We had a heart-to-heart conversation with Hiba Ali Khan and she opened up about aspects of her life that were previously unknown, in this FUCHSIA exclusive.
Hiba Ali Khan stands out as a prominent Pakistani actress celebrated for her diverse roles in Pakistani dramas. She first captured attention with her debut in the acclaimed series Dil, Diya, Dehleez, where her portrayal of Roshi earned widespread acclaim. Throughout her career, Hiba has consistently displayed her acting prowess across various projects, gaining recognition for her nuanced performances.
After taking a break from acting, Hiba made a triumphant return to the small screen with her role as Rahila in Mayi Ri. Currently, she continues to captivate audiences with her portrayal of Kashmala in the popular drama Jaan Nisar. Her comeback has sparked discussions, with audiences and critics alike praising her performances while also offering constructive feedback.
Read on to find out what Hiba Ali Khan had to share with us, along with of course, some highlights from Jaan Nisar!
Hiba Ali Khan’s Acting Journey
We asked Hiba if she wanted to be an actor since childhood, and she shared that growing up, she didn’t have a sister but had a brother who was always out playing cricket. She often made the mirror her friend since her mother, who was an air hostess, was frequently away. With limited siblings around, Hiba’s imagination flourished as she engaged in make-believe scenarios. She vividly recalled one incident where she pretended to teach a class, which was so convincing that her father thought she was possessed. This self-taught creativity, according to Hiba, is crucial for an actor to truly become their character rather than just reciting lines.
Merey papa ko laga ke mein possessed hun, but wo just ek act tha, itna real tha ke papa ko laga ab isay kisi ko dikhana parega.
Hiba Ali Khan
Despite these early signs of creativity, Hiba never thought she would become an actress. Her family often joked about her reluctance to perform, as she would cry if asked to sing. She lacked the confidence and comfort to entertain others and never saw herself in the spotlight. However, there came a point when her mother recognized her potential and believed she could succeed in acting. This support helped Hiba overcome her reservations and eventually pursue her career in the entertainment industry.
How Did Hiba Ali Khan Land Her First Drama?
Hiba Ali Khan shared the story of how she landed her first acting role in the drama serial Dil, Diya, Dehleez. Her mother, who had several friends in the industry due to her airline job, played a pivotal role in this journey. Through her work, Hiba’s mother met numerous influential people, including actors and even Benazir Bhutto on one of her flights. One day, someone mentioned a search for a new actress fitting Hiba’s age bracket and a director soon visited their home. Although Hiba was unsure about acting, her mother encouraged her to take the opportunity, emphasizing the financial independence it would bring.
I didn’t wanted to do it. Amma ne kaha karlo, paisay ajaengy, independent hojaogi.
Hiba Ali Khan
Hiba hesitated at first, feeling unprepared for the role with her unthreaded thick eyebrows and lack of acting experience. Despite her reservations, her mother insisted, pointing out the importance of financial strength for both sons and daughters. After a thorough makeover and initial doubts, Hiba decided to audition for the character Roshi. The production team, including Momina Duraid and Sultana Siddiqi, saw her potential immediately and finalized her casting. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Hiba’s acting career, driven by her mother’s belief in her capabilities and the promise of independence.
A Break From Acting?
Hiba shared with us the reasons behind her break from acting and the significance of her family life. After getting married, Hiba explained that, unlike today’s kids, she and her peers didn’t considered the importance of not letting marriage ruin their careers. Once she had her son, Rayan, she felt a strong need to spend more time with him, leading to a break of one, two, three, then five years. People often asked if she had personal reasons for this decision, wondering if she feared no one else could care for him. Hiba candidly expressed that her emotional bond with her son made it impossible for her to leave him, even for work.
Jab baby hua tou mujhe aisa laga kay mujhe thora aur time usko dena hai. Aur phir agar aap koi project kar bhi lein tou wo jab aapko peeche se pakar kar kehta hai ‘mamma nahi jaen na aj’, uske baad tou phir ho hi nahi sakta tha.
Hiba Ali Khan
She worked for about two to three years after starting with Dil, Diya, Dehleez before taking a break. Hiba mentioned that if she had asked permission from her ex-in-laws and ex-husband to continue acting, they would have allowed it, but she accepted her role as a mother first. She spoke very humbly and positively about her ex-in-laws and ex-husband, highlighting their understanding and support. Her marriage was fulfilling, and she never had issues with her husband, who was a sensible man. Despite knowing she could return to acting with her husband’s support, the demands of caring for her son, Rayan, took precedence.
On Her Divorce And Why She Didn’t Return To Acting Right After
Hiba Ali Khan shared the story of her divorce and the challenges she faced in returning to acting. She explained that after sacrificing her career for her marriage and family, the divorce left her feeling tense and worried about societal judgments. Returning to acting after six years, not just a few months or a year, felt daunting. The sacrifices she made for her family seemed to have been in vain, leading to a lack of courage and a period of depression.
Mujhe aesa lagta hai ke divorce bhi reason nahi bana depression ka, divorce ke baad ka jo sara process hota hai aurat ki zindagi me, wo sawal, wo jawab, bache ka kia hoga, expenses, and all that. Tou wo depression aapko pakar leta hai, aap uthnay ke bajaye aur neeche chalay aate hein.
Hiba Ali Khan
Hiba candidly discussed the aftermath of her divorce, emphasizing the emotional toll it took on her. The custody battle for her son was particularly heartbreaking, as she feared losing him. She explained that the divorce itself wasn’t the main issue; rather, it was the societal pressure and endless questions about her child’s future and financial stability that held her back. Despite these challenges, Hiba spoke humbly and positively about her ex-husband, acknowledging that he would always be a good person as the father of her child. Their decision to part ways was made over dinner, without any heated arguments or fights, showcasing their mutual respect and understanding.
Kashmala From Jaan Nisar
In our conversation, Hiba Ali Khan provided insights into her character Kashmala from the drama series Jaan Nisar revealing that Kashmala’s deep love for Nausherwan stems from their lifelong connection with her cousins, Nausherwan and his elder brother. From childhood, Amma (Hina Bayat’s character) used to tell Kashmala that she would become the daughter-in-law of her household. This prophecy shaped Kashmala’s understanding of her future.
Many aspects of the story are just going to unravel soon
Hiba Ali Khan
Hiba hinted that there’s much more to come in the series, suggesting viewers stay tuned for the next episode to uncover the next surprise.
Stay tuned for the full interview coming soon on FUCHSIA Magazine’s YouTube Channel!
