I was going to give up my life: Aima Baig talks trolling after split with Shahbaz Shigri

Singer called the decision to part ways with ex-fiancé in 2022 'mutual'

In a recent episode of actor and host Ahmad Ali Butt's podcast, Pakistani singing sensation Aima Baig delved into the details of her widely discussed breakup with ex-fiancé, actor and model Shahbaz Shigri, shedding light on the intricacies of their relationship and the aftermath that unfolded in the public eye.

Aima began by emphasising that despite the split, she and Shahbaz are on good terms, maintaining “a civil relationship and checking up on each other regularly”. The singer acknowledged the strong connection they once shared, stating, "Our vibe together was too good, even today."

The conversation shifted towards the topic of settling down, with Aima disclosing, "I think I was not ready, but at the same time, I really liked the person." She elaborated on her mindset, admitting she was going with the flow because of her genuine affection for her ex-fiancé.

Addressing the public scrutiny surrounding their breakup, Aima shared her perspective on the matter, expressing regret not for the relationship itself but for the excessive public attention it garnered. She reflected on the mistake of “sharing too much”, stating, "Everything got too public. Everybody cared way too much. It wasn’t that important, there were lots of other things happening in the world, but that matter was too important for everyone."

Taking the plunge

The Pyar Hua Tha singer remarked on the societal expectations surrounding marriage and her hesitation to conform to them. “In my head, I was still wondering I have to do this, I have to go on this tour, I have to do that song and I have to spend a married life amid everything,” she explained.

“My sisters are both married and they would tell me that [after marriage] you have to do this and that and I would just wonder that you have to do all of this,” Aima revealed that she felt pressured about the responsibilities that come with married life despite receiving care and assurances from her ex-fiance.

She reiterated, “The person I was with was too nice, he kept telling me ‘you don’t have to do anything’ and it’s just gonna be a fun time. Since we’re gonna end up together then why not right now that’s why I agreed.”

Maintaining that her friendship with Shahbaz to this day is based on mutual respect and care, she added, “I only want good for him and he only wants good for me.”

Decision to leave

As per the celebrity, the couple’s call to part ways was mutual. “It was both of our decisions but it was mainly my decision to not do it right now, that’s what my decision was but I think that just flipped in the wrong way,” she offered. However, Aima disclosed some lingering resentment over the aftermath of the breakup, particularly the disproportionate criticism directed towards her.

She said, “One thing I haven’t forgotten to this day for which I still carry some resentment is that it was a mutual decision but only one person, one gender was singled out.” She contended that the public response went beyond her, affecting her family, including her brother, sisters, and even her father.

Aima furthered on, criticising the judgmental comments without the knowledge of the full story, expressing frustration over the skewed narrative. “When you don’t even know the story when you don’t know what was going on between two families or two persons…I put up one very respectful message which was received very strangely.”

A family matter

She explained how her siblings would try to hide the internet vitriol targeting her and candidly shift her attention to other matters. She said, “But I grew up with them so I could tell there was definitely something fishy.” The singer ruefully pointed out how she didn’t need anyone else’s phone to witness the comments against her.

“I had my phone and when I would see what was happening, I am not going to lie, I was so adamant that I was going to give up my life,” Aima made the heartbreaking revelation. “Like that’s it. I have lived enough. I felt that that was the end. I didn’t want to live anymore.”

Elaborating on how disturbed she was by the mass trolling, the singer said she worried especially for her family who was going through a tough situation because of her and had to ‘pamper’ her despite their own ordeal. “I only ever wanted to sing. How did I go from being this bubbly girl to a villain? People don’t even know what type of a person I am.”

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