A Qatari woman and a mother of four, paving her own way in the fields of modelling, acting, and script writing, an inspirational figure and an RJ on a local FM radio station, Zahra al-Ansari believes that a woman with all her duties and obligations can and should follow her dreams. She advises that women love themselves and cherish their dreams.
Zahra recently celebrated Qatar National Day in her own style. She released a colourful video with the help of a technical team. Dressed in Qatar national colours, she is seen riding a horse in the desert.
The talented Zahra recently spoke to Community about motherhood and her journey through years.
Speaking about herself, she said, “I’m a graduate in Philosophy from the United States and I can converse in six languages, including Arabic, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu/Hindi and Konkani, a regional language in India. I’m a mother of four.”
Besides fulfilling her domestic and motherly duties, Zahra finds time for modelling, acting and broadcasting on a radio. She says, “I started working as an actor, model and RJ around three years ago only. I am also a social media blogger. Since the beginning, I have earned a lot of respect and appreciation on social media for my talent. As far acting is concerned, I have been a part of an Arabic drama serial that went on-air on Qatar Today TV. I have also acted in a small Hindi and Urdu shorts.
“Apart from all that I’m also a writer. I’ve been a part of a short film Broken as its screen writer and actor. The film is in Arabic with English subtitles. Through the film, I have spoken for women who face discrimination all over the world. I also blog on fashion.”
Zahra is also a model but she says that she does not do it for money. “I do modelling to support young and talented designers in Qatar, especially Qatari women designers. I also support make-up artists and those who deal in make-up accessories. I actually encourage women to follow their dreams in the areas of fashion and make-up.”
Known as RJ Zoya, she runs a unique night show at 89.61 FM. She said, “The show Sowalif Tali El Lail is in Arabic, English and Urdu/Hindi. We’re mostly targeting Qataris.”
With all these activities, Zahra has sort of become a role model for women in Qatar. “I have about 400,000 followers on my Facebook and Instagram pages. Women approach me with their problems and aspirations. Further, I have travelled many countries in the world. I see the kind of issues women face all over the world these days and these issues inspire me to motivate other women to pursue their dreams alongside their responsibilities and obligations.”
My journey of inspiring other women started some three years ago. When I saw the sufferings of the women around the world, I decided to inspire them with my work and then with my words. I think even if I can bring a positive change in one person’s life, I would have been successful. I support empowerment of women. Life is not about giving it up but moving forward. The boundaries around a woman can be turned into opportunities.”
She thinks that her country has helped her a lot in pursuing her dreams. “I love Qatar. It is a wonderful place. The country is all about being positive. Look, we welcome all kinds of religions, cultures and people and all live here in harmony and peace. As a woman, I am pursuing my dreams in my country. On the National Day, I came out and expressed my love for my country in a different way. It is a country where everyone with positive ideas can make headway.”
She desires to continue inspiring other women with her works. “I plan to inspire and motivate as many women around the world as possible to go after their dreams and aspirations.”
MULTITALENTED: Zahra al-Ansari is a Qatari mother of four, finding her own way in the fields of modelling, acting, script writing and being an RJ on a local FM radio station.
