KARACHI — Prominent Pakistani television actor Arjumand Rahim has spoken candidly about her intense battle with severe anxiety, depression, and panic attacks following the sudden demise of her father due to cardiac arrest in 2006. Appearing on a recent show, the veteran artist detailed the harrowing experience of navigating undiagnosed mental health struggles, recalling how physical symptoms like racing heartbeats and sweating left her constantly fearing a heart attack. Rahim emphasized that true recovery only began once she recognized the problem and sought professional help, crediting a combination of regular therapy, psychiatric consultations, and prescribed medication for her gradual healing. In light of her journey, she urged the public to slow down in today’s fast-paced world, prioritize personal well-being, and cherish quality time with family.
Beyond her personal struggles, Rahim—who has been a staple of the entertainment industry since 1995—shared sharp insights into the structural issues plaguing the domestic media landscape. Having transitioned from playing shy, innocent characters in her early career to being continuously cast in dominant roles after her performance in the drama Sher, she critiqued directors for creative laziness and systemic typecasting. Drawing comparisons from her time studying acting in New York, Rahim highlighted that the biggest disparity between Pakistani and international productions lies in time management, financial discipline, and long-term planning. Concluding her discussion, the Raja London Ka star stressed the need for critically acclaimed dramas that seamlessly blend meaningful, visionary storytelling with engaging entertainment without overwhelming the audience.
