Pakistani actress Nadia Jamil has revealed that she once declined an opportunity to appear in the Bollywood blockbuster Veer-Zaara because she wanted to care for her newborn child.

 

Jamil shared the story during a Ramadan special transmission on a private TV channel where she spoke about motherhood and the difficult decisions she made early in her career.

 

Speaking about the offer, Jamil said she had been approached for a role in the film and discussions had almost been finalised. However, she had recently given birth to her first child at the time.

 

“I was offered a role in Veer-Zaara, and the project was almost finalised,” she said.

 

The actress explained that her son was only a few months old, and she felt strongly about staying with him during that period.

 

“My baby was just three months old, and I did not want to leave him. I felt I needed to be with him in those early months,” she said.

 

Jamil also revealed that her family supported her career and encouraged her to accept the opportunity.

 

“My mother even said she would travel with me for the shoot, and my in-laws were also supportive,” she stated. 

 

Despite the encouragement, she chose to step away from the project and focus on motherhood.

 

“People told me that saying no to such a big film could harm my career, but I chose to stay with my child."

 

Released in 2004 and directed by Yash Chopra, Veer-Zaara starred Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta in lead roles. The character of Pakistani lawyer Saamiya Siddiqui in the film was eventually played by Rani Mukerji.

 

Nadia Jamil remains one of Pakistan’s most respected television actors. 

 

She began her career in the 1990s and earned recognition for her performances in dramas such as Dhoop Mein Sawan, Meri Jaan, and Raqs‑e‑Bismil. She also received praise for the telefilm Behadd alongside Fawad Khan.