Naeema Butt is quickly gaining popularity for her role as the complex villain Rubab in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, captivating audiences and at times overshadowing Hania Aamir’s character. Although Rubab is depicted as a confident and empowered woman, her manipulative traits often take center stage. Butt encourages viewers to watch the drama in its entirety to truly understand Rubab’s depth, stating, “Right now, it’s a halfhearted story. There’s no conclusion. There is no full impression of Rubab.”
With the director’s approval, Butt has infused her own interpretation into Rubab, claiming to have added layers through improvisation. She believes that Rubab initially exhibited kindness towards Sharjeena (Aamir’s character), but it was Sharjeena’s arrogance that soured their relationship. “If someone greets you with kindness, you should respond in kind,” Butt emphasized, noting that the disrespect shown to Rubab pushed her to her limits.
Butt critiques the tendency in Pakistan to paint women as either angels or demons, arguing that both Rubab and Sharjeena have their own flaws. She feels that Sharjeena’s ego fuels her antagonism towards Rubab, while Rubab’s wounded ego drives her actions.
An emerging talent, Butt has established herself with strong roles since 2019 in dramas like Fraud and Jindo. Although she currently lacks control over the scripts she selects, she aspires to take on more ambitious projects in the future. A Media Sciences graduate from the University of the Punjab, Butt has also gained international exposure through the Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme in the U.S.
In addition to her acting career, Butt is passionate about activism. She initially turned to acting as a means to advocate for marginalized groups, especially young girls. While her theatrical work often goes unnoticed, she has trained in the Theatre of the Oppressed and founded the Pehlaaj StoryCenter for Change, which uses street theater to highlight real-life struggles.
Transitioning to mainstream television has posed challenges for Butt, particularly in maintaining her confidence within a male-dominated industry. She remains steadfast in her commitment to not compromising her values for roles, even when it provokes backlash. Despite competition and challenges on set, Butt has learned to focus on her performance rather than the actions of others.
As the first in her family to enter the entertainment industry, Butt reflects on the issue of nepotism. While she acknowledges the challenges newcomers face, she believes that everyone encounters their own tests in life. Her journey has not been without obstacles, including losing a lead role early in her career, yet she is determined to create her own opportunities.
Butt established NB Media Production House in New York to produce inspiring films, and her short film HOME has received accolades at several international festivals. Her upcoming podcast, Clarity with Naeema, aims to delve into life’s complexities and foster wisdom.
“I trust in God’s plan. Today, I’m here; tomorrow I may be elsewhere. Only He knows,” she states, reflecting on her resilience and faith through the hardships she has faced.
