In a conversation that moves between discipline and instinct, Reham Rafiq reflects on her journey as both an actor and a trained dancer and choreographer. Still in the early stages of her on-screen career, she speaks with clarity about learning, patience, and the kind of work she hopes to build for herself in an evolving industry.
1. You’re both an actor and a trained dancer/choreographer. How do these two disciplines feed into each other in your creative process?
Both acting and dance are deeply connected, even though they are quite different in their approach. What I find most interesting is how they naturally complement each other in my creative process. Dance plays a big role in shaping my acting. It gives me a strong sense of rhythm, which influences how I deliver dialogues, use pauses, and build the emotional flow of a scene. It also enhances my body language and movement, especially in more expressive or emotionally driven moments. At the same time, acting adds depth to my dancing. It helps me use my facial expressions more effectively and allows me to bring genuine emotion and storytelling into my performances. Instead of just focusing on technique, I’m able to connect with the feeling behind the movement. In many ways, both disciplines complete each other. Dance strengthens my physical expression, while acting deepens my emotional expression. Together, they help me grow into a more versatile and well-rounded performer.
2. How do you decide which roles are worth saying yes to at this stage, especially when building your identity as a performer is still in progress?
At this stage of my career, I’m naturally drawn to roles that challenge me and give me room to explore my abilities as a performer. I see a lot of value in characters that have depth because they allow me to really push myself and showcase my range. Of course, I’m also aware that building visibility is important, and more screen time can definitely help with that, especially when you’re still establishing yourself. But for me, this phase feels like the right time to focus on learning, experimenting, and strengthening my craft. That’s why I’m quite open to character-driven roles, as they often offer more layers to work with. At the same time, I’m not limiting myself. I’d be just as excited to take on a strong lead role if it aligns with my growth as an artist.
3. Do you feel pressure to “prove yourself quickly” in today’s fast-moving industry, or are you intentionally taking a slower, more layered path?
I don’t really feel the pressure to prove myself quickly. I’m not someone who wants to be in the limelight all the time or become famous overnight. That’s not my main goal. For me, it’s more important to take my time and truly work on my craft. I prefer a slower, more layered approach where I can keep improving and growing with each step. At the same time, I want every step I take to be meaningful and strong enough that it genuinely connects with people. For me, real achievement is when the right audience sees and appreciates my work for what it is, rather than just chasing quick recognition.
4. Dance is often about control and precision, while acting leans into spontaneity and emotion. How do you balance these two instincts within yourself?
I actually see it a little differently. I don’t think dance is only about control and precision, or that acting is only about spontaneity and emotion. In my experience, both art forms require all of these elements. Over time, you learn that spontaneity also needs control, and emotion needs a certain level of precision to come across effectively. It’s really about finding the right balance, and that balance develops with experience and practice. I’m still in the process of learning how to bring all of these aspects together, how to stay spontaneous while being in control, and how to express emotions with clarity and intention. For me, both dance and acting are helping me understand and improve this balance every day.
5. What has been the most unexpected learning curve for you since stepping into on-screen work more consistently?
One of the most unexpected learning curves for me has been truly accepting the character I’m playing.
Even though I enjoy taking on challenging roles, it can be quite difficult to fully step into a character’s mindset, especially when the personality is very different from my own.
For example, playing someone innocent or helpless doesn’t come naturally to me, so I really have to work on understanding their perspective and thinking the way they would. It’s not just about performing the role, but genuinely believing in it from within. That process of letting go of myself and fully embracing the character has been both challenging and eye-opening, and it’s something I’m still learning and improving with every project.
6. When you look ahead, what kind of work or space feels most exciting to you right now as an artist?
Looking ahead, I feel most excited about working on strong scripts and playing well-written, impactful characters. I’m especially drawn to stories that are unique and a bit out of the box, something that stands apart and offers a fresh perspective. For me, the medium doesn’t matter as much, whether it’s film, television, or theatre. What matters is that the work gives me the opportunity to keep learning, exploring my craft, and pushing my limits. I want to be part of projects that challenge me, help me grow, and ultimately shape me into a better and more versatile artist.
Interview: Safa Adnan
Photography: Hussain Parth
Hair & Makeup: Trio Salon
Outfit: Fahad Hussayn
Coordination: Alchemist