Mariyam Zuhura

Mariyam Zuhura (22 June 1986) is a Maldivian former film actress.

Career In 2003, Zuhura worked with Mohamed Shareef and Muawiyath Anwar for their television series, Ujaalaa Raasthaa, which narrates the journey of two best friends in three generations. The series developed as an attempt to aware the audience on several social issues, was widely accepted by the audience and received positive reviews from critics.

Initially, Zuhura was supposed to make her official film debut with Abdul Faththaah-directed romantic film, Viremun Midhaa Hiyy Magey opposite Ibrahim Jihad, which however was delayed in post-production and was ultimately shelved. The film, heavily relied on the effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake on the Maldives, received favorable reviews from critics though it failed to perform financially. The first episode of the series was met with lukewarm response from the audience due to the different "visualization style" of the director and the scene arrangement by screenwriter.

The following year, she appeared as a sorcerer in the horror film Hukuru Vileyrey (2006), co-directed by Aishath Rishmy and Aminath Rasheedha which was based on a novel published by Ibrahim Waheed on Haveeru Daily in 2003. The film being a critical and commercial success was considered as "one of the best horror film the Maldivian Film Industry has ever produced". She next worked with Faththaah for his romantic drama series, Kuramey Vadhaaee Salaam which follows the journey of a man from a wealthy family, getting backed off from them due to his love interest and the depression he goes through due to his wife's untimely death. She next collaborated with Arifa Ibrahim for her romantic television drama series, Vaguthu Faaithu Nuvanees (2006) which consists of fifty episodes. The series which follows the vengeance and retribution two best-friends go through when they both love the same person, features her in the role of Shazma, a religious and acquiescent woman who is mistreated by her brother and sister-in-law. This was followed by her appearance as a newly wed bride hoping to reform her husband while dealing with a problematic family, in Abdul Faththaah's limited drama series, Kaiveni (2012), alongside Ali Azim.

Personal life Zuhura married the graphic designer, Ahmed Shirhan in 2006. On 11 September 2007, the couple had a girl, Aishath Rayna Shirhan.

Filmography Feature film Year Title Role Notes 2005 Hureemey Inthizaarugaa Reena 2004 Thiyey Mihithuge Vindhakee Doctor Guest role; "Episode 50" 2005 Loabi Vaanama Thahu Recurring role; 3 episodes 2006–2007 Vaguthu Faaithu Nuvanees Shazma Main role; 33 episodes