Doha, Qatar: In the last few weeks, Doha resident Urooj Khan has been busier than usual. This weekend she left for The Philippines to adjudge the Miss and Mrs Asian Pacific Beauty 2023. But that is just one of the reasons for her busy schedule.
The Indian expat is on cloud nine as she begins her acting career with the release of the action web series Inspector Avinash. Set in the 1990s, the series is inspired by the real-life exploits of Uttar Pradesh, a north Indian state, supercop Avinash Mishra who took on the arms mafia. Directed by Neeraj Pathak, Urooj plays the role of Inspector Mamta Awasthi alongside star actors Randeep Hooda, and Urvashi Rautela.
Urooj had lots to say when asked about co-star Randeep Hooda who plays the lead role in the series. "My experience of working with the director and the entire crew was amazing. Randeep Hooda is a highly professional actor. He comes on time, is well-prepared and has an excellent eye for detail. And when you are working with such an actor, you enjoy your work," says the actress, who has been a Qatar resident for the past 12 years.
That said, Urooj is not a newbie when it comes to the glamour industry. She is the brand ambassador of Mrs India and was crowned Mrs Asia Pacific Intercontinental 2018 which was held in Singapore with 32 contestants from different countries. "After winning the pageant, I started getting few offers for various roles. I auditioned for Inspector Avinash in Mumbai, and things were on a roll after that," says Urooj, while speaking to The Peninsula.
But the ride was not an easy one due to the pandemic and the travel restrictions. "The whole series took us two years to complete and most of the delay was due to Covid. I had to travel on and off to India. During those days I have lived through all sorts of quarantine - be it 10 days, 7 days, or 2 days. It was tough but we all had made a commitment and it had to be done," says Urooj adding that the hard work pays off when we see the love that we have been getting from our audience.
Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Urooj was brought up in the financial capital of India, Mumbai, and believes herself to be a blessed individual as far as family is concerned who have encouraged her throughout. "It is important for girls and women to believe in themselves and do something to boost their own confidence, no matter how big or small. We need to have goals and believe in our own abilities. I have missed quite a few opportunities because of my self-doubt," says the actress.
Urooj's web series is available only on Indian OTT platform JioCinema and she herself has not been able to watch all the episodes due to various reasons. Regardless, the artist is currently basking in the glory of the web series thanks to her family back home and fans who have gotten in touch with her to congratulate her on a well-played performance.
