'I thought I’d go to hell', Zoya Nasir opens up about childhood bullying
Pakistani actress Zoya Nasir has candidly opened up about the emotional struggles she faced as a child, revealing that she was bullied in school because her father, renowned screenwriter Nasir Adeeb, worked in the entertainment industry. She shared that the hurtful remarks left her frightened and eventually led her to find comfort through prayer.
During her appearance on ‘Fuchsia Magazine’, Zoya reflected on how people's judgment about her father's profession deeply affected her at a young age.
Recalling those difficult years, she said:
"I used to ask my father, 'Will these people go to hell? They're such nice people.' My father would reply, 'Beta, we don't know who will go to heaven or hell. Only Allah can decide that. No human being has the right to make that judgment.'"
She explained that as a child, she often heard people claim that those associated with the film industry were destined for hell, something that had a lasting emotional impact on her.
"People used to say that those in the film industry were going to hell, and as a little girl, that affected me deeply. I was bullied in school because of my background. It really mattered to me, and it really scared me. I genuinely thought Allah would throw me into hell because my father made movies."
The actress admitted that she experienced anxiety long before she understood what it was, but instead of turning to medication or therapy, she found solace in her faith.
"It was like experiencing anxiety before I even knew what anxiety was. Some people turn to medication, some to therapy but I turned to prayer."
Zoya also recalled a piece of advice from her father that transformed her relationship with worship.
"My father used to tell me, 'At first, prayer feels like a burden. Then it becomes a habit, and eventually it becomes an act of devotion.' In the beginning, even offering a few obligatory prayers felt difficult for me. But whenever I felt anxious, praying brought me so much peace. First it became a routine, then a habit, then a connection with Allah. Over the past year, it has truly become an act of worship."
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Her heartfelt reflections resonated with many viewers, who praised her honesty about childhood trauma, anxiety, and her spiritual journey. Many admired the way she spoke about finding inner peace through faith while highlighting the emotional impact that judgment and bullying can have on children.
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It is worth mentioning that Zoya Nasir is the daughter of legendary Pakistani writer Nasir Adeeb, best known for penning iconic films such as Maula Jatt. Despite growing up in a family closely associated with the entertainment industry, Zoya has established herself as a successful actress and model, earning acclaim for her performances in dramas including Hania, Dobara, Mere Humsafar, and Bas Tera Saath Ho.
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