Keeping it Real with Hira Mani

Actress Hira Mani, who stars in the acclaimed drama serial Mom Ka Dia, started out briefly hosting a morning show with  her husband, Mani. This charming and grounded young lady believes in believing and does not keep fake relationships with anyone she meets, be it for 2 minutes or 2 years. Hira reveals to Haider Rifaat what she’s really like as a person

Who is Hira Mani?      

I am a free minded and relaxed person and I like starting conversations. Words such as lively, realistic, humble and down to earth describe me well. Pretense is a big NO for me.

 I believe if God has created you, what is the point of pretense?

I believe things are easy in life but you make them difficult for yourself. My kids are scared of me but they really like me for who I am. Every day, I play different roles in my life, as I play the character of a good wife.

What was your last job prior to taking up acting as a full-fledged career?

Before stepping into the media industry, I designed clothes for my family and friends. It was more of a hobby but I never thought of choosing it as a career.

Hira’s excited about her next drama serial, the love story Aseeray Mohabbat, airing soon

What are you known for the most: acting or hosting?

People know me more for acting now. Mani and I started hosting a trendsetting show, and were cited “The Pakistani Host Couple.” It is more of acting than hosting today.

Tell me about your married life. How did you and Mani meet?

Mani and I met just like an ordinary couple but we were destined to be together. After 11 years of our marriage, we love each other wholeheartedly and fulfill the duties of a married couple happily.

So far, how has your experience been filming the hit drama Dil Mom Ka Diya? Are there any other dramas you are working on?

I play the character of Tamkinat in the acclaimed serial Dil Mom Ka Diya. It is the talk of the town, and I can relate to the character because it depicts how patience and sacrifices keep a family going. Another project that will be on air soon is the love story titled Aseeray Mohabbat, and I am anxiously waiting for it to come out.

What kind of roles appeal to you the most? Which role do you want to do next?

I want to do the girl-next-door character, someone who is lively and bubbly, as well as dark and meaningful roles.

How do you keep Hira Mani dissociated from the character she is playing?

While I am playing a character, it does become difficult to stop living it when the camera is off. My kids often help to bring me back to reality.

You have mostly played characters that are victims. Will your fans get to see you portray a negative role?

I am an actor and any role with solid content gets my attention. I don’t really have dos and don’ts as far as negative or positive roles are concerned.

Are impactful characters seldom attributed to female actors?

Female actors usually get good roles, but only a few of them are impactful. We need writers to come up with good scripts for brilliant actors we have in our industry.

If offered a film, which actor would you like to work with?

I would love to work with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. He is one powerful actor with tremendous talent.

Does screen fright get to you at times or is it something you have recovered from?

I never have screen fright. I don’t know why. Even in my earlier hosting days, I only kept one thing in mind — to maintain the respect of my family and myself.

What have you learned about yourself and the world since you became a celebrity?

I have learned a lot about myself since I started working in this industry. My husband has provided a great support system, which has brought me here today. He is the one who always believes in me and my work.

“Mani and I started hosting a trendsetting show, and were cited ‘The Pakistani Host Couple’”

What do you do when you are not working?

I like spending time with my kids. We go on playdates, to the pool and make the most of our time.

Are you a fashion girl?

I don’t follow fashion blindly. I have my own sense of style that works for me.

What are some things in life that are a mystery to you?

The only mystery for me is how to provide a better lifestyle to all the orphans and needy children on a larger scale.

Are you competitive? Do you thrive under pressure?

Well, I don’t think so. I am competitive but I don’t take any pressure. I love my work and I try to give it my 100% and perform better than before.

How do you stay positive in negative situations?

By focusing on my blessings and knowing that things happen for a reason

How has your family helped you blossom in this industry?

My extended family, especially my spouse, have my back. Without their constant encouragement and support, I wouldn’t have been able to last a day.

Does stardom create arrogant celebs?

Sadly, it is true. One should act responsibly and kindly.

“I would love to work with Nawazuddin Siddiqui”

Do you enjoy a decent fan base?

Definitely! It keeps me motivated and makes me want to do even better.

Does social media draw unwanted attention?

Yes, it does! Today, our lives are programed in such a way that we are constantly on social media sharing our daily activities. We need to think outside of social media and enjoy life as it should be.

If you had the authority to rule the world, what would you like to see different?

Only if I could, I would want to eradicate child labour and hunger from the world. It is saddening to see the current state we are living in. Every needy child should be given the basic necessities of life.

Do you think we are doing a good enough job to sustain water shortage? What are you doing to contribute your part?

We need to do so much collectively. Water shortage is one thing that will affect our planet like nothing else. I enforce conserving water through controlled usage while washing dishes or turning the tap off while we brush our teeth and getting domestic leakages fixed. It is about being aware in general to not waste water.

What are your thoughts on mental health stigmas in Pakistan?

Mental health is the most neglected topic in Pakistan. We are constantly competing, our lives revolve around social media and we fail to accept us as we are. We need to come out of it, accept it, talk openly about mental health and help everyone around us.

What advice would you give your younger self?

That I should have started acting earlier

The best word of advice you ever received.

There are no shortcuts. Hard work is the name of the game.

Photographs by

Rehan Mithani & Hasan Habib Hashmi