Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that South Asia is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Pakistani drama. Main Kabhi Kabhi Tum. While most of the characters follow a predictable arc, one character truly captured everyone’s interest: Rubab, played by Naeema Butt. You can’t push her around easily. Her comebacks are wild and she takes a strong stand, defying the typical depiction of sobbing women on television. People support her because they see her strength as a form of catharsis.

Read more about the drama here.

Naeema sat down with City times to discuss his character in detail, drawing attention to traits that many may not have noticed.

In real life, would you consider Adeel’s apology and give him another chance?

I can’t consider his apology because he made me feel uncomfortable in many situations. The drama started because of his behavior, and I even supported him financially while dealing with the consequences. Although I believe in forgiveness in relationships, the damage here was too great. If the problem had been less, a compromise might have worked, but his deep-seated character flaws were significant. My love and financial support could not change that. His inappropriate behavior with others, including Sharjeena, added to the problems. This was not a simple problem; it was a combination of factors that led to the breakdown of trust, and finding out about his cheating was the final straw.

Viewers are still wondering if the money you gave to Sharjeena was a genuine token of appreciation or was it aimed at ruffling her feathers. What was the brief?

In the story, the character I played moves through relationships and expresses appreciation in a way that reflects his desire to fit in and make a good impression. Initially, she attempts to befriend Sharjeena, showing kindness and a desire to move on from past problems. However, she struggles to understand the dynamics around her, particularly her husband’s feelings towards her. As she tries to connect with others and contribute positively, she decides to give a sign of appreciation, thinking it might help her fit in. His actions are not ill-intentioned; rather, she is trying to find her place in a new environment. Ultimately, she wants to impress those around her while prioritizing her own feelings and relationships.

What should viewers remember about your character?

I believe it is crucial to view people as complex human beings rather than labeling them as purely good or bad. Everyone has their own stories, struggles and moments of vulnerability. As an actor, my goal is to show that a character can be both kind and strong. My experiences as a woman in Pakistani society and my travels have taught me the importance of setting boundaries and seeking loyalty in relationships. I recognize that my character can be seen as bossy, but she also offers love and support. It is essential to understand the full context of one’s actions rather than focusing on just one aspect. Ultimately, my message is about the importance of viewing each character as a whole person, with sincerity and engagement often being the main goal. It is essential to defend yourself and navigate complex dynamics.

Do you see your character as a departure from the typical role of a suffering daughter-in-law or as a flawed character?

I view this character as complex, not an attention seeker with ulterior motives. Humans make mistakes and I don’t believe in the idea of ​​perfection. The story unfolds as she strives to be perfect for her husband and to impress others, giving everything she has in the process. It is important to move away from the narrative that women must always be self-sacrificing and submissive. Playing this character taught me a lot about empowerment and self-esteem. In the end, I realized that it is essential to stand up for yourself and recognize that you are enough in yourself. She embodies this strength while trying to make her relationships work.

Choosing comfort or money over love is not a new concept. What is your view on this?

Choosing comfort or money over love is not a sustainable concept. From my personal and professional experiences, I have learned that love and comfort are important, but I have always preferred love. In the story, Rubab had wealth and comfort but lacked love. The character demonstrated his commitment to love by trying to make things work, even introducing Adeel as CEO of the company to strengthen their partnership. Success in a relationship relies on the equal contribution of both partners; when one gives and the other only takes, it leads to imbalance and exhaustion.

It is essential that both partners support each other emotionally and practically. A relationship thrives when both actively fill each other’s “cups” of love and comfort, rather than one feeling depleted while the other only receives.