KARACHI, July 3 (TNF): Iconic Pakistani actor Mahira Khan has made it clear she remains unaffected by age-related criticism, reaffirming her commitment to living authentically and embracing her truth.
In a recent conversation with Independent Urdu, Khan was asked about the focus on actors’ ages in media. The Humsafar star responded that honesty about her life has always been her choice. “I was having a meal with my parents when my mother mentioned reading something unpleasant about me. She asked if I really needed to be so open about my age. I said, yes, that’s who I am. I never hid my marriage, my divorce, my son’s existence, or his age—or mine. That’s me. I want to stay truthful to myself. I don’t care what others think.”
Khan added that while she respects people’s opinions, she is comfortable in her skin and mindful about accepting roles that suit her age. “It doesn’t bother me. I just want myself and the next generation to feel at ease with these things.”
Her remarks follow online criticism of her latest film Love Guru, where YouTuber Dr Omer Adil pointed out that the film showed close-ups of Khan’s face without concealing her natural features, including fine lines and wrinkles.
On India’s Social Media Ban of Pakistani Artists
When asked about her reaction to India blocking Pakistani celebrities’ social media accounts amid heightened tensions, Khan said she felt nothing. “I had zero reactions,” she shared. When pressed, she explained, “I still love the fans. People are people. This is all politics—a game where bans are imposed. I don’t believe in that.”
Khan reflected on how artists are often the first targets during conflicts because art builds bridges. “Art and artists are the first things to get banned in such times. When art is silenced, love disappears. We are what they call soft power.”
She noted she wasn’t sure if the ban had impacted her financially, adding that as an actor, she’d continue working in dramas or other formats if films were blocked. “Maybe there’s a bigger loss overall, but I don’t think this is the right time to dwell on that.”
On Love Guru
Khan expressed gratitude for Love Guru‘s success, calling it meaningful for everyone involved. “But as an actor, you always look ahead. You think about the next project.” She revealed she’s currently reading two scripts and deciding what’s next.
When Love Guru was showcased at New York’s Times Square, Khan said she felt, “That’s cool,” but joked that her real concern was ensuring co-star Humayun Saeed didn’t wander off before they filmed a reel together. She teased that another collaboration with Saeed might not happen for another two decades, recalling they were once set to work on a deep, emotional love story that remains dear to her.
On Future Projects
Asked about doing action films, Khan said she’s open to it and is already in discussions for such a role. “In Maula Jatt, I had no action scenes. I wish I had.”
Speaking about her upcoming film Neelofar, Khan shared that it was made with great love. “Whether it’s good or not is for destiny to decide. But it was crafted with heart.”
She also revealed that her role in Pakistan’s first Netflix original, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, is unlike anything she’s done before. “It’s a zone I’ve never explored. People will be surprised.”
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