Exclusive! Here's why Monica, O My Darling's Zayn Marie Khan hasn't watched her uncle Aamir Khan's films

The actress, who is Mansoor Khan's daughter, says that she never asks for help from her family

Zayn Marie Khan

While nepotism has become common in many conversations when new talent is introduced in Bollywood, it is interesting to see how Zayn Marie Khan, the daughter of celebrated filmmaker Mansoor Khan and niece of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, is silently making her own space. Doing her own things, she has received a lot of love and appreciation for her performance in Monica, O My Darling.

Zayn plays a pivotal part in the Vasan Bala directorial that also features Rajkummar Rao, Radhika Apte, Huma Qureshi and Sikandar Kher.

In a conversation with OTTplay, Zayn said, "My upbringing was quite different and away from films. In fact, I did not grow up watching films every day. My parents shifted to Coonoor when I was 11 years old, and the environment in the mountains was very different. There were no cinema halls where we could go to often. When an Aamir chachu or Imran bhai's film released, we had to go for a long drive to the main town to watch the film. It is rather funny that I have become an actor, because the conversation in our household was never around films."

Since she made it in tinsel town quite independently, after struggling for over five years, Zayn said that during that period, she never once thought of going to her uncle Aamir to ask for a break.

"I know the reality — of how much effort, money and energy goes into making a film. So, initially, I was not encouraged to become an actor, because the business is very brutal. As a family, we have seen what happens to a producer if a film does not work at the box office. It is not an easy life, because the lows are very dark! Therefore, I wanted to see if I really am capable of making it. Unless I struggle, I can't build my character as an individual. I know that today, when Aamir chachu watches my work, he is happy and proud of me for whatever little I have done," shared the actress.

Starting her career with Mrs Serial Killer, Zayn has acted in the series Feels Like Ishq and Aaryan and Meera, but she says that the film Monica, O My Darling is truly special for her.

Considering that she shared screen space with actors like Rajkummar Rao and worked with a director like Vasan Bala in the film, was she nervous? The young actress said, "No. I think when you work with some great talent in the business, it only elevates your performance. I am happy that I got a chance to work with them."

So, has Aamir watched her work? Zayn replied, "Yes, he did and he appreciated my effort. But I know that I have a long way to go and I am waiting for more opportunities to come my way."

Monica, O My Darling is streaming on Netflix.

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