Aashir Wajahat Opens Up About Bittersweet Bond with Social Media

Aashir Wajahat literally grew up in front of the camera. From delivering standout performances in Mai Kukkoo Aur Woh and Karachi Se Lahore as a child actor, to producing chart-topping songs like Sadqay and Peetal, he has steadily carved a place for himself in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

In a recent appearance on Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt, Wajahat shared how he continues to navigate his career while balancing the pressures of media exposure and family legacy.

“I was born into acting,” he said while reflecting on his journey. “I really enjoyed being on set as a kid and learned a lot. Even now, if given the choice, I’d still pick acting—though maybe I’d start later in life.”

Starting Young in Film

Wajahat’s acting career began almost naturally. “I memorised my lines quickly and never got nervous in front of the camera,” he recalled. “That signaled to my parents that I might be good at it, so I started taking roles as they came.”

He fondly remembered his early experiences. “I did my first film at 13. I always found film sets fascinating. That, along with the attention I received, really pulled me in.”

However, growing up in a showbiz family eventually weighed on him. “There was a lot of pressure. My father’s a well-known director-screenwriter, and my mother produces films. Taking a break helped me reassess where I was headed.”

Returning with John

Wajahat returned to the screen in 2023 with the critically acclaimed John. “When I came back, I knew I had to win the audience over. If I succeeded, I could finally prove myself as an actor,” he said. “That experience humbled me. I don’t find shoots as difficult now.”

Laughing, he added, “It was also the only film I was offered at the time—so I had to take it.”

While John received praise from within the industry, Wajahat admitted it didn’t launch him into stardom overnight. “I’m taking things slow,” he said. “The film taught me patience. It took so long to make and left me drained. I’ve become more careful about the projects I choose now.”

Facing Media Pressure

Wajahat also opened up about his evolving relationship with social media. “I’ve had a bittersweet connection with it,” he said. “I’ve faced a lot of online hate, and people often label me a product of nepotism. These days, I only use social media as a billboard for my work—I don’t share my personal life.”

Looking back, he admitted, “I used to be naive and posted every song cover or picture. Over time, I realised that while it’s good to engage with fans, it also invites a lot of criticism.”

He doesn’t blame the audience. “When you put your life online, it becomes public property. People have a right to comment—you can’t complain.”

Often trolled for his music, Wajahat said, “At first, the trolling upset me. But then I reflected and realised I had to work on myself—and I did.”

The podcast also touched on his controversial videos with Hania Aamir that went viral and sparked rumours of an alleged affair. Social media users accused the two of promoting indecency.

When asked if that incident made him retreat from social media, Wajahat replied, “Yes, I think it did. An actor said something very wise to me after that: ‘As long as you’re seen with famous people, people will know you for their stories—not your work. Focus on your work so it can speak for itself.’”

Wajahat has since grown more protective of his privacy. “I realised I don’t want to be known for hanging out with friends. That shouldn’t make headlines. I’m still friends with these people, but I keep it private now. It just became too much.”

Also Read: Aashir Wajahat Hopes ‘Sadqay’ Catches Shah Rukh Khan’s Attention