article - ZARINA a.k.a AYE IN TD

€˜I€™ve a short memory for bad things€™

Zarina Wahab talks about her show, marriage and actor daughter Sanna

Farhana Farook

Though €˜Tumhari Disha€™ (Zee) has taken a 25-year-leap, actor Zarina Wahab (Suhasini) is still part of this family drama. The ever smiling actor says, €œMy co-actors call me €˜positive energy€™. It€™s fun to work with the bubbly new generation.€ But Zarina albeit has set her own rules. She says, €œI don€™t shoot after 7 pm. I have no problems with the money I€™m paid but I don€™t want to work late.€ She sums up her acting skills as, €œbad with lines but good with expressions.€
In the 70s, Zarina Wahab was the face of meaningful cinema with films like €˜Chitchor€™ and €˜Gharonda€™. But she tossed it all away when she married actor Aditya Pancholi. Doing sporadic films and TV shows, it was home and hearth that became her fervour. She says, €œI was married to the kitchen. I enjoyed learning to cook and even purchasing the grocery.€ Playing mother to Sanna and Sooraj, the sherry-eyed actor recalls, €œI have been a friend to them. I never handed them over to servants. I€™d even take them for ghoda-gadi rides just to enjoy the expression on their faces.€
Now that Sanna is debuting in films, what are her dreams for her? Zarina says, €œI cannot dream for her. I can only guide her. But dignity and discipline eventually ensure a long run.€ She adds, €œWhen I leave my house for work, I don€™t do it as a star but as a worker.€
Her marriage has weathered many a storm. Does a star wife have to put in that extra bit to make it work? €œI have seen my parents happy together. I€™m not from a broken family. Every wife has to have tolerance. Instead of cribbing I try to correct myself,€ she reasons.
An eternal optmist, Zarina confesses, €œI€™ve a short memory for bad things. It€™s not that I don€™t have problems, but I sail through them