The Unstoppable Areej Chaudhary : Pakistan’s Beauty Queen Breaking Every Barrier

Areej Chaudhary is not just a name; she embodies talent, grace, and resilience in the entertainment industry. As an acclaimed actress and beauty queen, she has captivated audiences in Pakistan and beyond. Her journey into acting may not have been straightforward, but her passion for the arts has always shone through. In this exclusive interview, Areej opens up about her experiences, challenges, and the lessons learned along the way.

Interview with Areej Chaudhary : A Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Performance

Areej, can you tell us about your journey—how did you get into the acting field? Was it something you always aspired to, or did it happen unexpectedly?

Areej: My journey wasn’t expected, but I have loved art since my childhood. I adored acting, dance, and various other artistic forms, with acting and modeling being my favorites. Coming into acting was unexpected for me because our culture and families often don’t view acting and modeling as respectable professions. However, I made it clear to myself that if opportunities came my way, I would seize them. When I went to university, I started getting those opportunities. I took them, became Miss Pakistan, moved to Karachi—the main hub of showbiz and modeling—and began working hard on various projects.

Was acting your passion from childhood, or did you discover it later in life? What inspired you to pursue it?

Areej: Yes, acting was my passion from childhood; I always wanted to be an actress and model. During my childhood, whenever I loved a character from a movie or drama, I would try to create that look and act it out in front of the mirror. I wasn’t inspired by anyone in particular; my passion for acting and modeling was enough motivation. If I want to achieve something, I pursue it wholeheartedly, which fuels my drive.

You’ve achieved remarkable titles like Miss Earth Pakistan 2020, Miss Eco Pakistan 2022, and Miss Global International 2022. Can you tell us about your experiences and the challenges you faced during these competitions?

Areej: I had an amazing experience representing my country on a global stage; it’s the best feeling. I’m very proud of it, but it also comes with a huge responsibility, as everyone calls you Miss Pakistan. The experience was rewarding, but there is a low trend of beauty competitions in Pakistan, affecting voting systems in global events where the girl with the most votes wins. I was well-prepared for these competitions, as preparation is crucial. You only get about 4 to 5 hours of sleep, and you constantly have to wear 6 to 7-inch heels. Despite the challenges, my hard work paid off, and I raised Pakistan’s flag high.

What difficulties or struggles have you encountered along the way, and how did you overcome them?

Areej: Life is filled with difficulties, but maintaining a positive attitude is key. You need to control your emotions, ignore naysayers, and be confident. Learning from mistakes is vital. I have a strong belief in Allah, which helps me overcome challenges.

Many of your fans admire you as ‘Miss Perfection’ and the ‘Beauty Queen of Pakistan.’ How do you feel about these titles?

Areej: I feel very good; it reflects the love and support I receive from my fans. It’s an incredible feeling, and I feel blessed because it all comes from Allah. When you maintain positivity and treat others well, love comes back to you. Anyone can achieve this; it’s all a mindset—you just have to work hard.

Do you see yourself competing again in future beauty pageants like Miss Pakistan or Miss World?

Areej: For major pageants, there’s an age limit; after a certain age or if you’re married, you can’t compete. Since I’ve become Miss Pakistan, I might compete in other beauty pageants soon. I would love to participate in Miss World, but that requires a license that the Miss Pakistan organization currently doesn’t have. Hopefully, I’ll compete in Miss World in the future.

You’re an inspiration to many young women in Pakistan. Do you have any message or advice for those aspiring to join the entertainment industry or beauty pageants?

Areej: Never give up! Be confident and don’t let distractions demotivate you. It’s best to approach well-known production houses and key industry players. That will help you. Just stay positive.

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects? What can your fans look forward to seeing from you next?

Areej: (Laughs) This is a good question, but I can’t disclose much. I have a rule: don’t let anyone know what you’re doing; just do it, and once it’s done, share it. Right now, I’m taking a break. I was working on 3 to 4 projects simultaneously, so I needed a little time for myself. However, you’ll see me in another project very soon.

How do you balance being both an accomplished beauty queen and one of the top actresses in Pakistan’s drama industry? What motivates you to excel in both fields?

Areej: I love many things—acting, modeling, and beauty pageants. I know how to juggle them all. My motivation stems from my inner energy and a strong mindset. I enjoy learning new things, and I also have an interest in business. Life is short, so you should enjoy your time in this world and pursue what you love.

Looking back at your career so far, is there anything you would have done differently, or any lessons you’ve learned that have shaped who you are today?

Areej: There’s nothing I want to change. Every step in your career is a learning opportunity. You continue to learn, even after big projects. The key is to remain positive and do your homework. You must know how to control your emotions.

Your role as Natasha in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum has been creating a lot of buzz lately. How was your experience portraying this character?

Areej: When I read the script, it resonated with reality and offered many lessons based on our society and culture. My character was complex and negative, so portraying Natasha required a lot of effort. I visualized the character, adopted her expressions, looks, and style. My co-actor was excellent and made me feel comfortable, and I owe special thanks to my director. I feel blessed that fans are loving my character.

Natasha is a strong and complex character—what drew you to this role, and how did you prepare for it?

Areej: I worked very hard on this role. My stylist helped a lot, and special thanks go to my director. It’s fascinating how many people recognize me as Natasha, and the character is even popular in India! I feel blessed to receive such love for my portrayal.

Without giving away too much, can we expect any surprises from Natasha’s character in the upcoming episodes? Is there anything exciting we should look forward to?

Areej: (Laughs) I’m not going to give any spoilers, but yes, Natasha is back, and you will see a lot more of her in the new episodes.

How has the audience’s response to Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum and your role as Natasha impacted you? Were you expecting such a strong reaction?

Areej: I wasn’t expecting this much love from fans, but there was confidence since I’ve portrayed negative characters before. However, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is an amazing drama. People recognize me more as Natasha than as Areej now! I’ve received many messages from India; Natasha is genuinely loved there. I feel blessed for this incredible response.

What was it like working with the cast and crew of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum? Any memorable moments or challenges during the shoot?

Areej: I had a wonderful experience with the cast and crew of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. The crew was very professional, and it felt like a family vibe with everyone. I faced challenges, especially when we started shooting in the summer while wearing winter clothes. At one point, I almost fainted from the heat! That was definitely a challenging time.

Acting can be really stressful, especially with all the public pressure. How do you take care of your mental health, and do you think the industry provides enough support for actors in this regard?

Areej: Mental health is a very important topic that often goes unaddressed. Acting can be stressful, especially with public pressure. Sometimes, we work for 12 to 14 hours under heavy lights with lots of makeup and the pressure of staying in character. Our industry faces significant mental health challenges. Fans have high expectations, which can add pressure. I handle my mental health by not stressing too much. I love my work, stay positive, and avoid negativity. Taking breaks to refresh my mind and spending time with family also helps.

Nepotism is always a big topic in the entertainment world. As someone who deserves more recognition, do you feel like the industry gives more importance to connections than talent? How do you deal with this?

Areej: Yes, nepotism exists in every industry. However, if you enter through the wrong channels without talent, you won’t survive. To stay relevant, you need to work hard and be a good actor. For me, the focus is on my work and continuous improvement.

Sometimes it feels like certain actors get more roles just because of favoritism, not talent. Have you ever felt that your hard work goes unnoticed, and how do you keep yourself motivated in such a competitive field?

Areej: Favoritism in casting is true, but when you work hard, no one can stop you. Your work should speak for itself. If the audience loves you, that’s what ultimately matters.

There are always rumors about the casting couch in the entertainment industry. As someone who’s worked hard for your roles, have you ever faced situations where your values were tested to get work?

Areej: Yes, casting couch exists, but only if you try to enter the industry through the wrong channels. When you approach reputable production houses, they cast you based on talent. I faced such situations when I was new, but I learned to stand my ground. No one can do anything without your permission; it all depends on you. I’m grateful to Allah that I worked the right way and have had no bad experiences. I once firmly addressed a director who crossed boundaries when i was new.

Many fans feel you deserve more lead roles and recognition. Do you think the industry values raw talent, or is it often influenced by connections and politics?

Areej: “Haha, I love this question! Yes, I believe I deserve lead roles. I’m not sure what criteria are used when casting leads, but one day, Inshallah, you’ll see me in that position. I’m here because of my passion, not because of connections, and while some do get roles through nepotism, I’m paving my own path. I believe I deserve the lead roles and more screen time, and I’ll earn it on my terms!”

And that wraps up our interview! Areej is not only one of Pakistan’s most cherished actresses but also admired by fans worldwide. Our heartfelt wishes are with her, and we can’t wait to see her continue to rise and shine.