Pakistani actor Mahira Khan, renowned for her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees (2017), recently addressed persistent questions about her co-star. Speaking at the Aalami Urdu Conference 2024, hosted by Waseem Badami and Tabish Hashmi, Mahira expressed her frustration with the ongoing focus on Shah Rukh. She emphasized that claims of using his name for publicity are entirely untrue.
During the session, Mahira Khan was asked if constant queries about working with Shah Rukh annoyed her. She replied, “Whenever someone asks about Shah Rukh, I answer. But people assume I bring him up intentionally. That’s incorrect.”
To clarify her stance, she added, “If people feel I do this deliberately, then stop asking me about him.” Despite her frustration, Mahira expressed her admiration for the Bollywood icon, fondly calling him her “bachpan ka pyaar” (childhood love).
Mahira’s debut in Raees, directed by Rahul Dholakia, was a significant milestone in her career. The action-packed film, co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, received positive reviews and was a box-office success. However, political tensions between India and Pakistan affected Mahira’s journey. Following a ban on Pakistani artists in India, she could not participate in promotional events for the film.
To this day, Raees remains Mahira’s only Bollywood project. Yet, it continues to be remembered as a defining moment in her career. The actor’s comments at the conference underline the challenges faced by cross-border artists in navigating their careers amid political divides.
While Mahira Khan candidly addressed the misconceptions about her association with Shah Rukh, she maintained her respect for him. Her remarks reflect her determination to clear up misunderstandings while cherishing her Bollywood experience. Despite the challenges, Mahira remains one of Pakistan’s most celebrated actors, continuing to inspire audiences with her work.
Mahira Khan began her career as a VJ before transitioning into acting with her debut in Bol (2011). Her performance in the drama Humsafar made her a household name. She later starred in Raees (2017) opposite Shah Rukh Khan and continues to shine in Pakistani films and dramas.
