# Zuleykha

Zuleykha is a 2005 Maldivian romantic drama film written and directed by Fathimath Nahula. Produced under Mapa, the film stars Yoosuf Shafeeu, Mariyam Nisha, Sheela Najeeb, Mohamed Manik and Mariyam Enash Sinan in pivotal roles.

## Plotline

The story is mainly based on the unconditional love of a father (Yoosuf Shafeeu) towards his only daughter (Mariyam Enash Sinan).
Shahid (Yoosuf Shafeeu) a dedicated tailor working at a company owned by a rich businessman engages in a romantic relationship with the owner's daughter, Zuleykha (Mariyam Nisha) despite her father's detestation. Shahid was fired from his workplace and ultimately quits his relationship with Zuleykha considering the barriers between their social classes. On a visit to a nearby island, Shahid meets Ashiya (Sheela Najeeb) who instantly falls in love with Shahid. Contemplating that Ashiya can distract him from his memories with Zuleykha, Shahid marries Ashiya but his life takes a toll due to her insolent behavior. At the time of pregnancy, she tried to abort their child only be stopped when Shahid promised her they will relocate to Male' sooner.
Shahid fails to convince his father to allow them stay at his house in Male'. He return to the island, only to discover Ashiya having an extramarital affair with her ex-lover where Shahid exposed her truth to the whole island and divorced her. He moved to Male' with his daughter, Zuleykha (Mariyam Enash Sinan) and starts working at a hotel where the owner of the place allowed him to stay at his place being impressed with his dignity and honesty. Meanwhile, Shahid consults Dr. Suheil, (Ali Seezan) who is Zuleykha's husband for having frequent headaches and coughing up bloody phlegm where he was diagnosed with final stage of cancer.
Shahid decided to hide the fact for Zuleykha and try to spend most of his time with her. However, on Zuleykha's birthday Shahid died after giving his daughter's custody to Zuleykha and Suheli and left a note for Zuleykha, in which he advice her to be kind to everyone and always do good deeds.

## Cast

* Yoosuf Shafeeu as Shahid
* Ali Seezan as Dr. Suheil
* Mohamed Manik as Fazeel
* Mariyam Nisha as Zuleykha
* Sheela Najeeb as Ashiya
* Mariyam Enash Sinan as Zuleykha
* Ahmed Asim as Hamid
* Aminath Shareef (special appearance)
* Maryam Shafaza Shameem as Shahid's friend

## Accolades

| Year | Award | Category | Recipients | Result |
| 2007 | Miadhu Crystal Award | Best Film | Zuleykha | Won |
| 2007 | Miadhu Crystal Award | Best Director | Fathimath Nahula | Won |
| 2007 | Miadhu Crystal Award | Best Actor | Yoosuf Shafeeu | Won |
| 2007 | Miadhu Crystal Award | Best Supporting Actor | Mohamed Manik | Won |
| 2007 | Miadhu Crystal Award | Best Child Artist | Mariyam Enash Sinan | Won |
| 2007 | Miadhu Crystal Award | Best Makeup | Shareefa Fakhree, Mohamed Manik | Won |
| 2007 | Miadhu Crystal Award | Best Story | Fathimath Nahula | Won |
| 2007 | Miadhu Crystal Award | Best Cinematography | Mohamed Rasheed, Mohamed Shiyaz, Hussain Imthiyaz | Won |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Film | Zuleykha | Nominated |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Director | Fathimath Nahula | Nominated |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Actor | Yoosuf Shafeeu | Nominated |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Actress | Mariyam Nisha | Nominated |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Ali Seezan | Won |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Mohamed Manik | Nominated |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Sheela Najeeb | Won |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Screenplay | Fathimath Nahula | Won |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Child Artist | Mariyam Enash Sinan | Won |
| 2007 | 4th Gaumee Film Awards | Best Costume Design | Jadhulla Ismail, Laila | Won |