In a world where public figures are constantly under the microscope, Veena Malik’s story stands out as one of personal growth, resilience, and spiritual alignment. Known for her vibrant career in the South Asian entertainment industry, Veena is now embracing a new journey that intertwines love, companionship, and faith.
A Relationship Rooted in Faith and Respect
Veena Malik’s relationship with Shehryar Chaudhry, a businessman from Islamabad, reflects more than just romance—it is a union built on shared values. Shehryar, known for his successful ventures in real estate and automobiles, is also a Hafiz-e-Quran, a distinction given to someone who has memorized the Quran. This shared spiritual foundation aligns with Veena’s evolving personal beliefs, deepening their connection. Their relationship promises a future grounded in trust, mutual growth, and a commitment to their core values.
A Multifaceted Career and Personal Reinvention
Veena’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From her captivating stint on Bigg Boss in India to her performances in Bollywood films like Gali Gali Chor Hai, Veena has showcased versatility across different entertainment platforms. However, her evolution extends beyond the glitz of show business. Veena’s life is a testament to personal reinvention, navigating the highs and lows of public life with grace. In recent years, she has turned inward, embracing spirituality and self-reflection, which have reshaped her approach to life and relationships.
Embracing New Beginnings with Purpose
Veena and Shehryar’s relationship is poised to mark the start of an exciting new chapter. Their wedding, an event eagerly awaited by fans, will symbolize more than just a union—it represents a shared journey built on understanding and respect. Veena’s focus remains on balancing this new beginning with her ongoing personal and professional commitments. She continues to prioritize her children’s well-being, reflecting her deep-rooted family values while maintaining her career ambitions.
A Life Guided by Spiritual Growth and Family Values
Amidst her many roles as an actress, mother, and partner, Veena’s dedication to personal growth is evident. Spirituality plays a pivotal role in her life, helping her navigate challenges with clarity and purpose. Her relationship with Shehryar, built on similar beliefs, exemplifies how personal fulfillment can emerge from aligning with one’s values. Together, they look toward a future filled with stability and companionship.
Living Authentically Despite the Spotlight
Veena Malik’s journey resonates beyond her celebrity status. It serves as an example of embracing life’s changes with hope and determination. Her ability to balance career achievements with personal fulfillment highlights the importance of authenticity. Veena’s evolving story inspires others to pursue a life of meaning, showing that true happiness comes from within—through faith, family, and shared journeys with loved ones.
The Path Forward
As fans anticipate Veena and Shehryar’s wedding and the new chapter it will usher in, there is a sense of excitement around the promise their union holds. Having spent much of her life in the public eye, Veena now finds solace in a life anchored by spirituality and personal fulfillment. Her story reflects the power of transformation and the beauty of building a meaningful life amidst the challenges of fame. With every step forward, Veena continues to inspire, reminding us that true joy lies in living purposefully and authentically, regardless of life’s twists and turns.
Veena Malik opened up to us at SHE, sharing intimate details about her personal life and inspiring journey. In an exclusive conversation, she graciously answered our questions and gave us a glimpse into her world:
SHE: What is the most valuable life lesson you have learned from your personal experiences?
Veena Malik: Early Lessons in Responsibility
My journey started when I was just a child in 7th standard (7th grade). At the time, my father was nearing retirement from the military, and as the sole provider for our family, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to support him. Initially, I sought jobs in schools, but being too young, I was encouraged to continue my education. Destiny had other plans, and I soon embarked on a career that opened doors of opportunity. I began with one purpose: to help my father and family.
One of my proudest moments was purchasing a house for my parents and siblings before buying one for myself. Similarly, the first car I bought was for my dad. These decisions, made at a young age, reflected how deeply rooted I was in family values—a realization that became even more evident after I had children.
Life’s True Lessons
The most valuable life lesson is understanding your true self—knowing your values, principles, and roots. These guide you to live with purpose and bring peace. My family has always been my priority, and everything I’ve done revolves around them.
An Idealist’s Reality Check
Growing up in a protective military environment, I held an idealistic view of life. When it came to major decisions, like marriage, this idealism clouded my judgment. I agreed to an arranged marriage within ten days, trusting without truly knowing the person. Unfortunately, this turned out to be my biggest life lesson. The man I married deceived me in every way—he lied about his qualifications, had no job, and turned out to be a narcissist. Within hours of our marriage, he accessed my bank accounts, leading to financial and emotional trauma.
As an idealist, seeing my dreams and trust shattered was devastating. I initially stayed in the marriage due to social pressures, believing I could make it work. However, it was a mistake from the beginning. Over the years, I faced continuous challenges, including court battles for my children’s custody, which I eventually won. Despite his malicious attempts to harm us, I stayed strong for my kids.
The Strength of Family and Resilience
Through this turmoil, my family became my anchor. My parents, siblings, and children offered unwavering emotional support, which kept me going. Their love and prayers were my strength. Over time, I rebuilt my life. I pursued higher education, earning a master’s in psychology and completing courses at Harvard Medical School—all while raising my two children as a single mother.
Lessons from Pain
The most critical lesson I’ve learned is to be thoughtful and cautious when letting people into your personal space. Trust must be earned, not freely given. This experience solidified my belief in staying deeply connected to family and maintaining a private life.
Rising Above Challenges
Raising my kids alone was a beautiful yet challenging experience. There were times I went without sleep, staying up with my children day and night. I didn’t rely on nannies but had the support of my family. Those sacrifices were worth it, and I now see my children thriving, which is my greatest achievement.
Conclusion
Life has been a rollercoaster of lessons, challenges, and growth. The struggles have made me mentally and emotionally stronger. I’ve transformed into a more resilient person, and my relationship with my children has evolved into one of mutual love and friendship. Though the journey has been tough, it has taught me invaluable lessons that I couldn’t have learned otherwise.
SHE: How do you maintain a balance between your family life and career, especially given the public attention you receive?
Veena Malik: My journey as a mother has been unique and filled with challenges. From the birth of my children, I was their sole provider—financially supporting their medical needs, education, and overall well-being. My marriage turned out to be a source of immense hardship, with my partner causing emotional and financial strain. After the birth of my second child, we separated, and by 2017, it was formalized.
Raising my children alone became my primary focus. From 2013 onward, I chose to step away from my career to dedicate myself fully to them. Despite receiving career offers from both Pakistan and India, I prioritized being present for my kids, knowing I was their entire world—their mother and father.
Securing custody of my children was a continuous struggle. My ex-partner repeatedly filed cases despite failing to provide financial or emotional support. On multiple occasions, he took the children without consent, exposing them to neglect. However, with the help of supportive institutions like the Dubai Police, I was able to ensure their safety and bring them back.
In addition to these legal battles, I endured public scrutiny and a media campaign against me. Throughout, I chose to remain silent, focusing solely on my children’s well-being to shield them from trauma.
The sacrifices I made allowed me to witness my children’s milestones—their first steps, first words, and growth into confident individuals. We share a unique bond, and as they’ve grown, our relationship has evolved into a beautiful friendship.
Now that my children are more independent, I feel ready to reconnect with my career, taking it one step at a time. The challenges I’ve faced have strengthened me emotionally, mentally, and physically. I’ve grown into a more mature and resilient person, capable of navigating life’s complexities.
While I continue to shield my children from the risks of social media, I look forward to new opportunities with their support and understanding. These past years of dedicating myself to my children were invaluable, and I have no regrets. Moving forward, I aim to rebuild my career while maintaining the strong bond I share with my family.
SHE: What has been the most challenging moment in your personal life, and how did you overcome it?
Veena Malik: At two points in my life, I faced significant challenges. The first was managing global fame at a very young age. Back then, there was no social media, yet my public image was under constant scrutiny. Fame, whether positive or negative, comes with its own complexities. Between 2010 and 2013, at just 23-24 years old, I struggled with the overwhelming spotlight and the isolation that came with it. Despite having teams to manage my public image, I felt completely alone on a personal level.
In 2013, seeking an escape from the pressures of fame, I made a rushed decision to marry—a choice that led to even greater challenges. I ended up giving access to my personal and financial life to someone who proved untrustworthy. This period felt like going from the fire into the frying pan.
It took me a decade to overcome the trauma of both navigating fame and the consequences of my marriage. Now, I’ve emerged stronger, emotionally stable, and ready to embrace the next chapter of my life with clarity and resilience.
SHE: Who or what inspires you the most on difficult days?
Veena Malik: My biggest inspiration is, surprisingly, myself. When I look in the mirror, I see a fragile woman who has endured trials that could have destroyed her—fame and media scrutiny at a young age, a toxic relationship, and countless personal and societal battles. Despite everything, I survived, protected my children from an emotionally unstable environment, and saved two beautiful souls—my kids—from harm.
When I reflect on my journey, I marvel at the strength it took to overcome these challenges, including navigating false accusations and media trials. My kids now serve as my biggest source of motivation. They remind me of my worth, encourage me to embrace life, and inspire me to rediscover myself.
Their love and admiration push me to step back into the world. Whether it’s dressing up, sharing moments on social media, or pursuing my passions again, they’re my driving force. I feel blessed by Allah for the resilience I’ve gained and the joy my children bring to my life.
SHE: What are you most looking forward to in your new union with your future husband?
Veena Malik: Over the years, I’ve built strong boundaries to protect my peace and ensure that only the right influences enter my life. If someone were to come into my life now, they would need to embody qualities of integrity and good character—traits far more valuable to me than wealth or status.
I divorced my ex-husband in 2015, and in the 12 years since, I’ve never felt the need to be with someone simply for the sake of it. I’m not desperate for a relationship or marriage; instead, I believe it’s better to be alone than with the wrong person. My life feels complete with my children, my family, and myself.
I spend significant time with my parents, cherishing every moment and ensuring no regrets. My circle of life is full and fulfilling, and while I’m open to marriage if it’s meant to happen with the right person, it’s not a necessity for my happiness.
I’m at peace with who I am—a confident, self-assured woman who values her own company. Whether or not I achieve fame or fortune again, my greatest accomplishment is reclaiming my life and finding contentment. Whatever the future holds, I’ll approach it with clarity, intention, and the belief that not everything deserves entry into my life.
Beena Yusuf
Editor in Chief
www.shemagazineusa.com
