2 hrs ago
Arif Zakaria Reflects on Four Decades Across Indian Entertainment
Arif Zakaria is an actor who has worked for almost 40 years.
He first became well known through a television show called Chunauti in 1987.
He says he began acting unexpectedly while he was a college student.
In his early theatre work, he earned Rs 100.
His first television serial paid him Rs 750 for each episode, which was a lot at that time.
Actors also had to bring their own clothes to some shoots.
Zakaria has since worked in theatre, films, television and streaming shows.
In the interview, he shares his thoughts about famous actors, directors and production companies.
Arif Zakaria says he entered acting by accident and became widely known through the 1987 television series Chunauti.
He recalls earning Rs 100 in theatre and Rs 750 per episode in his first television serial.
Zakaria says early television actors often carried their own clothes to shoots.
He praises Dharma Productions and Yash Raj Films for treating and supporting actors well.
He discusses working with directors including Karan Johar, Meghna Gulzar, Neeraj Pandey, Nikkhil Advani and Shyam Benegal.
- Who
- Actor Arif Zakaria, speaking with Rediff journalist Archana Masih.
- What
- Zakaria discusses his nearly 40-year acting career across theatre, television, films and OTT productions.
- Where
- The interview was published and produced by Rediff; Zakaria studied and began performing in Mumbai.
- When
- The interview reflects on a career that began with the 1987 television series Chunauti and continued for nearly 40 years.
- Why
- He was interviewed to discuss his career, roles and experiences working with actors, directors and production houses.
Key facts
- Actor
- Arif Zakaria
- First major television show
- Chunauti, which became popular in 1987
- First theatre earnings
- Rs 100
- First television pay
- Rs 750 per episode
- Career span
- Nearly 40 years
- Production companies praised
- Dharma Productions and Yash Raj Films
- Formats worked in
- Theatre, films, OTT and television
Quotes
Arif Zakaria
Actor discussing filmmakers and production houses he has worked with
“Karan Johar is larger than life. Big production houses like Dharma and Yashraj treat actors very well. They spoil you.”
rediff.com
“I was paid 750 bucks per episode for my first TV serial, it was big money that time.”
rediff.com







