In a world where fame often changes the equation, holding on to real, unvarnished connections can be a rare luxury. Actress Hunar Hali believes that navigating the high-pressure realm of showbiz has only reinforced one fundamental truth: true friendship doesn’t care about star power. Ahead of Friendship Day, Hunar gets candid about the anchors in her life, how she separates real concern from idle gossip, and why true bonds never change off-camera.
Despite the recognition and public image that come with acting, Hunar credits her childhood friend for keeping her rooted. “Sonika Gulati has known me since before any of this—before the industry, before the recognition, before the public image,” Hunar shares. “She has absolutely no hesitation in telling me when I’m wrong. She’ll be brutally honest with me, and I value that because I know it comes from a place of love and genuine concern,” she adds.
The industry may put us in competition for the same opportunity, but that doesn’t mean we have to become competitors in our friendships.
In an industry where personal lives often become public discussions, Hunar has a clear way of identifying who truly stands by her during tough times. “For me, the real litmus test is what happens when you’re going through a difficult time. I notice who calls or messages simply to say, ‘Hunar, if you need anything, I’m here.’ They don’t necessarily need to have all the answers—they just genuinely want to know if you’re okay,” she reveals. “And then there are people who reach out only to collect information, ask questions, and turn your difficult phase into gossip. With time, you learn to recognise the difference. Genuine concern feels very different from curiosity disguised as concern.”
When it comes to her favourite friend from the industry, Hunar points to Gulki Joshi, highlighting the comfort of their off-camera dynamic. “We have a very easy, comfortable equation. Our conversations can go from completely random nonsense to deep conversations about life in a matter of minutes. There’s a lot of laughter, gossip, food, and sometimes just sitting together without needing to constantly talk. That comfort is very rare.”
When peers are often auditioning for the same roles, maintaining authentic relationships can be tricky. However, Hunar believes in separating the profession from the person. “The industry may put us in competition for the same opportunity, but that doesn’t mean we have to become competitors in our friendships,” she says. “I genuinely believe that what is meant for you will find you. Someone else getting a role doesn’t take away your journey.”
Over the years, her understanding of friendship has also shifted from constant presence to emotional depth. “Earlier, I thought a true friend was someone who was always around. Now I realise it’s more about the quality of the connection than the frequency of contact,” she ends.
