Exclusive – I belong to a Muslim family, don’t want to wear a bikini or show cleavage, says Hiba Nawab of Jijaji fame

Actress Hiba Nawab, who is seen in the show Jijaji Chhat Per Koii Hai, is on a break as her show has gone on an indefinite halt. The actress is currently in Bareilly, her hometown and she caught up with ETimes TV for a candid conversation during a live chat. She opened up on many things like dealing with weight issues, inhibitions to do web shows, her choice of dressing and more. Excerpts from the conversation. Pic: Instagram

It is a conscious decision to not dress provocatively. I belong to a Muslim family and we have a different culture. I am actually opposing the culture a lot and I don’t want to push it even further. This is my decision along with my family's. Even right now at times they are not okay with me dressing in a certain way and want me to dress up differently. But I have been a little rebellious and don’t want to hurt their sentiments further. They are very understanding and supportive. But I don’t want to wear a bikini, show cleavage and all. That’s my decision and not any conflict. Pic: Instagram

I talk a lot about food. I am not able to eat much because of gaining weight but I can go on and on discussing food. I do feel it is important to look a certain way as an actor. When you are inspiring so many people, it has to be done in a positive and healthy way. If I am telling people to lead a healthy lifestyle then I am also supposed to eat healthy. I have to follow it. I am not saying that get six-pack abs but eating healthy and mindful is important. I get finicky because I like myself a certain way. Pic: Instagram

Yes. But not really pulled down. Sometimes I gain weight and look fat and chubby on-screen. And I get a review from the makers that they want me to lose 3-4 kgs and I am on it. There are times when I eat a lot on sets. We all actors go through this actually. We are told to look a certain way. It’s a part of our job. We eat healthy, we look good, it’s a win-win for us. Pic: Instagram

Sometimes when my heart is full I just cry. I cry out loud, I scream my lungs out and cry but in my room. I don’t want to haunt my family. Sometimes it is ok to cry it out when you are feeling too low . It’s ok to vent out, it’s ok to cry and it’s ok to not to talk to anybody. It is normal to feel a certain way when you are locked in a room, not working, not being productive. I have been eating a lot and that’s not my usual self. When you are not your usual self, you are depressed. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. I am waiting for that post Covid-19 phase when everything will be fine. I keep motivating myself. Pic: Instagram

I would want to be a part of it. But honestly, what’s stopping me is the bold content. I am not comfortable exposing myself or doing bold scenes. I do get calls and the moment I ask if there are any kissing or intimate scenes, they say yes. My family is not in favour of it. As an individual, I am also not comfortable. Pic: Instagram

Of course, such thoughts do come to mind. An actor is a very insecure being. There are a lot of insecurities in an actor’s life for a lot of reasons. Shows go off-air for many reasons and now one more reason has been added to the list – lockdown. We do get negative but the only aid is to stay optimistic else we all will go into depression. And if things are not working out, you need to accept it and move on. Jijaji S2 is my sixth show and for the first time, my show has been put on hold indefinitely. I have seen shows falling apart, wrapping up in 3-7 months. I have seen a lot, have been depressed, I have cried a lot but then at the end of the day, you accept it and move on thinking better things will come. Pic: Instagram

I have been sleeping a lot and I need to change it. I want to change my sleeping routine. I want to workout, eat healthy. I have been eating a lot too and want to go back to my dieting. I’ll be praying and spending time with my family and just waiting to get vaccinated. Pic: Instagram