- By Srishti Pandey
- Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mahira Khan, one of Pakistan's top actors, has rarely spoken about the backlash she faced after photos of her smoking with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor in New York went viral in 2017. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Mahira reflected on the tough times that followed the incident and the toll it took on her personal and professional life.
The pictures of Mahira and Ranbir, which surfaced on social media, led to a wave of criticism and trolling. Many questioned her image and career, especially in Pakistan, where the incident sparked controversy. Mahira, however, admitted that she was deeply affected by the situation, even questioning if her career was over.
“I remember reading an article called ‘The Little White Dress’ by BBC. At that time, I couldn’t see the brilliance of the article,” Mahira recalled. “It said, ‘Here is a woman who has achieved this kind of success that no one in Pakistan has achieved, all the endorsements and all that, and now it is all gone. What is going to happen to her?’ I read it and thought, ‘Damn.’ I even wondered, ‘Is my career over?’”
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She went on to share that during that period, she struggled emotionally, feeling so overwhelmed that she couldn't get out of bed. “I was crying daily, and it affected both my personal and professional life,” Mahira admitted. “But at the same time, there was a voice inside me, maybe the 14-year-old Mahira, who told me, ‘Are you mad? This is going to end.’”
Despite the intense pressure, Mahira persevered, and today, she is still one of the most beloved figures in both Pakistani and international cinema. She made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan in Raees and was last seen in the blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt alongside Fawad Khan.
In 2023, Mahira tied the knot with Salim Karim, marking another milestone in her personal life. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged that while there were tough times, there were also moments of growth and strength that helped her move forward.