TikTok star and model Areeka Haq has set the record straight about her rise to fame, saying she never relied on "couple videos" or manufactured associations to gain popularity, instead, she credits her success to consistent hard work and carefully defined boundaries between her personal and public life.
With more than 12 million followers on TikTok and over 4 million on Instagram, Haq has become one of Pakistan's most recognisable digital creators. Yet, her journey was not without hurdles.
Speaking in recent podcast appearances, she revealed how she learned early on to protect her private space while still engaging her audience. "I decided from the start what to share and what to keep private," she explained.
The influencer emphasised that her personality at home with close friends remains very different from what her followers see online. She stressed that she never engaged in creating staged relationships or couple-based content to boost her reach.
"I wanted to succeed without using anyone else's fame or making fake relationships online," she said, pointing out her discomfort when others attempted to link her name with male creators. Haq also expressed frustration at how other TikTokers once used her name for quick visibility, a trend she strongly disliked.
Her career faced turbulence when she appeared in a music video with singer Asim Azhar. The project sparked online criticism and trolling, leaving her feeling depressed. At just under 18 years old at the time, she found the backlash overwhelming. "I was bullied for grabbing the musical video — It took a toll on me and I went into depression," she recalled.
During this difficult period, acclaimed actor Saba Qamar reached out after obtaining her number through Azhar. Haq credits Qamar with offering invaluable guidance. "She called me and gave me tips, calmed me down, and it helped a lot. I didn't even go to therapy because her words made such a difference," Haq shared.
Family support, coupled with this encouragement from senior artists, allowed her to overcome the lowest point in her early career. Now more confident, Haq says she understands online trolling as a symptom of jealousy.
"Critics target those who achieve success because they cannot reach that level," she noted. Fans have praised her honesty, applauding her refusal to capitalise on contrived associations and her maturity in facing hate. As she continues to grow her digital footprint, Haq insists one thing will not change: her private life will remain off-limits.
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