If passion had a name, it would be Hadiqa Kiani
Hadiqa Kiani has always been the one to defy odds, whether it was conquering the pop music genre in Pakistan as a woman, adopting a child, or stepping into the world of acting, she follows her heart, wherever it leads her, and she won’t let won’t let anyone convince her otherwise.
Though she doesn’t think she was rebellious, she would gravitate towards doing things that weren’t the ‘norm.’ Watching her act for the first time in Raqeeb Se was a pleasant surprise, to say the least. Her performance was nothing short of a masterpiece. So much so, that sharing the frame with veteran actors like Nauman Ijaz and Sania Saeed came naturally to her. Sakina, in no way, felt like a debut performance.
We recently had the honor of having a conversation with her, raw and unfiltered. She talks about her music, adopting her son Naad-e-Ali, being compared to Nazia Hassan, Dobara, Raqeeb se & much more. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
How She Knew Adoption Was The Way To Go
After her divorce, Hadiqa Kiani adopted a son in 2005, this was at a time when adoption in Pakistan was unconventional. However, that didn’t stop her. She went in with complete surety that she wanted this and that she wanted a son. Living in a male-dominated society didn’t make it easy for her though. Hadiqa revealed that the adoption process is tedious; there’s court, nadra, passport documentation. She feels it’s easier to adopt when you have a partner with you to assist you in going through the process,
Process it. And think about it. Discuss with your loved ones. Get prepared mentally. So you are fair to the child and your near and dear ones
Hadiqa Kiani
For people who are considering adoption, Hadiqa advises them to first get mentally prepared and discuss it with their loved ones. Only go through with it when you are completely sure so that it’s fair to the child you’re bringing into your life. What if you get married & have a biological child? Can you stand your ground with your partner? Will you be able to keep both children equal? These are things worth pondering over if you are considering adoption, according to Hadiqa.
On Being Compared To Nazia Hassan
Nazia Hassan was an entity and still is. For the coming generations and even for our generation, she will remain at the topmost position,
Hadiqa Kiani
When Hadiqa first launched her career as a pop singer, people would compare her to Nazia Hassan and criticize her for looking and sounding like her. Hadiqa revealed that she spent years trying to wash that away. She feels every singer has their own identity.
Whether I sing sufi or pop. It is how people see it. We are all different and have our own space
Hadiqa Kiani
Speaking about what music means to her, she stated that it plays the role of a drug for her. Hadiqa doesn’t keep a songbook when she has a performance, she sings as the words come to her.
When I go on the stage I am a bit numb. I don’t keep a song book. So whatever I have to sing is going through that in my mind. So I’m in my zone. I want that no one should come near me, but I can’t say no due to my politeness. But I’d like to be alone at that time to process my thoughts.
Hadiqa Kiani
Would Hadiqa Do What Mehroo Did If She Was In Her Place?
We all love Mehroo for listening to her heart and silencing all those around her who are convinced that there is no life for a single widowed mother beyond her children. But, would Hadiqa choose to marry a Maahir in real life? Hadiqa thinks an older woman should be able to marry a younger man just like older men marry young women. What matters is mental compatibility, not the age difference.
If you are not compatible, whether you are the same age or not, your wedding can collapse. So why not 20 years age gap if you are compatible. Not having children is one thing, but people divorce even after having children.
Hadiqa Kiani
Many women come up to Hadiqa & tell her they are in an unhappy marriage with an older man just like Hidayatullah. Hadiqa thinks if Hidyatullah was more loving and let Mehroo do what she wanted, she might have been happy and may have never sought a Maahir.
Mehroo is closer to my own personality. She is submissive in some places and bold and strong in others
Hadiqa Kiani
According to her, Hadiqa Kiani might have looked after the business but, Mehroo wanted security from day one. She feels she needs to be protected by a male figure. She’s not business-minded. She’s not happy managing a business. It’s not her.
Hadiqa’s Interpretation Of Mehroo’s Character
Agar Hadiqa hoti toh different hoti. But she was Mehroo. I had to think of her as Mehroo.
She didn’t consult with her children and rushed into marriage immediately. Hadiqa feels Mehroo doesn’t have big dreams. She had not seen her childhood. She has become fearless now with this young man. She realizes she can’t waste her time sacrificing her happiness for others. Time is running out and she is not a bad mother but she had to choose. So “dhoka hi khana hai toh phir dhoka dilfareb kyun na ho.”
Working With The Cast Of Dobara
Hadiqa revealed that Bilal is very composed, calm and non-judgemental. He is involved in his work and would discuss characters and add creative expressions to them.
He would get his home cooked food. And offer to everyone.
Hadiqa on working with Bilal
Speaking about Sakina Samo, Hadiqa stated that “Sakina and I…our souls understand each other. It’s like, she says something boldly and it will be twisted. She’s a wonderful evolved soul.”
As for director Danish Nawaz, she said that he is a perfectionist. He’s not a heavy soul. He does his work & the moment it’s finished he switches into a light soul. And then back to work.
We had a delightful experience speaking to her & listening to her insights on adoption, Mehroo’s character & life in general. Hadiqa Kiani will be in Shazia Wajahat’s upcoming project “Pinjra,” playing opposite Omair Rana and we can’t wait!
Watch The Full Interview Here:
