Kinza Hashmi arrives at Karachi’s Marriott Hotel for our cover shoot with a presence that is both magnetic and refreshingly grounded. Draped in the breathtaking bridal ensembles by Ansab Jahangir, she moves with the grace of someone who knows her craft well, yet her demeanor is humble, making it easy to forget she’s one of Pakistan’s brightest stars. The entire day felt effortless—Kinza's professionalism and calm confidence set a relaxed, collaborative tone on set, proving that her success is no accident.
I’ve always believed in staying true to who I am, no matter what.
Her career, much like her, is marked by depth and authenticity. Whether she’s portraying the deeply conflicted Wafa in ‘Hum Dono’ or breaking boundaries with a cross-border project like ‘Tum Mere Hojao,’ Kinza has become known for her ability to bring complexity and emotion to every role she takes on. As we sit down with her, we’re not just meeting a talented actress but an artist in constant evolution. In this candid interview, she opens up about the pivotal moments in her journey, her dedication to meaningful storytelling, and the creative paths she’s eager to explore next.
I love taking on roles that allow me to grow as an actor and explore different facets of human emotions and stories
It's a pleasure to have you on the cover of HELLO! Pakistan for the first time. How does it feel to be featured, and what does this moment represent for you in your journey so far?
It feels awesome to be part of your cover family! This is a cool milestone in my journey, and I’m really excited to share this moment with HELLO! Pakistan. It’s a great reminder of how far I’ve come and what’s ahead.
The most challenging roles for me are the ones that seem straightforward but are actually layered and complex
Your recent drama Hum Dono dives into the nuances of love against the backdrop of societal divides. How did you approach bringing Wafa's character to life, and what aspects of her story resonated most deeply with you?
Playing Wafa in Hum Dono was such a great experience. I really connected with her struggles and how she’s caught between love and society’s expectations. What hit me the most was her mix of strength and vulnerability—she’s figuring things out just like a lot of us do in real life. I tried to bring that honesty to her character, and it made the whole journey feel really real for me.
It’s those grey areas that make a character feel real, and that challenge is what keeps things exciting for me as an actor
You recently worked with Indian actor Karan Wahi for the music video ‘Tum Mere Hojao.’Can you share your experience of working on this cross-border collaboration, and how it helped you grow as an artist?
Working on the music video ‘Tum Mere Hojao’ was an amazing experience. The team was a mix of Punjabi and Hindi, with my director Amanninder Singh and, of course, Karan Wahi, who is not only a phenomenal actor but also a fantastic host. Honestly, it didn’t feel like I was working with people from a different country—we all connected so well. It felt like we were just one big team, and I loved their professionalism. Everyone was super focused and incredibly creative, which made the whole process so smooth and enjoyable. This collaboration definitely helped me grow as an artist by exposing me to new perspectives and creative approaches.
From playing dynamic roles in dramas to starring in music videos, your versatility is evident. How do you choose your projects, and what kind of roles challenge you the most?
The most challenging roles for me are the ones that seem very straightforward and simple but are actually layered and complex. I always seek out characters that push me to explore new depths, and by the grace of Allah, I’ve had the opportunity to play some really challenging roles. From Rushna in Ishq Tamasha to Gulzar in Gul o Gulzar, Husna in Khusboo Mein Base Khat, Maham in Mohlat, Zooni in Ruposh, and Azmiya in Merebanjo—each of these characters has been unique and demanding in its own way. I love taking on roles that allow me to grow as an actor and explore different facets of human emotions and stories.
Fame is just a part of the job, not who I am as a person
As someone who has portrayed both protagonists and antagonists, what do you find most rewarding about playing complex, multi-dimensional characters?
Playing complex characters, whether they’re the hero or the villain, is really rewarding because it lets me explore all kinds of emotions. The best part is making even the flawed characters relatable. I love digging into their layers and figuring out what makes them tick. It’s those grey areas that make a character feel real, and that challenge is what keeps things exciting for me as an actor.
Your performances often tackle themes that resonate deeply with audiences. How do you see your role in contributing to meaningful storytelling in the Pakistani entertainment industry?
I love taking on characters where I can entertain the audience while also conveying a meaningful message. For me, it’s important that the story and character not only keep people engaged but also leave them with something to reflect on. Without that balance of entertainment and a powerful message, I don’t feel as connected to the role. I believe that storytelling should resonate with viewers on multiple levels, and I’m always grateful for the chance to contribute to projects that do both.
I’m really excited about exploring new challenges and growing as an artist
With the rise of digital platforms, the landscape of entertainment is rapidly evolving. How do you adapt to these changes, and what opportunities do you see for yourself in this new era?
With digital platforms taking over, it’s such an exciting time to be in the entertainment industry. I’m always up for trying new things, and the digital space really opens up so many creative possibilities. There’s more room for different kinds of stories and characters, which means I get to explore roles that are outside the box. Plus, it’s a great way to reach a wider audience. I’m just staying open and ready to adapt to whatever comes next, and I see a lot of opportunities to grow as an artist in this new era.
Balancing fame and staying authentic can definitely be tricky, but I’ve always believed in staying true to myself
Balancing fame and authenticity can be challenging. How do you stay true to yourself amidst the pressures of the public eye, and what keeps you grounded?
Balancing fame and staying authentic can definitely be tricky, but I’ve always believed in staying true to who I am, no matter what. The pressures of the public eye are real, but I try not to let it change me. What keeps me grounded is my family and close friends—they’re my biggest support system and always remind me of my roots. I also think it’s important to take time for myself, away from the noise, to reflect and stay connected to my values. At the end of the day, it’s about staying focused on why I started this journey in the first place and remembering that fame is just a part of the job, not who I am as a person.
The digital space really opens up so many creative possibilities, and I’m always up for trying new things
Beyond acting, are there any creative ventures you are looking to explore, such as directing or producing? What drives your curiosity outside of your current roles?
Actually, I’m really into the idea of producing something in the future. It’s a natural next step for me as I love being involved in the creative process beyond just acting. Plus, fashion is a big passion of mine. I have my own clothing brand, D'Code, and I’m excited to see it grow. I want people to wear and love what I create for them. Writing is something I enjoy too, and I’ve realized over time that I have a pretty good sense for storytelling. So who knows, maybe one day you’ll see one of my stories come to life on screen!
Producing is a natural next step for me, as I love being involved in the creative process beyond just acting
You look absolutely stunning in this Ansab Jahangir bridal collection. Can you tell us how you felt when you first saw yourself in these exquisite designs, and what stands out to you about his work?
Thank you! Wearing Ansab Jahangir’s bridal collection was an amazing experience. The silver, white, and peachy tones were so elegant, and the designs had such a beautiful blend of tradition and modern style. What I love about his work is the attention to detail—it made me feel confident and beautiful.
Bridal fashion holds a special place in Pakistan’s cultural heritage. How do you think Ansab Jahangir’s designs celebrate the essence of a modern bride while staying true to traditional craftsmanship?
Ansab Jahangir’s designs perfectly blend tradition with a modern vibe. He keeps the classic craftsmanship alive while giving it a fresh twist, making it ideal for today’s bride who wants both elegance and style.
Wearing Ansab Jahangir’s bridal collection was an amazing experience. The silver, white, and peachy tones were so elegant, and the designs had such a beautiful blend of tradition and modern style
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future? Are there specific goals or dream projects that you are particularly excited to pursue?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about exploring new challenges and growing as an artist. I definitely want to take on more diverse roles and maybe even venture into producing someday. I’m also passionate about growing my fashion brand D'Code and seeing where that takes me. There are a few dream projects I have in mind, but overall, I just want to keep pushing myself creatively and see what the future holds.
RAPID FIRE
1. Three words that describe you?
Fearless, focused, unstoppable.
2. Morning person or night owl?
Morning person.
3. The last show you binge-watched?
Crash Landing on You.
4. If you could swap lives with any character you’ve played, who would it be?
I love my character Zooni from Ruposh. If I could swap lives with anyone, it would definitely be her.
5. One thing you can’t live without?
One thing I can’t stay without is my phone. It keeps me connected to work, loved ones, and everything happening around me.
6. Favorite co-star so far?
Mr. Adnan Siddiqui.
7. Go-to comfort food?
Biryani and daal chawal.
8. A role you wish you had played?
I don’t wish to play anyone else’s role. I believe in bringing my own unique energy to the characters I choose and creating something new and authentic with each one.
9. Your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is people being late. I really value punctuality, and it throws me off when others don’t respect time.
10. What’s your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is writing. I love putting my thoughts into words and sometimes even come up with story ideas that I’d love to develop one day.
11. One thing fans would be surprised to know about you?
One thing fans would be surprised to know about me is that I'm quite introverted. Despite being in the public eye, I really value my quiet time and enjoy spending time alone to recharge.
12. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
City of Stars from La La Land.
13. Describe your perfect day off.
A perfect day off for me would be going out for coffee in the morning, watching a good show, and enjoying my favorite food.
14. Your most used emoji?
????
15. If you could work with any director or actor, who would it be?
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Naseeruddin Shah, or Rekha jee! I have a long list of my favorite actors ????
Interview: @sublimerantr
Wardrobe: @ansabjahangirstudio
Photography: @zunaisheikh
Makeup: @salman.mua
Hair: @leonardodscorpio @sanasarahssalon
Styling: @ehteshamansari
Jewellery: @bareillybaazar @sherezadjewellery @kohar_jewel
Location: @marriott_karachi
Coordination: @khawarabedi
On-set Coordination: @saneelaswaleh & @syedumairqadir