reej Chaudhary, a name synonymous with bea-uty, talent, and deter-mination, first captured the public’s imagination when she was crowned Miss Pakistan World. From beauty pageants to acting, her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Since her triumph as Miss Pakistan in 2021, Areej has been a trailblazer.

This interview took place just a day before she jetted off to China for the much-anticipated Beauty of the World 2024 pageant. Named an ambassador for this prestigious event, she is thrilled to have landed this incredible opportunity and radiated excitement during this interview.

“Taking part in this pageant is honestly an honor—definitely a feather in my cap,” she ex-claimed with joy. “This pageant is more than just a competition. It’s not about the crowns or titles; it’s about the friendships, memories, and the journey itself.”

From her early days in pageantry to her ambitious leap into acting, Areej’s journey has been an unstoppable one. With numerous TV serials to her credit, she made her film debut last year with Dhai Chaal. “If I had to pick, my top three serials would be Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum (KMKT), Tark-e-Wafa, and Woh Pagal Si. Each of these projects has left a significiant impact on me,”she reflected.

Describing her role as Natasha in KMKT, Areej admitted how the role was a challenge. “Playing a girl who flirts with her best friend’s husband while being married to a loving husband herself was a complex under-taking.” On the other hand, Tark-e-Wafa required her to dive deep into an emotional terrain of a different sort.

“It was emotionally draining yet rewar-ding to portray Nausheen’s circumstances authentically. It required immense focus and commitment, especially when transitioning between roles,” she explained.

The budding actor also emphasized the importance of scripts in shaping impactful dramas. “The script is the back-bone of any play. It articulates the emotions and the message a writer wants to convey. I truly appreciate writers who craft nuanced characters and comp-elling storylines that challenge societal norms and reflect reality.”

While much of the content on air still revolves around clichéd dynamics, Areej maintains there has been a positive shift.

“We are slowly transitioning from showing damsel(s) in distress to empowered women with ambitions and aspirations,” she noted. “I’m excited to be part of this narrative shift. I want to tell stories that capture the full spectrum of the human exp-erience. The ultimate goal is to create art that sparks meaningful conversations about society, relationships, and everything in between. Honestly, the sky’s the limit.”

As she reflected on her debut film, Dhai Chaal, Areej admitted it did not achieve the kind of success a debutant usually hopes for. “It’s always disheartening when a project doesn’t perform as expected, especially when you pour your heart into it. But it taught me invaluable lessons about the industry. Setbacks are part of the journey, and they often lead to growth and better opportunities.”

Dhai Chaal was less commercial and veered towards parallel cinema, so wouldn’t it have been better for her to debut with a powerful role in a big-budget commercial film? But Areej shared a different perspective and noted, “I believe there’s an audience for art films in Pakistan; it’s just a matter of reaching them effectively. Our society is diverse, and while commercial films often dominate cinematic landscape, art cinema can provoke thought and inspire social change, which is something I deeply believe in.”

When choosing projects, Areej prioritizes originality and depth. “I evaluate the character’s arc, the script’s depth, and the production team. I’m especially drawn to roles that allow for significant character develop-ment. Collaborating with visi-onary directors and writers is crucial, as their vision can elevate even simple stories into powerful narratives.”

Her recent collaboration with actor Emmad Irfani in KMKT was particularly rewarding. “It’s incredible when an audience respond with love,” she said, beaming. “We worked hard to create something genuine, and seeing it resonate with viewers feels like icing on the cake. Emmad’s energy on set was infectious, and working with him was a fantastic experience.”

Playing Natasha in KMKT pushed her out of her comfort zone. “But I thrive on challenges,” she confessed. “It’s all about stepping up and bringing authenticity to the role. Balancing strength and vulnerability was tough but rewarding. I think this project has been a game-changer for me.”

Navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment industry can be tricky. “The key, for me, is staying true to myself and surrounding myself with a solid support system,” Areej shared. “The industry is like walking a tightrope—you need balance. I’ve learned to embrace my quirks and passions while keeping my roots grounded and navigating through trends. Also, surrounding myself with family and genuine friends who encourage me to express my individuality has been vital. At the end of the day, I make it a point to remind myself that I’ve got to enjoy the ride, not just chase the prize.”

When asked about marriage, Areej gave a thoughtful and diplomatic response, “Marriage is a significant life decision, and I believe in taking my time. I want to focus on my career and personal growth. When the time is right, and I find the right person, I’ll be open to it. Until then, I’m enjoying this chapter of my life.” As for her ideal partner, she revealed, “I look for some-one who appreciates my ambi-tions and supports my career. Kindness, intelligence, a sense of humor, and mutual respect are cornerstones of a strong relat-ionship.”

Currently, Areej has acted in a Punjabi film shot in the UK, which is now in post-production. “It was an enriching experience! It reminded me that storytelling transcends language and reg-ional boundaries.

Collaborating with industry veterans like Javaid Sheikh and Humayoun Ashraf in London was incredible.”

From China, Areej shared more about the Beauty of the World 2024 pageant.

“Set in the breathtaking valley of Jico, the event feels like a dream come true. Representing my culture on a global stage is surreal.” Results are expected in three months, and the anti-cipation is palpable.

For aspiring actors, Areej offered sage advice, “Chase your dreams relentlessly. Build your craft, be open to feedback, and don’t let rejection discourage you. Keep hustling, stay hungry for know-ledge and never lose sight of why you started. If your passion shines through, success will follow.”

Areej’s journey exemplifies patience, perseverance, and passion—proving that life is truly a marathon, not a sprint.