EXCLUSIVE: Zareen Khan reveals her “Firsts,” from job to rejection; recalls people having “problem with her existence” after Veer released

In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, actress Zareen Khan shared a candid look at her life’s memorable “firsts” — from her first audition and job to the earliest friendships and rejections that have shaped her career and perspective. Here’s a peek into her journey through these formative moments.

First Best Friend: A Lifelong Bond with Siman Rizvi
When asked about her first best friend, Zareen fondly remembered Siman Rizvi. “Her name is Siman Rizvi. She was my first best friend when I came to Bandra in third standard from school, and she is still my friend,” Zareen shared. 
First Audition: Stepping Into the Industry with Veer
Zareen’s first audition was no less than a monumental step into Bollywood. Recalling her audition for Veer, the 2010 historical romance starring Salman Khan, she explained that the team wanted to check her fluency in English due to a common misconception about her language skills. “A lot of people assume that I can’t speak Hindi because of my appearance,” she remarked.
First Drink: The Humble Beginning with Coffee or Tea
In a lighter moment, Zareen joked about her first drink being as ordinary as coffee or tea. She laughed as she shared, “Coffee/Tea, hahaha.”
First Thought Each Morning: “It’s Going to Be an Amazing Day”
Reflecting her optimistic outlook, Zareen’s first thought each morning is a positive affirmation. “Oh wow! It’s going to be an amazing day,” she said.
First App Checked Daily: The Work-Centric Choice of WhatsApp
With her work highly dependent on constant communication, Zareen admitted that WhatsApp is the first app she opens every day. “Because, of course, all your work is on that,” she explained.
First Song Memorized: Childhood Melodies
For Zareen, the songs from her childhood hold a special place in her memory. “Whatever song I have listened to in childhood, I remember all of it,” she shared.
First Job: Early Days in a Call Center
Like many young adults, Zareen’s first job was far from the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. Her first role was at a call center. 
First Celebrity Meeting: Childhood Encounters with Bollywood Stars
Zareen’s childhood featured many early brushes with Bollywood celebrities. She remembers her parents nudging her to approach stars on film sets. Among her earliest encounters were with Karisma Kapoor on the set of Jeet and Sridevi, whom she remembers in a “very grand look” though the film’s name escapes her memory.
First Movie That Made Her Cry: Two Brothers
The first film to bring Zareen to tears was Two Brothers, a story centred on the lives of two tigers. “Somehow, I feel emotions for animals more than humans,” she explained.

First Experience with Rejection: Facing Criticism in the Industry
Zareen’s first encounter with rejection came after her debut in Bollywood. “In this industry…after my first film, people had a problem with my existence,” she revealed. Facing harsh comments and wild comparisons early in her career, she experienced firsthand the pressures of a competitive industry.

Also Read: Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest 2024: Zareen Khan says OTT boomed after Bollywood was facing backlash; says the streaming sites also have favouritism: “There will be a senseless project that will be greenlit”