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Since her marriage in 2018, actor Aiman ​​Khan might be missing in action on TV, but her fans still get to see her on social media.

Khan, once the most-followed local celebrity on Instagram with 5.9 million followers, spoke to BBC Urdu recently about the difference between her real life and reel life while hinting at plans to return to dramas.

“At that time, I just wanted to get married, but I got so busy with Amal right after my marriage,” she said about stepping away from the small screen.

Her eldest daughter, Amal Muneeb, was born in 2019, a year after Khan tied the knot with actor Muneeb Butt. Khan did not think about her acting career before getting married or having a kid. “I do get offers and people still ask, but if God wills, I have future plans. Let’s see,” she said.

When asked if there has been a difference in the kind of roles offered to her before and after her marriage, Khan said no. “I consider myself lucky in this aspect because at a young age, I got a lot of exposure. It was a struggle, but not a lot; I worked with good directors and producers. And the same people approach me again. Even after my marriage, a lot of producers told me, ‘Whenever you start working again, you have to message us first.’”

Khan added that even though she is content with her life, she does miss being on the screen. “An actor always misses their acting,” she admitted.

“Whenever I see people working, when Muneeb goes on a shoot, I miss it, but not that hectic routine, waking up at 9 in the morning. And the competition has grown a lot, you never know what will click and what won’t,” Khan said. “I miss it, but I’m happy right now.”

Elaborating on the competition in the industry, Khan said she admires the work of many contemporary actors like Iqra Aziz, Hania Aamir, and Maya Ali.

But looking at how virality is such a big deal today, she reflected on how things were much different when she was still acting. “These days, a drama being hit on social media is different, and on TV, it’s different. I was a hit on TV; the audience I met knew me because they recognised the dramas from the channels.”

If she were actively working, Khan shared that she would love to play a character like Durefishan Saleem’s role in Khaie. “It was really good and very strong character,” she said.

Reflecting on her enduring popularity, Khan said, “And even after taking a break, for a while, I got so many awards.”

Even though the “most-followed Pakistani celebrity” tag was once attached to her, Khan said her popularity was not limited to Instagram, because even when she went on international tours, people recognised and admired her. “People from countries where you don’t even think your drama is being watched know you. I think this is a huge blessing. India, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia — everywhere people follow and admire you.”

Although not currently active in the industry, Khan continues to make headlines through her social media activity, whether it’s because of a family event, a trip, or a reveal about her daughter. But she insists that none of it is planned. “This is our life; we travel and share things with people with love, and they feel connected.”

She highlighted that she still keeps a major part of her life private. “If I share 30 per cent of my life, 70 per cent is private, which we don’t share on social media.”

Khan also said social media has changed the nature of public reactions and interviews. “Earlier, my interviews were on a lighter note. We used to talk about ourselves without thinking too much. But now, you have to be careful before answering anything. And not because there will be backlash. But because I might influence someone.”

She referred to her previous interviews, saying that she jokingly said many things only to realise later that she shouldn’t have. “I try not to say anything about anyone. It’s not as easy as people make it out to be. You have to work hard for it. You have to be careful with how you use Instagram.”