Shine bright like a queen
IN-DEMAND ACTRESS HINA KHAN ON HER FEARLESS APPROACH AND FUTURE HOPES
WHETHER it is working in film, on TV and music videos or walking the red carpet at high-profile events like the Cannes Film Festival, Hina Khan has done things on her own terms.
This boss like approach has given the talented actress an impressive range of work and turned her into a strong symbol of girl power. She remains in demand on multiple mediums and will build on her impressive body of work with exciting forthcoming projects. The massively popular star recently lit up the music video for Baarish Ban Jaana, which has clocked up more than 50 million YouTube views in the first week alone. With a strong fan following few can dream of, the Indian star and that winning smile will continue to shine brightly.
Eastern Eye caught up with Hina Khan to discuss her approach to work, lockdown life lessons, inspirations and the best advice she ever got.
What is the biggest life lesson lockdown has taught you?
That family is my world! I think the biggest lesson I have learned during this lockdown is how unpredictable life can be and we should try spending the most time possible with your family, including your parents and siblings. Being in this profession it’s tough for us and we are continuously travelling, but I have decided that going forward I will try and spend maximum time with my family, as they are precious and deserve the most.
A lot of people picked up new skills during lockdown. Did you learn anything new?
A lot of lockdown has been taken up by work, but yes, I did learn many new things. One was about finances and how to manage them more wisely. I think everyone should know about this, as we are living in the most unpredictable times and we should all definitely plan ahead.
You are very unpredictable. How do you select projects?
I thoroughly believe in versatility. I like to take up challenging projects and as an actor I enjoy exploring my capabilities. Taking up different roles makes me step out of my comfort zone and that’s when I learn more and more about myself. You never know what you are capable of unless you take risks. I believe that, so will keep challenging myself.
What was the experience of acting in your most recent music video with Shaheer Sheikh, which has been a huge success?
Baarish Ban Jaana
(Laughs) I will be honest with you. It was an amazingly freezing experience. We were shooting in minus degree temperatures, but the look and feel had to be of spring, so that was interesting. But Shaheer is a wonderful costar and the team at Vyrl Originals is made up of thorough professionals. So, it was overall an amazing experience, and I am so happy the video has received the wonderful response it has.
What kind of characters do you want to play in the future, and do you have a dream role?
Like I said, I want to carry on playing roles that take me out of my comfort zone and challenge me as an actor. In terms of dream roles, well, I would love to play Wonder Woman.
Would you tell us about any of your confirmed projects?
There are a lot of interesting projects coming up, and I am very thankful. I have two music video shoots in the pipeline and two film projects as well. I am hoping they will start very soon, and I am very excited about working on them.
Does the fact you are so popular and so many watch your every move ever put pressure on you?
(Smiles) Honestly, I would be lying if I said no. There are many expectations from me and I have turned that into a driving force, and this keeps me motivated to work harder and keep on challenging myself.
What has kept you so grounded throughout your rise to stardom. You haven’t changed at all as a person despite all the success?
Thank you. It’s the values inculcated in me by my father. He always used to say that no matter where you reach you shouldn’t forget where you come from and should always stay grounded. So, I’m just following what I have been taught by him.
You made a remarkable impact walking the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival in 2019. Do you see yourself doing projects in the west?
Of course, why not? As an actor I’m always open to exciting roles, irrespective of the genre, language or medium. So, if something exciting comes up that grabs my attention, I will definitely take that up.
Who would you love to work with?
There are a lot of great creative people around the world, behind and in front of the camera. If I have to take some names, then I would really like to work with actors Vicky Kaushal and Nawazuddin Siddique.
What kind of content do you enjoy watching as an audience?
When I do get time, I enjoy web shows a lot. I especially like ones with thrills, mystery, sci-fi and horror.
You have starred in music videos and are also a good singer. What kind of songs do you enjoy listening to and do you have a favourite singer?
I enjoy listening to 80’s and 90’s Bollywood songs. I, along with my father, used to always sing and enjoy those melodies a lot. I have some beautiful memories attached with those songs and they will always stay with me. In terms of singers, I absolutely adore Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Arijit Singh – these are my favourites.
What is the best advice you ever got?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was that no matter what life throws at you, even if it’s a curve ball, do not dodge it, rather you should face it, and come out victorious.
Do you have any other ambitions away from acting?
There is a lot I would love to do. Working for the environment is something that interests me a lot.
You are multi-talented, but if you could master something new what would it be?
I think I’d like to master singing. I enjoy singing and would like to enhance my skills.
You are known to be a fashionista and have an amazing sense of style. What’s the one top fashion and style tip you would like to give?
As I’ve always said, wear what you’re most comfortable in and carry it with utmost confidence, and you’re good to go. Confidence is key.
You have become a hero for many, but who is your hero?
My father was, is and always will be my hero. I have learnt some of the greatest lessons in life from him and I will always cherish the moments spent with him.
Today, what inspires you as an actress?
The great work that’s done by actresses like Priyanka Chopra inspires me every day. She is a mega-star and has remained so humble and kept her roots intact. While being so busy and successful, she still thinks of others and works towards people’s welfare, including her country’s welfare. She makes our country proud internationally. That’s my biggest inspiration.
Finally, can you give a message for your fans?
I love you all beyond words. Just keep showering your love and support like you have always done and I promise I will keep entertaining you all. Please stay home, follow safety protocols, and stay safe. God bless.
‘My father will always be my hero’