OTT has opened many doors, but films have their own magic: Zoya Afroz

Fresh off the buzz of her gritty thriller Taskaree with Emraan Hashmi, Zoya Afroz seems to have found her niche in stories layered as thrillers. “Thrillers seem to be choosing me, and I’m loving every bit of it,” said Zoya who has previously done OTT shows like Mukhbir and Matsya Kaand. In Chandigarh recently for college festival, Zoya, who started out as a child artist at age three (in the film Hum Saath Saath Hain), reflected on complex female characters, the OTT boom, why she doesn’t feel intimidated by AI and her advocacy for women. Highlights of a conversation with Zoya… Taskaree is the third thriller you’ve featured in. Is it a genre you are mastering? (Laughs) I know how it looks. In fact, I am doing another thriller, Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai, though it’s a romantic one. It’s funny — I feel like thrillers are choosing me! I’m excited because Taskaree is still being talked about and we’re already onto the next project. Honestly, even though they are all the same genre, everyone has been different. Taskaree explores the world of customs officers and smuggling. These officers are like unsung heroes protecting our borders. In Matsya Kaand, I played a con artist and magician. While Mukhbir was period espionage drama on spies. When I read the script of Taskaree, I knew it was interesting, especially the female lead, Priya. She’s layered, vulnerable, yet resilient and tactical. I think especially women resonated with that complexity. People aren’t just saying “you look good” — they’re discussing the character, her journey, her choices. That’s incredibly fulfilling. Also, working with director Neeraj (Pandey) sir was intense. He loves long, mostly single-take shots, so you have to be extremely prepared and spontaneous. It keeps you on your toes.As an ott actor do you feel threatened by Ai since technology is easier to integrate on digital and filmmakers have more liberty?Not really. I see AI as a tool. It learns from us — from human creativity. If used correctly, it can help us. Right now, it still feels very cold and clinical. It doesn’t have that heart-to-heart connection humans bring, which is the crux of cinema. Maybe the future will be different, but for now, I’m optimistic. On her advocacy for women"I strongly believe empowering a girl child with education, confidence, & opportunities creates a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities. Financial independence for women is not just about earning—it’s about dignity, choice, and the freedom to shape one’s own future. As an empowered woman, I feel a duty towards helping other (less privileged) women."