Model and actress Zara Durrani, host of the widely popular talk show Life & Style with Zara, announced that she is working with production company Artistar Entertainment to bring a new, edgier version of the show to a wider audience in the United States. The entertainment show in its current form presents a fashionable, modern take on spirituality with celebrity lifestyle interviews.
Following a 2 year run on local Canadian television channels like CHEK and Joy TV that brought her brand to millions of homes, the show continued online with guests as varied as 2014 Miss America Nina Duvaluri to environmental activist Severn Cullis-Suzuki. With over 50 episodes between them, Life & Style with Zara was a consistent presence in Canadian homes, sometimes airing 10 times a week.
Durrani, who is also known for her appearances on hit television programs Arrow on the CW Network and Psych on the USA Network, has long used her platform to inspire audiences. Born in Pakistan, Durrani studied yoga in Bali before heading to Canada and embarking a series of acting and hosting gigs including gritty crime drama film Mapleheart and her earlier fashion program VanEssence.
"The centerpiece that makes the series successful and engaging is Ms. Zara Durrani herself,” says Deji LaRay, CEO of Artistar Entertainment.
“Her inviting personality, quick wit and charm brings the show to life and keeps you wanting more. I am excited about the plan to bring this program to the United States. Life & Style with Zara would have an open array of interesting content here in the United States that would attract scores of viewers."
The move to bring Zara’s offerings to the US aren’t just a matter of transference, but reimagining the program for a new, wider market.
"It was time to grow and take it to a bigger audience," says Durrani. "I know in Los Angeles there’s a huge spiritual community and movement, but also entertainment."
It’s that balance between spiritual living and fashionable lifestyle that Durrani’s program specializes in. The new American version would look to combine the Entertainment Tonight aspects of VanEssence, the Oprah-style empowerment of Life & Style with Zara and her unique perspective on the spiritual life. With on-location interviews and laid-back guest rapport, the reboot also hopes to be distinctly edgier than its Canadian forbearer.
"It’s been really amazing for me working on this show,” says Durrani. "Bringing guests who have overcome struggles, making positive changes in the world all the while showing our audiences they can reach for their dreams, I believe the show will be really inspiring to new viewers."