.
Wahab’s husband Aditya Panscholi too felt that it was a moment of great pride for the family and the country as well. “When the film was offered to me I remember my first reaction was, ‘I’ve never heard of Salim Ahmed! Yeh kaunsa director hai?’ It’s ironic that today, everyone knows who Salim Ahmed is.”
Wahab admits that she never got her due as an actor. “But I was never bitter about it,” she says, adding, “I did my job to the best of my ability. I have a beautiful family and that always remained my priority. Acting was and will always be a passion.”
Wahab is now looking forward to her new life as an actor. “Hopefully, people will take notice of me,” she smiles.