The Game Changer – Farrukh Zafar

She remembered who she was and the game changed!

– Lalah Deliah

Women are expected to change with every phase of their life and no matter who they are, women are expected to act in a certain manner. Despite the societal norms, one woman chose the path of acting to add glory to what who she is. This octogenarian started her journey with being the first radio presenter at Vivid Bharti in Lucknow. The way she describes her passion for acting is simply magical. I am referring to the internet sensation, the character of Fatima Begum that stole the limelight in the recent Amazon Prime Video Film, Gulabo- Sitabo.

Yes, the magnanimous, charming and magical, Farrukh Jaffar!

Farrukh Jaffar’s movie career backtracks to 40 years. She has worked and gained recognition through films that have gained critical acclamations. The actress is thrilled with all the love and success her character and the film has been receiving from all over. She is overjoyed with all the appreciation that is coming her way.

This brilliant actress was seen in the following movies in the following roles

1981   Umrao Jaan  UmaraoJaan’s biological mother

2004   Swades          Fatima Bi

2009   Peepli Live    Mrs Manikpuri

2015   Barefoot to Goa     

2015   Jaanisaar       Moore’s grandmother

2015   Parched        Jaanki’s grandmother

2016   Sultan            Sultan’s grandmother

2017   What Will People Say?      Bestemor

2017   Secret Superstar     Badi Apa

2019   Photograph  Daadi

2019   Ammaa Ki Boli         Ammaa

2020   GulaboSitabo           Fatima Begum

The actress who waded the displeasure from the family made her mark in the movies. The zeal and enthusiasm she has in her even beats her age in front of the camera. Her unadulterated love for acting shines through easily and makes all her conversations extremely candid. She simply has to put herself in the character’s shoes and the magic wand works its wonders on its own. When she was questioned about her upholding 40 years in the movie industry, she simply said, it’s always her characters and the camera doing the magic.

Women have always had it difficult. It doesn’t matter what profession they are in. Farrukh has been strong and brave to pursue what she believed in. She reminisces her earlier days and speaks about the hurdles she overcame to make a mark for herself. Her honesty is childlike and she simply cannot stop smiling, when she describes her little anecdotes about working with the Khans.

Despite being married at an early age, she didn’t let the then world conditions dampen her spirits. She was always chirpy, optimistic and star-struck as she herself admits. She was always fascinated by the idea of being adored by people and hence she worked with the radio, theatre and movies too. Her vivacity is what makes her so lovable. She has this never give up attitude which is commendable for her age.

Her energy and aura are sure to please everyone as her character has pleased everyone with her values that she portrays in the movie. She has been happy to play a character that hails from the same city as hers. Farrukh was married to the eminent freedom fighter and journalist, Syed Muhammad Jaffer. She has two beautiful daughters. She enjoys her time with her family and talking to her grandchildren. She strongly feels that women need to carve a stage for themselves. She advises the women of all generations to live life to the fullest without worrying about their age or economic situation.