Lights, Camera, Action: Zara Durrani shines a spotlight on local voices in her “On Location” live streaming show
Posted on January 30, 2025Some may know Zara Durrani from her modeling, hosting and sometimes acting career—especially around Vancouver—and you’ll be seeing a lot more of the multi-faceted live streamer in the months to come.
Her live streaming TELUS STORYHIVE On Location series shines a spotlight on local entertainers and storytellers, as well as non-profits and animal welfare causes. Now in its second season, the show showcases local Vancouver stories, from wellness practices to representation in media.
TELUS STORYHIVE connected with Zara to discuss her creative process, the power of social media and what’s ahead for 2025.
STORYHIVE: Can you tell us a little more about your background as a TV host, content creator, actor and storyteller?
Zara Durrani: I’m originally from Pakistan (next month, I’ll have been here for 25 years!), and I never imagined in a million years that I would get paid to act, let alone model. Hosting came into my life by accident, too. People often told me, "You have a personality," and I didn’t really understand what they meant at the time. I wasn’t even sure if I was a positive person.
When VISAFF came about, the first-ever Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival, I was the red carpet host and producer and during that time, I realized I had an innate ability to produce. I had a knack for talking to people, securing interviews and making connections. I think this skill may have stemmed from the challenges I faced adjusting to high school in Canada. It was a tough time for me and now I go out of my way now to make others feel comfortable because I know what it’s like to feel like an outsider; to be new, uncool or even bullied.
This sensitivity translates into my work. I consistently get feedback from guests saying things like "I hate doing interviews" or "I’m terrible on camera" but after talking to me, they tell me, "I feel like you’re family" or "You made me feel so at ease." Sometimes they can’t believe how much they’ve shared. My goal is always to help my guests relax and feel comfortable and I believe this stems from my life experiences and my training as an actor. I aim to go beyond surface-level conversations and really open up meaningful dialogue.
If you’ve looked into my work, you’ll notice that my guests often get emotional and share personal struggles. Even though many of them are entertainers, we all face challenges and those moments of honesty make the conversations richer.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. I spent a couple of years living in Paris, and my hosting and correspondent work has taken me around Africa, Asia and Europe. These experiences required me to be present, hardworking and resilient.
I’ve also learned that success often requires a bit of delusion—you have to believe in your crazy dreams and be your own biggest cheerleader.

Zara gets personal with actor Byron Mann.
SH: What made you want to start a live streaming show?
ZD: First of all, I have to say I’m incredibly grateful to TELUS. This is my third show with them. We previously worked on The Inspired Life Vancouver (Season 2), and I often tell my project manager that this journey has been like a fast track for personal and professional growth. Live streaming, in particular, has pushed me to sharpen my skills and take them to the next level.
Unlike pre-recorded work, where you can make mistakes and do retakes, live streaming requires you to be on point in the moment. I genuinely believe this is the new era of media. When you look at platforms like Instagram and TikTok, live content is becoming increasingly prevalent. I’ve noticed I’ve been going live on Instagram more than ever because it offers a different level of connection and comfort.
This growth has also impacted my confidence at events. As someone who frequently emcees and hosts red carpets, I’ve noticed a shift in my resilience and camera presence. Recently, I was in Whistler for their film festival and my ability to handle multiple interviews in a single day has expanded significantly. Live streaming and hosting live events are completely different from pre-recorded work. They require you to bring consistent energy and adapt quickly but the reward is immense growth.
SH: Your focus so far has been heavily on people in the entertainment industry, entrepreneurs and artists. What's so important to you about the stories you’re telling? Are there any episodes that have a special place in your heart or your memory?
ZD: I’m an entertainer and I’m always eager to learn from individuals who are at the top of their game. One of the things I truly love is having the opportunity to dig deep with entertainers who have been leads in major shows. They come here, sit down with me and share their incredible resumes, life stories, work histories and challenges. Every conversation is a chance to learn—whether the person is famous or not. If we choose to, we can gain so much insight from others. For me, these interviews are a form of mentorship and I hope they provide similar inspiration for anyone watching.
Last year, I interviewed the star of the CBC show Allegiance. I had just changed the setup of my home studio, swapping out my pink couch for bar stools. She visited in January because that’s when they wrapped filming for the show. She’s South Asian and I had auditioned to play her aunt. In reality, the age difference between us isn’t that significant, so it felt surreal.
Having someone from CBC come to my apartment, which I’ve turned into a studio, was incredibly meaningful. Many people recognize the art wall in the background and hosting her here was such a moment of pride. I shared with her my experience of coming to Canada and turning on the television as a child. Growing up in Pakistan, I watched shows like Full House and Hollywood movies with actors like Macaulay Culkin. I never saw anyone who looked like me. If there were South Asian characters, they often had heavy accents, weren’t educated and weren’t treated as equal members of the cast. They were defined by stereotypes and I never felt represented.
So to sit down with someone younger than me, who is South Asian and the lead in a CBC police procedural drama, was incredibly emotional. Even now, I get chills thinking about it. At the time, I’d been in Canada for 24 years, and I never thought I’d see a South Asian female lead in my lifetime. Representation matters so much, and that moment reminded me why it’s important.
Zara with Supinder Wraich and Stephen Lobo from CBC show Allegiance.
SH: The first season of On Location has been out and you’re currently in the middle of season two…. What do you want people to know about the show as a whole if they haven’t already dove in?
ZD: A big part of On Location is about resilience and inspiration. Whether I’m speaking with the lead of a CBC show or the Executive Director of Battered Women’s Services Society, my focus is on human stories. I’m passionate about sharing those narratives in a way that resonates with my audience. At the same time, I want the experience to be enjoyable—we laugh, even as we discuss struggles and hard times. Every interview is a journey, both emotional and uplifting.
As always, the show features a lot of entertainers because my world revolves around fashion and entertainment. However, there’s a twist—these aren’t just surface-level interviews. They’re in-depth conversations that delve into the lives and stories of the individuals I feature.
I’m also deeply passionate about wellness, which is reflected in the show. Whether my guest is a performer or not, I often bring in wellness experts. For example, I recently interviewed the owner of Vital Cryotherapy to discuss its benefits. I’ve also had nutritionists on the show. These conversations give me a chance to learn alongside my audience—we grow together. I’m not perfect and I certainly don’t have all the answers but the show is a platform for exploration and discovery.
At its core, my On Location project is about showcasing local Vancouver stories. This season, however, we’re expanding—traveling to the interior of B.C. to explore even more incredible narratives. You’ll just have to wait and see where we go next!
SH: The stories are important to the show, but a big part of On Location is your team! Can you tell us a little more about who you work with?
ZD: I’m really enjoying this journey because it’s pushing my skill set to the next level. In the earlier seasons, I had different individuals supporting me, and I’m incredibly grateful for their help. It was an amazing experience.
As a producer, problem-solving is part of my job. I’m constantly thinking ten steps ahead, handling everything from stills to social media, lighting, sound and camera work. I’ve learned so much along the way. Would I have been able to do all of this at the beginning? Absolutely not. But through this journey, I’ve grown and stretched my abilities.
I’m fortunate to have support when I need it. We have a fantastic editor and I’m grateful for our project manager. I also have friends who are award-winning cinematographers, represented by top agencies in Hollywood and I often reach out to them for advice and support. Whether it’s asking for recommendations on lighting gear or troubleshooting technical issues, I’m constantly seeking ways to improve.
Zara with legendary Canadian and Cree/Métis actor Tantoo Cardinal at Whistler Film Festival.
SH: Live streams are a bit of a niche thing–how did you go about making sure that this was visually appealing as well as being a compelling story in its own right?
ZD: Storytelling is such a huge part of what I do. While I’m no stranger to shooting B-roll (usually with the help of a camera operator), I’ve always wanted to be self-sufficient.
I started out filming on an iPhone for a summer crew project—far from the quality I’m producing now. Yet, even then, people in the industry were sitting down with me, sharing their stories and inspiring me to keep going. I feel so fortunate for those moments, and I take nothing for granted.
I want my work to look professional—like it belongs on a major network. That’s why I’ve pushed myself to grow.
SH: Now that you’ve been through the On Location program, what advice would you give to other live streamers who are thinking of starting their own streams?
ZD: Don’t get lazy. If you get the opportunity to be a live streamer, use it. One of the things I’ve been thinking about lately is launching a separate live show—maybe on Zoom or another platform. It’s about creating presence, staying visible and leveraging the opportunities you have. Right now, I’m working on multiple projects. Some are funded, others I’ve self-funded and later secured sponsorships for.
I think if you’re a creative, whether a filmmaker, actor, TV host or aspiring anything, social media is an incredibly powerful tool.
Social media can be transformative. Even if you don’t have a massive following, being consistent and authentic can open doors. Whether your style is funny, quirky or something entirely different, consistency, dreaming big and staying informed about the world are crucial.
Mentors and collaborators are essential. It’s important to ask for help, to reflect on how you can grow and to think about the stories you want to tell.
It’s all about learning as you go. Being self-sufficient as a storyteller allows me to push further and do more.

Behind the scenes setting up an interview with George Stroumboulopoulos and Dr. Jules Koostachin.
SH: What advice would you have for any content creators taking on their next STORYHIVE project?
ZD: Over deliver. Always.
For me, storytelling is my passion. I genuinely love what I do. My project manager often says, “I don’t worry about you because I know you overfilm anyway.” That’s true—I pour everything into my work because I care deeply about it.
My advice to anyone interested in this field? Be curious. Be willing to learn. There are countless fascinating stories waiting to be told and so many ways to find them.
Personally, I’ve become a bit of a detective. If someone doesn’t answer me, I’ll find another way—LinkedIn, DMs, email or even their website. It’s not stalking; it’s persistence. I genuinely enjoy the process because it’s all part of problem-solving and storytelling.
For me, every project is an opportunity to grow. Even when I cringe watching my own interviews, I’m constantly thinking, How can I show up better next time? How can this show improve? It’s about refusing to get complacent. Every piece of work I put out there is a reflection of me. It’s not just my job—it’s my resume.
SH: What's next for Zara; will there be continuous On Location seasons to keep watching?
ZD: I’m thrilled to be on this journey with On Location, Season Two!
This season, I’m especially excited to focus on stories that highlight nonprofits, individuals making a difference in our communities and animal welfare. These are causes I’m deeply passionate about. My filming is up to date, and I’ve already scheduled interviews for the next month. There’s no waiting around; I’m always looking ahead. Spring is coming, Lunar New Year is around the corner and I’m constantly brainstorming stories I want to share.
Amplifying BIPOC voices remains a key focus for me. Every interview is an opportunity to learn, grow, and tell meaningful stories. I treat each episode like a mini-documentary, capturing detailed B-roll footage to share with our editor and enhancing the narrative of every story.
On another note, I’m wrapping up a project I’m incredibly proud of: my Paris Olympics coverage. We’re releasing a sizzle reel soon and I’ll be sharing it with TELUS STORYHIVE as well.
Looking ahead to 2025, my personal goals are to stay present, savour the journey and make time to breathe and appreciate what’s right in front of me.
I’m incredibly grateful to TELUS STORYHIVE for this platform and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!
Congratulations to Zara on her incredible achievements. Watch her content now on TELUS Optik TV channel 9 and youtube.com/@ZaraDurrani. Follow Zara on her social channels @zaradurrani.
Stay tuned for updates on other projects from the TELUS STORYHIVE On Location program!