Zahid Ahmed & Zara Noor Abbas recently joined FUCHSIA for an exclusive conversation about their currently on-air drama, Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi.
Pakistani dramas are moving beyond clichéd tropes, and it is indeed a positive development that drama makers are now choosing to explore topics that are either rarely discussed on screen or have never been addressed, even though they exist in society. One such important conversation surrounds dementia. The new drama serial Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi is attempting to make this topic the center of discussion.
With that, Zara Noor Abbas and Zahid Ahmed sat down with us to talk about the drama!
This article is an excerpt from the YouTube interview. For the full conversation, head to the complete interview below.
Zahid Ahmed On Dementia In Young People
Zahid Ahmed emphasizes that chronic stress and how we handle life’s challenges can have serious effects on mental health. Lack of sleep and constantly dwelling on worries can create long-term strain on the brain, potentially leading to cognitive issues. He suggests approaching life’s challenges with balance—doing your best without letting grief, sorrow, or misery take over – because people who fixate on problems risk letting stress dominate their mental and emotional well-being.
Faith, Zahid emphasizes, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Understanding that life is a test and focusing on gratitude for what one has can help cultivate joy and peace, even amid difficulties. By shifting attention from what is lacking to the blessings present, individuals can reduce stress, foster emotional resilience, and protect both their mental and cognitive health over the long term.
Zara Noor Abbas On Balancing Motherhood & Acting
Zara Noor Abbas talks about managing her career while being a mother, emphasizing how supportive her cast and crew have been on set. She shares that her daughter, Noor-e-Jahan, often accompanies her to work, and the team treats her like a little assistant, making the environment welcoming for a working mother.
She observes that the industry is becoming more accommodating to married actresses and mothers, breaking the old notion that marriage or children hinder a woman’s career. For Zara, motherhood hasn’t stopped her from working; rather, it has shaped her approach, grounding her and giving her a sense of purpose beyond professional achievements.
And do you know who’s playing Zara’s daughter in the drama? Her own daughter, Noor-e-Jahan! Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi actually marked Noor-e-Jahan’s acting debut.
Zahid Ahmed On Men’s Mental Health & Emotional Burden
Zahid Ahmed highlights an often-overlooked topic in society: the emotional struggles of men, particularly fathers. He praises the drama for showing how a father deals with the grief of losing a child – a perspective that is rarely addressed, as society tends to focus on a mother’s pain. Men are expected to “stay strong” and move on quickly, but Zahid points out that deep losses affect their mental health profoundly, and the emotional weight of parenting is constant, with joys and stresses intertwined.
He emphasizes that many men cope by burying their grief in work or other distractions, but these are temporary measures. True emotional relief requires healthy outlets and, most importantly, faith. Zahid suggests that men need a private space to express their emotions, whether through prayer or other trusted means, instead of bottling everything up to meet societal expectations.
Ultimately, he stresses that acknowledging and processing grief is not a weakness – it’s essential for mental well-being. Men must find ways to vent, reflect, and seek support, rather than silently carrying the weight of their struggles.
Zara Noor Abbas On Parenting, Relationships, & Empowering Women
Zara Noor Abbas highlights the impact a husband and wife’s relationship has on children. She points out that in the heat of conflicts, parents often forget that their child is observing and absorbing everything. Children are like sponges, mimicking behaviors and internalizing the household atmosphere, which can deeply affect their emotional well-being.
She also emphasizes the importance of preparing daughters for independence beyond traditional education. Financial literacy, practical skills, and relevance in a constantly changing world are essential for empowering women to navigate life confidently. Zara notes that continual learning – adapting to new technology and understanding what younger generations are experiencing – is crucial for staying connected and supportive as a parent. Drawing from personal experience, she adds that caring for others, whether in real life or through her work in drama, has given her insight into balancing responsibilities, emotions, and maintaining positivity for the children around her.
Want to hear more? Watch the full interview below!
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