For Fajr Sheikh, acting was never simply about being seen. From a childhood spent taking risks and embracing challenges to finding her footing through modelling, theatre and television, her journey has been shaped by curiosity, perseverance and an unwavering desire to grow. Today, as she steadily establishes herself in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, Fajr is less interested in fitting into a mould and more determined to create her own.

Her transition from modelling to acting introduced her to an entirely different dimension of performance. While the camera taught her confidence and self-expression, her training at the National Academy of Performing Arts and experience in theatre gave her the discipline and grounding to approach acting as a craft. Suffice to say, she is a determined, grounded newcomer who is building her career through training, versatility and persistence, rather than simply focusing on her rise in television.

Her early projects, including Grey and Betiyaan, brought their own challenges, while roles such as Benish in Qarz-e-Jaan pushed her emotionally and artistically. She has just wrapped up Aik Mohabbat Aur with Maya Ali and Ahad Raza Mir, a project that was well-loved by the audiences and where she stood out, in particular.

What makes Fajr’s journey particularly compelling is her willingness to remain a student.

Even after working alongside some of the industry’s most established names, she describes every new set as an opportunity to learn. She speaks warmly of the seniors who welcomed her, while candidly acknowledging the technical adjustments required when she moved from theatre to television.

Beyond the screen, Fajr is equally candid about navigating expectations placed on women, from appearance and complexion to marriage and career. Yet she approaches these conversations with remarkable composure, choosing to let training, dedication and the quality of her work define her.

With a desire to explore comedy, action, films and web series, Fajr is clearly thinking beyond the conventional trajectory. Her ambition is simple but telling: to become the actress directors and producers think of when challenging roles come their way. And if her determination is any indication, she is well on her way. Excerpts:

SK: You grew up in Karachi and entered an industry that's known for being highly competitive. Looking back, what kind of child were you?
FS: I wasn’t very feminine as a child, and I grew up mostly around my brother, so I wasn’t that kind of girl. I was always a curious kid who loved taking risks and trying difficult things. Whenever something seemed challenging, I was always eager to give it a try. I think that’s one of the reasons I’m in this industry today — I’ve never been afraid to take on a challenge.

SK: Did you always dream of becoming an actress or were you inspired by something or someone at some point?
FS: I’ve always dreamed of becoming someone who makes a difference, someone who inspires other girls to follow their own path. Acting felt like a natural way to do that.

SK: Before acting, you worked as a model. How did modelling shape your confidence in front of the camera, and what lessons from that phase still help you today?
FS: Doing bridal shoots taught me I am photogenic, and it pushed me to explore more. I learned that confidence comes from simply being myself. The camera picks up on everything, so you can’t fake it. That experience still helps me today, both in posing and acting.

SK: Every actor remembers their first audition. What was yours like, and did you ever face rejection that made you question whether this career was the right choice?
FS: I remember long audition lines, and when someone told me to quit. It really shook my confidence. But later, I trained at the National Academy of Performing Arts. I did theatre and learned to stand on my own as a professional actress.

SK: Your television debut in Betiyaan introduced you to audiences across Pakistan. What do you remember most about your first day on set, and how different was reality from your expectations?
FS: Well, Betiyan was actually my second project. My first project was Grey, where I played a rape victim, and that was a very challenging role for me. Honestly, every set has always been a learning experience. Even today, whenever it’s my first day on a new set, I go there like a curious kid, excited to see what I’m going to learn.

Every director, every co-actor, and every crew is different, so there’s always something new to take away. I think being on set has shaped me not just as an actor, but as a person too. That’s why I still get excited on the first day of every project.

SK: As a newcomer, what has been the biggest challenge in proving yourself in an industry where audiences often compare fresh faces to established stars?
FS: Honestly, I never really felt like a newcomer because I was always welcomed with so much warmth. I had the opportunity to work with incredible actors like Yumna Zaidi, Maya Ali, Rubina Ashraf, and Saba Hameed, and none of them ever made me feel like I was new to the industry. They were all so kind, supportive, and generous, which made my job so much easier. I have a lot of respect for my seniors because they helped me feel comfortable from day one.

The only real challenge was the technical transition from theatre to television. My background is in theatre, and acting for the camera is very different. I had to learn the technical aspects of screen acting, like understanding camera angles, continuity, and how subtle a performance needs to be on screen. That was my biggest learning curve, but I really enjoyed the process.

SK: The entertainment industry can be especially demanding for women. Have you ever felt judged more for your appearance than your talent, and how do you navigate those expectations?
FS: There is a preference for fair complexions, and that’s something I’ve noticed. I’ve been judged too — not so much by the industry, but by people outside it, who have said that I only got work because I’m fair. I honestly think that’s a ridiculous assumption. I don’t believe my complexion is the reason I’ve come this far. To me, the work has always mattered more. I focus on training, theatre, and improving with every project. At the end of the day, I believe it’s your hard work and dedication that help you grow.

SK: Social media has become almost as important as television for actors today. Do you ever feel pressured to constantly stay visible and relevant online, or do you believe your work should speak for itself?
FS: I think your work should always come first, but today you also have to grow with the times. Social media has become an important part of our industry worldwide.

 I believe actors should keep upgrading themselves, and that includes being more active online. It’s the best way to connect directly with your fans and audience. So yes, I think we should embrace social media while continuing to let our work speak for itself.

SK: Marriage often changes public perception of actresses. Since getting married, have you noticed any changes in the kinds of roles you're offered or the expectations people have of you?
FS: Marriage hasn’t changed my career. I’m still getting work, and people are more accepting now [of married acctresses] than [they were] before.

SK: How has your husband supported your acting career, and what role does having a supportive partner play in managing the demands of showbiz?
FS: I’m really fortunate to have a very supportive husband. He understands how demanding this profession can be and encourages me to keep growing as an actor. Having that kind of support really makes a difference. It gives me peace of mind and the confidence to do my best. I’m truly grateful for that. 

SK: Balancing personal life with long shooting schedules isn't easy. How do you maintain that balance without compromising either your career or your relationships?
FS: Since my husband is a director, we understand each other’s schedules. Both of us work irregular hours, so there’s no misunderstanding. I think that shared reality actually makes things easier for us.

SK: You've worked with experienced actors early in your career. Which co-star or director has taught you the most, and what advice has stayed with you?
FS: Well, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many incredible actors and directors, and each one of them has taught me something valuable. I honestly can’t name just one because every person I’ve worked with has contributed to my growth in a different way.

SK: Every role leaves something behind. Which character has challenged you the most emotionally, and why?
FS: The most emotionally challenging role I have played was Benish in Qarz-e-Jaan.

What made this character so demanding was that I had to portray so many different roles within one person.

SK: Which project has been your favourite so far, and why?
FS: My favourite project so far is Aik Mohabbat Aur, because I got to play a comedic character.

SK: Pakistani dramas often revolve around family and romance. Is there a genre or character you haven't explored yet that you're eager to take on?
FS: I’d love to play an action-oriented character.

SK: With streaming platforms creating more opportunities, do you see yourself moving toward web series, films, or even international projects in the future?
FS: I’d love to explore every medium, especially web series and films.

SK: Every actor experiences moments of self-doubt. When criticism comes your way, how do you separate constructive feedback from unnecessary negativity?
FS: Sometimes the tricky part is figuring out what to listen to. Useful feedback helps; vague negativity doesn't.

SK: Looking at today's entertainment industry, what changes would you like to see — especially for young actresses trying to establish themselves?
FS: My advice to young actresses is to stay humble, respect everyone on set, and keep improving your craft.

SK: You're still in the early stages of your career. What personal standards have you set for yourself when choosing scripts and roles, and deciding what kind of actress you want to become?
FS: I want to become the kind of actress whose name instantly comes to a director’s or producer’s mind for challenging roles.

SK: Do you face your fair share of online trolling? If so, how do you deal with it?
FS: I don’t see that happening to me, and fortunately, I haven’t experienced it myself.

SK: If you could collaborate with any Pakistani actor or filmmaker you've admired growing up, who would it be and why?
FS: I would really love the opportunity to work with Faisal Qureshi someday.

SK: Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to young girls who dream of entering the entertainment industry but are afraid of failure or criticism, what would you tell them?
FS: When I started, no one supported me in becoming an actress, but with time, things started getting easier. So, be confident, believe in yourself, trust in God, and leave the rest to Him. Most importantly, give it your 200% and never stop believing in yourself.

• Photographer: Yasser Sadiq @yasser.sadiq_
• Make-up & Hair: Nighat Misbah @depilexmas
• Shoot Coordination: Sidra Khan @sidrask
• Talent Coordination: Alchemists @alchemistspk