Veteran actress Hina Khawaja Bayat recently opened up about the personal and societal challenges brought on by the digital age, especially the effects of mobile phone overuse and the invasive behavior celebrities often face.

Speaking on the TV show Mazaq Raat, Hina expressed her discomfort with how some people feel entitled to comment on the personal lives of public figures. While she remains open to constructive criticism about her performances, she emphasized that personal attacks are hurtful and unjustified. “We’re human beings, not just faces on a screen,” she remarked.

One of her key concerns was the growing disconnect in real-life relationships due to smartphones. She pointed out how even in social settings, people are physically present but emotionally detached. “You’ll find a group of friends sitting together, but instead of talking, they’re all busy on their phones, sometimes even texting each other from across the table,” she observed.

Hina warned that while mobile phones have undeniable benefits, their overuse has started to resemble an addiction. She called for a more balanced use of technology to prevent it from taking over meaningful human connections.

Reflecting on how family and hospitality traditions have changed, she spoke fondly of the past when unexpected guests were treated with joy and generosity. In contrast, she noted that today’s households often see unannounced visitors as an inconvenience, prioritizing schedules and routines over social warmth.

Interestingly, Hina also shared that acting was never part of her original life plan. During college, she received offers to appear in advertisements, but her father was against it. It wasn’t until the renowned media personality Sultana Siddiqui encouraged her to take on a television role that Hina entered the world of acting — a decision that led to a successful and respected career.

Her insights served as a reminder of the importance of empathy, moderation in technology use, and the need to preserve the warmth of traditional values in a rapidly changing world.