'People would stop me on streets...': Naveen Waqar reminisces about ‘Humsafar’ success

Naveen Waqar, who rose to prominence in the enduringly popular drama series 'Humsafar,' a show that still resonates with audiences, shared her thoughts on the groundbreaking success of the drama and how she handled the sudden rise to fame.

In an interview, Naveen reminisced about how ‘Humsafar’ drama gave her instant recognition. The show exploded in popularity far exceeding her expectations, leaving her wondering how to navigate her newfound fame. She confessed, 'I had no idea it would become such a phenomenon. It was my first drama, after all."

The ‘Annie Ki Ayegi Baraat’ actor, who started her career as a VJ, never imagined that dramas could achieve such phenomenal popularity.

When the drama 'Humsafar' achieved immense popularity, she admitted "feeling scared." This sudden surge in fame exposed her to a new audience with different expectations and reactions, something she wasn't entirely prepared for.

Naveen revealed, "I'd be stopped on the street with questions like, 'Why are you treating Khirad so horribly?' I'd have to explain that I'm not like that in real life!"

Highlighting the drama's enduring popularity, she shared how fans still connect her with her iconic character. "Even today, people call me 'Sara,' she said. 

Expressing gratitude for her newfound fame, Naveen observed, "I feel I did justice to that character because The genuine hatred I received for my character”.

“Even across borders, the love for Humsafar persists. Fans in India still reach out to me, sharing that they rewatched the drama and confessing their empathy for Sara. They tell me, It shouldn't have happened to her,” she continued.

Naveen Waqar played 'Sara' in the immensely popular drama 'Humsafar,' alongside a stellart cast including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Atiqa Odho, Hina Bayat, and Behroz Sabzwari.

In ‘Humsafar,’ Sara, harbouring a deep love for her childhood friend and cousin Ashar (played by Fawad Khan), finds her world shattered when he marries Khirad (Mahira Khan), his father's niece. Despite her repeated attempts to win Ashar's heart, he remains oblivious to her feelings, seeing her only as a friend. This leaves Sara heartbroken and she ultimately takes her own life.