In conversation with Tanishka Juneja She might come across as outspoken and opinionated, but there’s so much more to Hina Khan than meets the eye. She’s bold, brave and all sorts of fabulous!
Hina Khan is rightfully hailed as the queen of Indian television – with her charming personality, brilliant acting chops and gorgeous beauty that can win over people’s hearts in split seconds. The much loved daily soap ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ not only became one of the longest running shows on TV, but also gave the showbiz industry a phenomenal actress in the form of Hina Khan. Marking her giant leap from television to films, the actress has carved her path with grit and determination. She never shies away from experimenting with her roles and we absolutely love that about her.
Hina Khan also made a smashing debut at the Cannes Film Festival in the year 2019 and made her second stint on the red carpet in 2022. She made a statement during the film festival with her stunning fashion choices and made heads turn.
We caught up with the actress to know more about what success means to her, how her style has evolved, the key to survival in the industry and her mantra to stay positive.
As someone who has never shied away from being vocal about the good and bad part of the society as well as the industry, what do you have to say to people who literally demand a statement from celebrities every time somebody is wronged in the society and at times, holds the industry accountable for it?
We live in a world that is rapidly changing and there are many versions of what should be considered as right or wrong. As a public figure, one must be vocal about general issues for sure but to objectively comment on something about which we’re not aware or educated enough is like taking away the agency from both the people who are wronged and the actual ones who can help them.
You’re someone who sets significant fashion goals for everyone and your social media profile is a proof of that. How would you describe your style and how do you think it has changed over the past few years?
My style statement exactly defines who I am as a person. I love dressing up; I love
experimenting; I love taking my outfits a notch higher each and every time. Of course, the way I style myself has definitely evolved over the years. I feel the need to grow constantly and consistently and I allow myself to take risks and morph into a new idea every time because there’s no one way in fashion and there’s no fun in playing safe.
Unlike films, Television is a medium which gives us characters that sort of grows with you every single day, as if you’re a part of that Universe which has been created. For someone who was a part of one of the longest running soap operas that too while making her debut, how important was it for you to make people see you as Hina and not Akshara especially when you were expected to look like a bahu when you were not on camera
too?
As an actor or an artist, we tend to leave a little bit of ourselves in whatever we create. So, in that sense, HINA is always there in every role I play. Plus there was a big gap between playing Akshara and making my digital and film debut. So by then the bridge had been crossed and people knew me more as Hina Khan. Bigg Boss and Cannes played a big role in that transition which I am truly grateful for.
You’ve also stepped into the web space and impressed the audience with your stellar performance. Over the past few years, we’ve seen OTT explore a wide range of content, especially when it comes to some taboo subjects. On one hand, it’s definitely given the makers freedom to experiment, but it also brings us to question the rise in nudity, violence or the language used in this medium. What’s your opinion on that?
All platforms historically begin with a single purpose – revenue. OTT broke those norms as their revenue primarily comes from their viewers. So what we demand as viewers has to be the norm. I think everyone likes to watch a good story and whatever the story may demand must be fulfilled given the fact that it doesn’t intend to harm the society.
Is it Awards, Respect or Money – Having been on the receiving end of all 3, what according to you defines success in the industry?
Creatively speaking, we should never box ourselves in any definition or count our success by any single measure. We are privileged to be able to try and create something new ever time we work. And only our work shall be the measure with which we would be judged.
If you were offered two films at the same time – one, a commercial film which will make big numbers and two, an artistic film which may not fill cinema halls but earn critical acclaim. Which one would you pick and why?
I think as an actor my first job responsibility is to make my audiences happy. And we all know that both such films have their own place these days. So god willing, I shall attempt to do both given I like my role and the script is nice and from a good production house.
Every artist goes through highs and lows in their personal and professional life. What is your mantra to stay positive in life?
Highs and lows are a part of life not just for us actors but everyone. I don’t indulge myself into thinking that I am a special case in this regard. Having said that, when I am swamped with work, I try to keep myself calm to fully deliver every day. And when I am not, I try to better myself and rethink my approach to this creative process because getting better should never stop.
Out of all the characters you’ve played so far, which one has been the most challenging one for you & why?
Every character has been a learning experience I would say, more than a challenge. Every role I have played till date has only helped me grow as an actor and has taught me something new. Moreover I challenge myself to do something exceptional and different every time I am in front of the camera.
What according to you is the key to survival in this competitive industry?
The key that works for me may not work for everyone else but I think I am able to compete with myself and critic myself and encourage myself. This process has no golden rule and no master key. It takes grit and determination.
What does 2023 have in store for Hina Khan?
A lot has been planned and a lot has to be figured out. Overall, I hope to complete a few projects that I couldn’t before and am expecting a few that I have worked on already to come out. Fingers crossed!
Rapid Fire:
- If you could have lunch with one person alive or dead, who would it be?
My father - What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?
Getting back to the gym - What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?
So many that the definition of weird has now mellowed for me. - Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety?
Yes - If you had to choose one – Bigg Boss or Khatron Ke Khiladi
Khatron Ke Khiladi… It changed a lot in me - Your favourite look (of yours) from Cannes
It has to be the debut look. The first look by Ziad Nakad. - Quick choices: Bold lip or nude lip: Nude lip Favourite denim colour: Light blue Winged eyeliner or smudged eyeliner: Smudged eyeliner
- Glossy lipstick or matte lipstick: Matte lipstick
