LONDON – The first-ever Hijabi character in the blockbuster, Spider-Man: Far from Home, says she took her role in the film to highlight the fact that millions of women wearing Hijab are ordinary people.
In an interview with Geo News about her much-talked-about role in the Spider-Man film, the Pakistani-born actress Zoha Rahman said that her original role was not about wearing Hijab but later on she was asked if she would like the role of a Hijabi and she instantly agreed to do the role.
“My original role was supposed to be a diverse role as part of the film’s diverse character showing a representation of many. When I was given the option of wearing Hijab, I agreed because I wanted to be a positive role model. Traditionally, there have been limiting roles for Muslims in the capacity of a taxi driver, techie, or a terrorist, and if it was a female character she would always be shown as oppressed.
She further added that “It was a big matter for me to represent all those women who cover their heads and are the strongest, funniest and most intelligent women in my life, I know so many of them and I wanted to give them representation in a positive way.”
Zoha Rahman was born in Pakistan. Her father is a retired military officer, originally from Jhelum. She studied all over Pakistan, moving schools every time her father was posted at a new place.
Around seven years ago, she came to London to study and started modelling for commercials besides studying. She recently finished her law degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and plans to do Masters in Law as well but for now, her full concentration is on her acting career.
She has modelled for Qatar Airways, FIFA World Cup, Acuvue, And Wagamama, and Asian immigration law firms before being chosen to play the role of Peter Parker’s friend in the latest film from the Marvel-Sony Spider-Man franchise.
Zoha Rahman started taking interests in acting when was studying in schools in Pakistan. She said Pakistan’s dramas and shows are popular all over the world. “No doubt Pakistanis are hugely talented, off and on camera. Getting roles in international films is a validation of Pakistani talent.”
She had also shared of getting lots of positive response. “I have received messages from girls who have appreciated my role as a Hijab wearing girl. There has not been much representation and not many normal and positive roles for the Muslims and other ethnic minorities.
