Arif Zakaria

Arif Zakaria, born on November 11, 1966, is a prominent Indian actor whose career spans film, television, and theater. He made his cinematic debut in the film "Darmiyaan" (1997) and soon gained recognition for his performances in notable works such as "1947: Earth" (1998), "Dance Like a Man" (2004), and biographical films like "Mardana" and the controversial "Nanak Shah Fakir."

Growing up in a politically active family, with his uncle Rafiq Zakaria being a notable politician and his cousin Fareed Zakaria a well-known journalist, Arif pursued his education at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics. He ventured into acting during his college years, engaging in theater before transitioning to television, featuring in series like "Chunauti," "Karambhoomi," and "Kaali - Ek Agnipariksha."

Zakaria's versatility shines through his varied roles in films, including "Hero," "Asambhav," and "My Name is Khan." His portrayal of Rustom Sethna in Deepa Mehta's "Earth" and Major Dhillon in Shyam Benegal's "Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero" showcased his acting range. In 2011, he received acclaim for his haunting role in Vikram Bhatt's "Haunted."

In 2015, he produced the children's film "Pinti Ka Sabun" for the Children's Film Society of India. More recently, he appeared in "Raazi," directed by Meghna Gulzar, and is currently featured in the web series "Qubool Hai 2.0." Zakaria continues to engage audiences with his dynamic performances and diverse projects.