The 22-year-old singer confided in the 28-year-old former JLS star about leaving the band while on a trip to Las Vegas last September.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, Oritse said: "Zayn spoke to me when we were together in Vegas last year. Niall (Horan) did too. Zayn was talking to me in confidence. I told him he had a great run and to enjoy it. They are very, very blessed guys.
"It's a very special thing and not a lot of artists show gratitude for that. But I told him to be himself and to keep going."
Zayn quit One Direction last month to go solo and return to being a "normal 22 year old", however, he's reportedly in talks with Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha to star in a Bollywood movie.
Earlier this week, Gurinder said: "We've met and spoken. He trained as an actor first then became part of the band. So I think what he'll be doing is staying true to his heart - and that's all you can ever do."
However, Gurinder - who is currently working on a Bollywood-inspired Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical - insists she doesn't have a role planned out for the star "just yet".
She explained: "I don't have a part in mind for Zayn just yet but hopefully in the future.
24.com publishes all comments posted on articles provided that they adhere to our Comments Policy. Should you wish to report a comment for editorial review, please do so by clicking the 'Report Comment' button to the right of each comment.
{{item.description}} Read More »
Mount EdgecombeSaggitarius ConsultingR40 000.00 - R50 000.00 Per Month
Cape TownNDC Personnel & Contractors CC
Kempton ParkDorwill Enterprises PTYR35 000.00 - R40 000.00 Per Month
Apartments / FlatsR 2 900 000
HousesR 2 544 000
TownhousesR 1 850 000