Arif Zakaria, a renowned Indian actor of great repute, took his first breath on November 11, 1966, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the world of cinema. After a significant wait of nearly two decades, Zakaria made his much-anticipated film debut with the 1997 release, Darmiyaan, which was followed by a string of successful projects, including the critically acclaimed 1947 Earth, Dance like a man, and several biographical ventures that showcased his incredible acting prowess.
Arif Zakaria's uncle, Rafiq Zakaria, was a seasoned and prominent figure in Indian politics, having dedicated his career to the Indian National Congress, a revered and storied political party in the country.
Moreover, Arif Zakaria's brother, Asif Zakaria, also made a name for himself in the political sphere, following in the footsteps of their uncle by joining the Indian National Congress, a testament to the strong family ties and political legacy that runs deep within the Zakaria clan.
In addition, Arif Zakaria's cousin, Fareed Zakaria, has made a significant impact in the world of journalism, carving out a successful career as a renowned American journalist, a feat that is a testament to the family's intellectual prowess and passion for communication.
As for Arif Zakaria's educational background, he graduated from the esteemed Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, a prestigious institution that has produced many accomplished individuals in various fields.
Fareed Zakaria, a renowned journalist and author, embarked on a significant personal milestone in the year 2002, exchanging vows with Namrata Sharma, a talented fashion writer, in a union that would last for approximately eight years before ultimately coming to a close in 2010.
Zakaria embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of acting, commencing his professional career on the stage while still a student, subsequently transitioning to the realm of television and cinema. During this period, he had the opportunity to showcase his talents in a plethora of television serials, including the critically acclaimed Chunauti, the emotionally charged Karambhoomi, the thought-provoking Mrityudand, the suspenseful Dhund, the romantic Aarzoo, the coming-of-age Campus, and the action-packed Kaali - Ek Agnipariksha.
Zakaria's acting career has been marked by a diverse range of film appearances, including the critically acclaimed Darmiyaan, where his talent shone brightly, as well as the action-packed Hero, which showcased his versatility as a performer. Additionally, his roles in Asambhav and Dance Like a Man demonstrated his ability to adapt to different genres and characters. Furthermore, Zakaria's collaboration with renowned directors Deepa Mehta and Shyam Benegal in Earth/1947 and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero, respectively, allowed him to hone his craft and work alongside industry heavyweights.
In recent years, Zakaria has continued to impress audiences with his performances in Home Delivery: Aapko... Ghar Tak, a comedy that showcased his lighter side, as well as the critically acclaimed Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, a drama that allowed him to explore more complex and nuanced characters. His role in Deewaar, a crime thriller, further demonstrated his range as an actor, and his appearance in My Name is Khan, a romantic drama, solidified his status as a talented and in-demand performer in the Indian film industry.
Noted film actor and talented thespian, Zakaria, made a significant mark in the Indian entertainment industry with his captivating performance in the 2011 supernatural thriller, Haunted, directed by renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt. His portrayal of the ghost that haunts the female protagonist in the film garnered widespread critical acclaim, paving the way for his future endeavors.
Zakaria's impressive acting skills were further showcased in a range of films, including the erotic thriller Jism 2, the historical drama Lootera, the science fiction superhero film Krrish 3, the comedy-horror film Dee Saturday Night, the horror film Darr At The Mall, the adventure film Blue Mountain, the biographical drama Nanak Shah Fakir, and the romantic drama Ishq Forever.
Notable Pakistani actor and filmmaker, Zakaria, has had a diverse career in the entertainment industry, extending beyond his work in television and film. In addition to his prominent roles in various TV shows, he has also ventured into the realm of theatre, appearing in the play "Gardish Mein Taare", skillfully directed by the renowned Saif Hyder Hasan. Furthermore, Zakaria has demonstrated his versatility by producing a children's film, "Pinti Ka Sabun", in collaboration with the prestigious Children's Film Society of India, showcasing his ability to navigate multiple creative mediums and formats.
In the year 2017, Zakaria's acting career witnessed a significant boost as he made his mark in various projects. One of his notable appearances was in the web series "Spotlight", helmed by the renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt. Additionally, he featured in the short film "Aamad", which was penned and directed by the talented Neeraj Udhwani.
Furthermore, Zakaria's repertoire included roles in the critically acclaimed films "Raazi" and "Ahaan". "Raazi" was a directorial venture by the accomplished filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, while "Ahaan" was directed by the skilled Nikhil Pherwani.
Noted television and film personality Zakaria is poised to make a significant contribution to the world of English cinema by taking on a pivotal role in the upcoming film Swords and Sceptres, a captivating re-imagining of the legendary tale of the Rani of Jhansi.
