Who is Anika Zulfikar? All About Qarz e Jaan Star!

Anika Zulfikar, who plays Faryal in Qarz e Jaan, has won hearts with her realistic portrayal of a foreign Pakistani. Her authentic performance has resonated with audiences, shedding light on the experiences of Pakistanis living abroad.

Early Life & Personal Journey

Born in Karachi, Anika later moved to Canada with her family. She briefly returned to Pakistan at the age of 10 before relocating back to Canada at 15. Despite living abroad, she always felt a deeper connection to Pakistan. In an interview with Something Haute, she shared that life overseas comes with its own struggles, and she never truly felt at home in Canada.

Before entering Pakistan’s drama industry, Anika worked in Canada’s entertainment scene, featuring in music videos for renowned singers like Karan Aujla and Jazzy B. She also performed in theatre but felt limited by the stereotypical roles offered abroad. This motivated her to explore opportunities in Pakistan, where she believed she could grow as an actor.

Career & Breakthrough in Qarz e Jaan

Anika began her television journey with Namak Haram, starring Imran Ashraf and Sarah Khan. However, it was her role as Faryal in Qarz e Jaan that truly brought her into the spotlight. She feels deeply connected to Nashwa, another character in the drama, as her real-life experiences mirror those of Nashwa’s family struggles.

Drawing from her own background, Anika shared that her mother, much like Bisma in Qarz e Jaan, moved to Canada after marriage and lived with her mother-in-law while her husband worked abroad. She and her sister often became their mother’s voice, as she rarely spoke up for herself.

Portraying a Different Kind of Hijabi Character

Anika, who wore the hijab until she was 17, takes pride in playing Faryal, a confident and independent hijabi character. She believes that her portrayal breaks stereotypes, presenting a strong and modern version of a hijabi woman on Pakistani television.