Hina Khan, a name synonymous with strength and transformation, has resumed her professional journey after battling cancer, starring in the OTT show Griha Laxmi. While promoting the series, she reflected on her career milestones, shedding light on the challenges of evolving beyond her iconic role as Akshara in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
The actress candidly shared how her real personality clashed with the audience’s expectations shaped by Akshara’s flawless image. Hina explained that some viewers struggled to accept her as a person who had opinions and flaws, qualities that didn’t align with the perfection they associated with her character. She noted that the contrast was shocking for many. “They found it hard to digest that I wasn’t gullible or perfect in real life,” she explained. Hina expressed a desire for people to embrace her authenticity rather than cling to an idealized version derived from her on-screen persona. She said, “I didn’t want Hina to remind people of Akshara.” She admitted she never tried to win over perceptions or appear overly accommodating.
Her transition to playing the iconic antagonist Komolika in Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 was another pivotal moment in her career. Hina confessed that stepping into the shoes of a character immortalized by Urvashi Dholakia wasn’t a decision she made easily. She revealed that she lacked confidence in her ability to take on such a dynamic and polarizing role. “I believed I couldn’t do justice to Komolika and feared that audiences might criticize me for ruining an iconic character,” she said. Hina admitted that the encouragement from Ekta Kapoor, who insisted she was the perfect fit for the role, ultimately convinced her to take the leap. Ekta’s unwavering faith gave her the push she needed to embrace the challenge.
Despite the initial hesitation, Hina brought a fresh dimension to Komolika, garnering both praise and criticism. She acknowledged that it wasn’t easy to step out of Akshara’s shadow and embrace a completely different personality on screen. She stated that the decision wasn’t about breaking stereotypes but about exploring her potential as an actor.
In addition to her professional journey, Hina reflected on her experience with social media. Having entered the digital space later in her career, she admitted that adapting to the intense scrutiny was initially overwhelming. Hina acknowledged that being young at the time made it harder to ignore negativity. However, over the years, she has cultivated patience and developed a more analytical approach to dealing with criticism. She shared, “Now, I don’t let negative comments affect me. I focus on the positive energy around me and approach situations with a calm mindset.”
Hina’s resilience, both on and off-screen, has redefined her identity beyond a single role. Her ability to adapt, experiment, and grow has solidified her position as one of Indian television’s most versatile actors. With Griha Laxmi marking her return, she continues to inspire fans, proving that challenges can be stepping stones to greater achievements.