Weekend with Dúaa Karim: ‘My dream is to be in the comfort of my own home’
The Man Like Mobeen star on her experience as a Muslim actor, family movie nights and the Birmingham food scene
Dúaa Karim, 24, is an actor best known for her role in Guz Khan’s comedy drama series, Man Like Mobeen. At 15, she joined the cast as Aqsa, Mobeen’s younger sister. Karim was the lead voice actor in the children’s animated series, Circle Square, and also appeared in ITV’s crime thriller DI Ray. She won best newcomer at the 2018 Asian Media Awards and in 2020 was named best actress at the RTS Midlands Awards.
Karim lives in Cambridge with her family. She married boxer Adam Azim in July 2025.
What does a typical Friday night look like for you?
If I’m not with my husband Adam, I spend my Friday night at my grandma’s in Luton with my mum and all my cousins. We will get together and put on a movie. Towards the end of the night we go to Chaiiwala and have tea. I feel like an aunty.
What have you been watching lately?
It’s actually quite embarrassing, but I’m watching Gossip Girl. I’ve never watched it before, and in a week I’m already on season two. When I watch a series, my whole life changes. I don’t want to do anything else.
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Are you a homebody?
I love being in my house. That’s my dream, to be in the comfort of my own home. Especially every Sunday — that’s my self-care day. I pamper myself, I do my eyebrows and make sure I’m all good for the week ahead.
What about Saturdays?
My mum will make a massive traditional English breakfast.
The rest of the day?
I go to the gym with one of my best friends. In the evening, we pull up outside each other’s house and it’s gym time. If Adam is here we will go to the cinema.
Have you always been a regular at the gym?
I’ve been trying to get into it for a while. Since being married to Adam, it’s pushed the door open. I have no excuse now seeing how dedicated he is. It’s a good routine.
You live in Cambridge now but grew up in Wolverhampton. What do you miss about your hometown?
The only thing I miss is the food in Birmingham. It’s the thing I took for granted. Anything you’re craving, it’s there. My brother is still obsessed with Dixy’s. If anyone’s coming to Cambridge from Birmingham, he will make sure they buy him a Dixy’s. Even if it’s cold by the time it gets here.
Where do you eat in Cambridge?
Mina Steakhouse. The owner, Jay, is absolutely lovely and treats all of his customers like family. The food is amazing and so are the people who work there.
How did you get your start in acting?
Before acting came into the picture I loved singing. I used to have a T-shirt that said ‘I’m gonna be a rock star’. I never thought in a million years that I could be an actress. But it’s clearly very possible. That’s the message I want to put out there.
What was Guz Khan like to work with?
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Guz is like the older brother I never had. He still is, and always will be.
What have you got planned for the rest of this year?
More acting. It’s hard being a Muslim girl and acting because it does narrow down the roles I can play. There’s a lot of jobs you have to turn down. Obviously kissing scenes are a no. Nudity scenes, that’s a no. It’s those sort of roles that are usually the good ones that will get you to far places. But I’m hoping they open up and broaden the options for Muslim actors.
Who are your biggest inspirations in acting?
Isabelle Smith, who plays Frankie Osbourne in Hollyoaks. Also Owen Cooper, who is the youngest actor ever to win a Golden Globe. I love the youngsters. When you see people your age or younger do well, it gives you hope to hang on to. If they can do it, we can do it.
All five seasons of Man Like Mobeen are available to stream on iPlayer.
