Hania Aamir, a beloved figure in Pakistani entertainment, is known for her radiant smile and candid advice about mental health shared through her Instagram posts. In a recent conversation with the BBC Asian Network, Hania, dressed casually in a sweatshirt, delved into her commitment to making a difference, her new Netflix venture, and her ongoing battles with makeup artists fixated on hair extensions.
Commitment to Mental Health
Hania has long been an advocate for mental health, using her platform to encourage her followers to look inward and seek help when needed. “I post openly about mental health so that other people don’t have to go through it,” she explained earnestly. “People should know that remedies are out there. Mental health has been such a taboo for such a long time, but slowly that is changing.” For Hania, making a difference and spreading joy is her primary goal. She admitted to feeling apprehensive about her fame, adding, “When I meet God, what am I going to tell Him? That I posted pretty pictures and made a lot of money? It doesn’t sit well with me. All I want is to have a positive impact and make people laugh. That’s it.”
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The Pressures of Netflix
Hania is tight-lipped about her upcoming Netflix project, **”Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo,”** based on a novel of the same name. The cast includes industry heavyweights like Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Mahira Khan, and Hamza Ali Abbasi. Hania expressed feeling significant pressure, especially alongside younger co-star Khushal Khan. “It’s crazy. Khushal and I feel it the most because we’re the youngest. We don’t know what’s going to happen. We just hope that it’s good!” she said. Despite her extensive social media following and stardom, participating in a project with such global appeal is a new experience for her. “It’s exciting, and it’s a huge deal for me to be working with such great actors,” Hania remarked. “I’m just grateful that Pakistan is having its first Netflix series!”
Advice to Aspiring Actors
Hania advised aspiring actors to stay true to their roles and be honest with their craft. “It doesn’t matter if you’re onscreen for five minutes, if you like what you’re doing and it will be impactful, you should do it,” she urged. She lamented the lack of experimentation with women’s characters in Pakistani television and called for more diverse and successful portrayals of women who aren’t villainized. “Writers, hello! Please!” she exclaimed, expressing her desire to see a successful, nice woman character who works, and who has short hair.
The Short Hair Problem
Hania’s struggle with being allowed to wear her hair short has been a recurring issue since she entered the industry at age 18. “I think the short hair problem is everywhere – not just in Pakistan,” she noted. She recounted her experiences with fashion shoots where hair extensions were often insisted upon. “I now push when I go to fashion shoots, and they eventually give in,” she said. Hania hopes that future generations of actresses won’t have to face the same battles she has. “We have a long way to go,” she acknowledged.
Navigating Friendships and Rumors
Hania also spoke about the importance of being able to sustain friendships with colleagues in the industry. “Everyone should be able to say no to characters that are just eye-candy,” she maintained, adding that it’s possible to be friends with industry peers despite competing for the same roles. Addressing the rumors about her friendship with Indian rapper Badshah, Hania clarified, “He is just a friend. If I’m feeling low, he’ll leave me a message on Instagram asking how I’m doing. That’s it!”
As Hania continues to navigate her rising career with a focus on authenticity and positive impact, her fans eagerly anticipate what she will do next. Her commitment to mental health advocacy, her excitement about her new Netflix project, and her candid reflections on industry challenges make her a multifaceted and inspirational figure in Pakistani entertainment.
