Love, success, and more: the lowdown on Hania Aamir

If any Pakistani showbiz star has had a fruitful year, it would be Hania Aamir. Even without the success of the hit drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, the fresh-faced actor with her dimpled smile was already a fan favourite with her down-to-earth persona. Her candid confessions about her occasional mental health struggles have resonated with her followers, who laud her openness on the subject.

Hania's portrayal of the fiercely independent yet sweetly relatable Sharjeena, however, has ensured both she and her character will remain a household name for years to come - much like Fawad Khan ushered in the name Ashar to popular consciousness in Humsafar (2011). Speaking at a rapid-fire interview with digital creator Faridoon Shahryar during her recent visit to Canada, Hania gushed about her favourite compliments she had received about the hit show that only recently finished taking the nation by storm.

"I love all the compliments!" confessed the star. "But I think I love the ones where people said they learned one or two things, like the reels that said, 'My partner and I have learned how to resolve an issue with mutual respect.'" Speaking of the glow of accomplishment that follows the impact of her work in the entertainment industry, Hania added, "When someone learns something from something you do, that's a really good feeling. I like these more than the reels that just said they loved the drama."

Reflecting on how viral the captivating serial has gone, Hania added, "I even respond in public when people call out to me and say Sharjeena!" The cherry on the top for Hania came when she learned that fans had been inspired to name their babies after her beloved character. "I think that's really sweet and cute!" she exclaimed.

A small moment of shame - or "cringe", as it were - descended upon Hania when she was reminded of a scene from the television drama Ishqya (2020), where she starred opposite Feroze Khan. "You told [Feroze's character] to call you on the phone and say he missed you," remarked the host. "And then he called you to say he missed you and said to stop bothering him. How do you feel about scenes like that?"

Hania had the perfect quick comeback ready. "Cute, but cringe!" she shot back. Ever ready with quick comebacks, the actor also had a tailor-made comeback for the question about whether she would pick love or success. "Success!" she declared and quipped, "And then I will fall in love with success!"

The star's attitude to achieving her goals is rooted in her strong desire to have mental peace. As evidenced by her Instagram handle, Hania has used her social media platform in the past to advocate strongly for mental health. Earlier this year, she reminded viewers that it was "okay to have dark days" and that there is "no shame" in seeking professional help. Which is why, perhaps, her answer to the question, "Which relationship would you like to strengthen the most?" will come as little surprise to her fans and followers.

"Myself," answered Hania. "I would like to improve my relationship with myself the most."

In short, with her insight into success combined with her ability to look inward despite living in the spotlight, the star has proved once again that she is a role model for her fans - be it as plain old Hania, or the inspirational Sharjeena.