In Conversation With Hira Hyder; Motivational Speaker, Gifted Writer, and a Journalist Like No Other

Never conceal the chapters of your story that make you  –YOU

A warrior should honor their courage, unapologetically. ­–Hira Hyder

Let me tell you a story. A story of a girl whose favorite game as a four-year-old child was to hold a hairbrush in her little hands and pretend to host a tv show.

Fast forward to many years later, she gets admission in The American University of Sharjah, her dream to become a successful journalist was close, but fate wasn’t so merciful, she gets told by her family that she has to drop out of her beloved university due to financial crisis. She then comes to Pakistan in search of an institute to pursue her degree in journalism but gets rejected by several universities.

But these hardships weren’t enough for her to lose faith in her dreams. She stood firm and one day, she finds her way back to AUS. In her second year of university, she auditions for KAY2TV and gets hired to host live TV shows. She then gets to interview innumerable popular celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan.

She then becomes the president and chief editor of “The American University of Sharjah’s Leopards” newsletter and she also gets hired by Dawn News.

In 2016, she graduates with a degree in Journalism from AUS.

In 2018 she hosts the 6th HUM Awards red-carpet event as DML – HUM TV Canada’s Journalist.

The name of that girl is Hira Hyder.

If you ask her how was she able to accomplish all of this, she will tell you about the sheer power of undying belief in her dreams, The continuous support of her family and friends, But above all, unwavering faith in the Almighty.

At the age of 7, Hira holds her first novel; Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone. She finishes it within a few days, it was this book that incited her never-ending love and passion for reading and writing. Today, she writes for multiple lifestyle publications and her words inspire thousands.

At the age of 24, After her graduation, Hira had to leave her home, when her family decided to move to Toronto, having to leave behind her friends, the place she called home, and having to start her life from scratch in a big city like Toronto wasn’t an easy task. It was one of the most difficult phases of her life, she had to struggle with depression, anxiety, and insecurity about her future. But she eventually overcame her fears and insecurities.

Today she is a life coach and a motivational speaker. She helps other people to heal and motivates them to live their life to its fullest.

When I said that Hira Hyder is a journalist like no other, I meant it. Why? Because she doesn’t bootlick celebrities, she doesn’t ask them cheesy questions, or very personal ones which can make them uncomfortable. Instead, she connects with them on a deeper level, she listens to the stories about their struggles and not only their successes, she asks for their views and opinions on different issues. She uses their voice as a medium to raise awareness of the important issues of the world, but most importantly, she brings out the human element in them, which is definitely lacking in our industry today.

Her sensationally popular rapid-fire interviews on Twitter, called “Hira Hyder 7Qs”, and “Dil ki baat–Hira kay sath” on Instagram are proof of this. She has connected with and interviewed an uncountable number of celebrities including Ali Zafar (where it all began, the first interviewee of Hira’s 7qs), Mahira Khan, Osman Khalid butt, Hareem Farooq, Bilal Abbas, Ahad Raza Mir, to name a few.

Her story left me awestruck, so I decided to catch up with her, to get to know more about her story and to seek some wisdom and motivation, a drop from an ocean.

Let’s begin with a challenge, Can you tell us your life story in only 5 sentences?

Once upon a time, a warrior Princess ruled over the hearts of her beloved family and loyal friends — they were her divine blessing and source of courage. Life was anything but ‘simple’ for her; there were demons which she battled and had the scars to prove it. There were mountains she had conquered, but that’s a story for another time. This story is of a girl who the world often said ‘No’ to — little did the world know that her whispered prayers were responded by the Almighty with, “Their ‘No’ is meaningless. It is I who will say ‘Kun Faya Kun’ to your prayers.”

What was the inspiration behind your viral “7Qs Twitter Interviews”, and “Dil ki baat–Hira kay sath” on Instagram?

It has never failed to astound me how celebrities and their words can deeply impact the masses. As a Journalist, what urges me to interview celebrities is to shed light on ideologies that they as individuals have strong opinions about; which would eventually lead us, their fans, to contemplate about the ‘slice of life’ which isn’t given the importance deserved in today’s day and age.

This might sound cliché, But what do you think are the secrets behind your success and confidence?

I am often asked this question and the reply is always — my Amma! My mother always recalls my first day at nursery, Radiant Montessori in Karachi; where I contently left her hand, walked straight into class, sat beside a boy who was making animals with play-dough, took some from him, and started showing him how to make more things. The next day, I was already friends with the entire class! I give full credit to my mother for building my confidence from a very young age. She would always give 100% attention to all her four children and never snubbed us despite motherhood’s overwhelming challenges. As a family, we would travel internationally quite frequently;

I vividly remember that from the age of 7, Amma would make me hold my own passport and show it to the immigration officers. At the airport, she’d urge me to speak to authorities and ask for directions despite knowing herself which way to go. However, even though my mother nurtured her children to be confident individuals, she mindfully conditioned us to be humble and not cross the thin line between confidence and over-confidence. That, is my secret to success!

Being a journalist and a lover of traveling and photography, you have collected many wonderful memories. Tell us which memory do you cherish the most?

It is undoubtedly my highschool trip to Rome! Traveling to Italy had been a dream ever since I watched Lizzie McGuire the movie (I was a die-hard fan!) — it was definitely a ‘this is what dreams are made of’ moment — although I’m glad no Pablo came along to ruin all the fun! Still waiting on finding my Gordo though — if you know, you know!

What does spirituality mean to you? What people or ideas have had the biggest impact on your spiritual and religious life?

 Spirituality is a journey and definitely not a linear process; every individual experiences highs and lows of spirituality throughout their life. It is the household of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — his Ahlulbayt who is a source of enlightenment for me. Two particular scholars whose academic works have educated me about Islam in depth are Sheikh Tijani Al-Samawi and Sayed Ammar Nakshawani, I owe a lot of my knowledge to them.

What has always helped you get through hard times? And, How can we raise mental health awareness?

First and foremost, my faith and spirituality calm the most destructive of storms and my family has never failed to be my anchors amidst the chaos.

As for raising awareness about mental health; it is essential to create safe spaces for individuals to seek knowledge about how to identify mental illnesses and what they entail while encouraging the unapologetic expression of emotions — which is something I strive to do on my platform as a life coach every week with a Q&A advice session.

Imagine you are stuck in a desert, which books from your Kitabistan would you want to have with you?

The Quran’s interpretation by Imam Hasan Askari (AS), Nahjul Balagha — a collection of sermons and quotes by Imam Ali (AS) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

You’re a big fan of “Resurrection: Ertuğrul”, right? Who’s your favorite character and what is the most valuable lesson these series have taught you?

After Harry Potter, Ertugrul is my second craze! Turgut and Selcan are definitely my favorite characters, their journey as individuals are truly inspirational — I also can’t help but mention Noyan, he has personified ‘evil’ brilliantly! The most valuable lesson Ertugrul will teach anyone who watches the series is that no power can undo you’re being if you dedicate your life to the Almighty. You will be invincible.

What is the importance of family bonding in your life?

I could not survive a second without my family — they are my core strength. If a day goes by that we do not sit huddled together in our living room sharing every minute detail of our day, a certain emptiness prevails. Family bonding rejuvenates me like nothing else!

What are your views on feminism and woman empowerment?

Feminism is a movement which must be mindfully followed — primarily educate yourself about the different types of feminism and yes there are various kinds such as,

• Liberal Feminism.

• Radical Feminism.

• Marxist and Socialist-Feminism.

• Cultural Feminism.

• Eco-Feminism.

As for women empowerment, the core characteristic of a ‘strong woman’ is her courage to battle against all odds and conquer the mountains that ‘kismet’ has plopped in her way. We must be mindful not to associate ‘women empowerment’ with a certain prototype. Remember, a woman can be just as empowered in a shalwar-kameez as much as she is in a t-shirt and jeans.

What do you wish you had more time for?

In all honesty, nothing really — I have learned how to prioritize spending time with the people I love and doing things that bring about joy. One has to realize that our time in this world goes by in the blink of an eye so do not waste it on what does not truly matter.

If you could dedicate all of your life to solving one world problem, which one would you choose?

It would definitely be solving the unspoken of epidemic, spiritual illnesses. Unfortunately, we shy away from addressing the grave problem which persists in our society — black magic. Countless individuals suffer their entire lives as victims of black magic, most even die of it. It is vital to academically educate ourselves about it and how it can be battled under the guidelines of Islam.

You are an incredible writer, what is the one writing advice you would give to an aspiring writer?

Read — not only will it increase your vocabulary, but will also introduce you to various styles of writing, which would eventually lead you to develop your very own independently unique writing style. Also, anything written from the core of your heart will always radiate its pure energy throughout the universe! Get comfortable with being vulnerable.

What’s romanticized in our culture, but really shouldn’t be?

Maintaining a relationship or marriage come-what-may. There is nothing romantic about a toxic relationship — regardless of how it began, what the history is, and for how long it has been ongoing, remember; it is never too late to break through and start afresh.

What’s the biggest lesson life has taught you?

Love fiercely and see how they respond. Then, according to their response, mirror your love, care, and attention. The fear of ‘losing’ the ones that you love? Shed it. Time eventually proves who deserves to be a part of your life.

Look back on your life and tell us, what have you done that has given you the most satisfaction?

All the times that I was able to be a source of inspiration, kindness, and courage to the people in my life; serving humanity satisfies the soul like nothing else.

To be honest, This was one of the most illuminating conversations I’ve ever had with anyone. Hira’s story and her gems for answers will make you believe in the power of dreams, hard work, and perseverance. It will make you believe that the darkest hour is just before dawn.

I’ll be forever grateful to her for taking out her precious time to answer these questions. Thank you, Hira!

Now let’s wrap up this conversation with Hira Hyder’s signature quote!

“Any obstacle in life can be battled by spirituality, positive energy, and chocolate!” –Hira Hyder

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