Actor Zoya Hussain has spoken about the challenges she faced while filming Hunkkaar: The Roar. In an exclusive interview with India Today, she revealed that she had undergone egg freezing shortly before the shoot and had also recently been diagnosed with endometriosis. The actor said she was struggling physically and had even considered turning down the project.
Recalling the experience, Zoya said, "I’d just had my eggs frozen, and it was quite a rough process. When they offered me the part, I wasn’t sure whether to take it. I wasn’t feeling my best, and I didn’t look my best either."
She added, "But then I thought, ‘You know what, whatever.’ As women, we go through these things all the time. I’d also just been diagnosed with endometriosis, and it was really tough."
Despite these difficulties, Zoya chose to take up the role. She explained that she wanted to stand by her own beliefs, particularly the idea that women should be accepted through the physical changes they experience.
"I thought, ‘You know what, I’m going to practise what I preach.’ We talk about inclusion and equal opportunities, but women come in all shapes and sizes, and that changes throughout our lives. You just have to own it and be confident," she said. She added that she was pleased her experience had connected with many people.
Zoya Hussain on how delayed releases affected her career
Zoya also discussed how postponed releases had impacted her professional journey. Several projects that were initially planned for theatrical releases eventually arrived on OTT platforms or received limited theatrical screenings during the pandemic.
"Of course, it’s frustrating because it affects your career. I constantly get messages and comments from people. Even casting directors and filmmakers ask me, ‘Where have you been? Why aren’t you doing more work?’ And I’m like, ‘I want to be working. I want to do lots of work.’ But it’s not in my hands. It really isn’t," she said.
Although Hunkkaar took a long time to reach audiences, Zoya said she was delighted when the series finally premiered, especially after the challenges she had experienced while working on it.
Hunkkaar: The Roar, which also features Aneet Padda, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Raghubir Yadav and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, is currently streaming on JioHotstar.
