Arjumand Rahim, a veteran television actor, is a force to be reckoned with. With a career spanning three decades, she has seen it all - the glitz, the grit, and everything in between. But what sets her apart is her unwavering passion for her craft and her honest approach to the industry's challenges.
In an era where many actors have become adept at giving rehearsed answers in interviews, Arjumand's sincerity and naturalness are a breath of fresh air. She believes in being honest, even if it means coming up with a manufactured response and remembering it for future encounters. It's this authenticity that makes her so intriguing.
Arjumand's passion extends beyond just acting. She's passionate about the entire creative process, from choosing the right character to ensuring the script makes sense. She's not afraid to discuss loopholes with directors and production teams, and her commitment to making a good product shines through.
"It's a tough job," she says, "requiring at least 10 hours on set daily. You miss family events and friends, but if I'm sacrificing so much, I want it to be worth it. I want to be excited about the project."
And excited she is! Her recent roles in 'Sher' and 'Meri Zindagi Hai Tu' (MZHT) have been markedly different and highly acclaimed. In 'Sher', she played the memorable Shahtaj Phuppo, a complex character with a sad backstory. In MZHT, she portrays the hero's mother, battling personal demons while the main romance takes center stage.
"Maternal roles are often cardboard characters with no backstories," she observes. "But Shahtaj was different. She was a spinster, resentful and frustrated, and I understood her. Working with Aehsun Talish and Nadia Afgan was a pleasure, and the role still resonates with audiences."
In MZHT, her character is more conventional, but the director's vision and attention to detail made it fun. "Musaddiq Malek thought out backstories for all characters, which added nuance. I was surprised by his hard work."
Arjumand's attention to detail extends to her characters' wardrobes. She puts together entire outfits, believing they become important performance tools. "I go into a particular mindset when wearing them, and then I don't wear them in my daily life."
Delays are a common challenge in TV drama filming, and Arjumand talks about them often. "Patience is a trait actors should be taught! Everything can't be under your control. You're part of a team, and there are many factors."
Delays can be exhausting and financially draining, affecting continuity and payments. Arjumand has had to manage household expenses when payments were delayed, and she's had to plan her finances carefully.
"I've always liked to work on one project at a time, but I might have to do more in the future," she confesses. "You might see me on TV more often!"
Payment issues are a prevalent problem in the industry, and Arjumand has addressed them openly. She has a manager who handles her finances, and she never threatens to not come to work. Instead, she asks for approximate payment dates to plan accordingly.
"This struggle is not limited to actors. Producers get compromised, stuck between actors and channels. It's a sad state of affairs, especially with Pakistani drama's popularity."
Arjumand believes the industry's popularity is due to the interesting, diverse content, not patriotism. "Watching a drama is a choice, not a duty."
When asked about the industry's safety for women, she answers carefully. "Predatory behavior exists in all industries with power imbalances. Many don't speak up because they feel unprotected. I encountered it when I was young, but I shut down and backed out."
"The industry was smaller then, and you couldn't take a stand. Misogynistic remarks were excused as 'funny'. But now, young girls and boys are more empowered, and social media gives them strong voices."
Arjumand recently spoke about her struggle with anxiety, which she has overcome with medication and regular exercise. "My panic attacks were triggered when my mother fell ill. I rushed her to the hospital, and the doctors misdiagnosed her. It was during the pandemic, and I went into trauma, remembering losing my father the same way."
"Staying busy and getting out of the house helped me recover. If you're alone at home, even small matters can get amplified. Leaving the house and having exciting work helps."
Excitement seems to be the driving force behind Arjumand's career. "I can't have it any other way," she smiles.
Originally published in Dawn, ICON, January 11th, 2026.
