#aTypicalInterview: Actress and content creator Zahra Dada on her definition of happiness

South African-born content creator, host, actress, producer, and brand strategist Zahra Dada. Supplied image.

South African-born content creator, host, actress, producer, and brand strategist Zahra Dada. Supplied image.

Published Nov 20, 2022

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Johannesburg - South African-born content creator, host, actress, producer, and brand strategist Zahra Dada is well known for her role in local film, Identity, which was showcased at the Durban International Film Festival recently.

She is also is well known for starring in the e.tv series, Imbewu: The Seed, and is also the lead actress in Appnesia, alongside various other short films.

She has appeared in commercials for brands such as Old Mutual and Woolworths South Africa.

Dada is also the brain behind Livalil, a company that aims to be a creative vehicle that tells female-driven stories and illuminates storytelling in creative, enchanting ways to promote our stories and locations to a local and international clientele through quality productions.

South African-born content creator, host, actress, producer, and brand strategist Zahra Dada. Supplied image.

The one thing that has caught your attention on social media in the past week is?

Being able to draw inspiration from successful local and international content creators who inspire me whilst using my own creativity. Being attentive to the current trends that are constantly changing is a good way for me to keep myself motivated to do what I do every day!

You are on death row. You are given one last meal and drink of your choice. What do you choose to have?

Without the final choice of how I face my death, at least I get to choose what to eat on my up and out, right?

Option A: Spicy Indian food, definitely! Tandoori chicken, dahl, basmati rice, mango atchaar with a large glass of ice cold Coke.

Option B: McDonalds Big Mac meal. Supersize it for me with a side of chicken nuggets to dip into chilli sauce.

Option C: Pizza, just give me pizza, please.

South African-born content creator, host, actress, producer, and brand strategist Zahra Dada. Supplied image.

The key to being a great content creator in your opinion is?

Know your audience. Be able to completely over-deliver on client expectations and having empathy is imperative as we are human, after all. Strive for remaining authentic, real and relateable.

Your favourite item of clothing in your closet currently is?

This stunning black dress was made for my frame. It simply streams like a waterfall tapering off my waist and flowing down to the peaks of my calves with a dainty embroidered border. The chic silhouette beneath this dress just aims to please with a contrasting fit in comparison with the flow of this elegant design. It simply makes me feel like a classy, self-confident and sophisticated young woman.

What is your definition of happiness?

To me it is the true reflection of me being content, calm and care-free, living with the perspective of achieving no matter how many times I try even if I fail at something. I am in a state of happiness because I am doing what I love that is aligned with my higher purpose. I believe that it shines outward so that I get to share my happiness with those who still need to find it in themselves.

South African-born content creator, host, actress, producer, and brand strategist Zahra Dada. Supplied image.

How would you like to be remembered?

Apart from my brand #livalil which aligns with every aspect of my inner being, meaning I encourage people to live presently and Live a Little! I would like to be remembered as an individual who is confident, warm, happy and carefree living out her true purpose and inspiring my audience to live their best possible lives whilst aligning with their morals and values.

Tell us about the worst date you’ve ever had.

No comment.

A wild night out or Netflix and chill?

Netflix And chill with delicious food watching a good movie/reality show with my cat!

The meal that most reminds you of your childhood is?

It has to be a McDonald’s happy meal. Cliché but true.

South African-born content creator, host, actress, producer, and brand strategist Zahra Dada. Supplied image.

You are going to be stuck on an island for a year, but can have one celebrity with you, one book, and a song with you. What are your choices?

J.Lo because she’s going to give me the scoop on singing, acting, dancing, her workout routine, performance execution. Also Ben Affleck.

Book: Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, by Stephen R Covey

Song: Better by Khalid is on repeat.