Mahira Khan, the well-known Pakistani actress and humanitarian, recently spoke at a webinar hosted by Harvard Kennedy School Pakistan Caucus Association. The event drew a large audience eager to hear her insights on the importance of art and storytelling in shaping social narratives. With her trademark charisma and wit, Khan captivated the audience and shared her experiences as an actress and advocate for social change. In this article, we will explore some of the highlights of Khan’s remarks and reflect on the enduring impact of her message.
Here are some of the key issues she addressed in the webinar.
1. On Gender Discrimination
“With me, the pressure was always to study. I used to have to study while my male cousins were playing. Unconsciously, society makes us very aware of the fact that we are different, which is fine. Wherever I have seen women prosper, I have seen support come from at least one parent.
I have seen in our stories that my father treated me like a son. Why must we say that? Why can’t we say ‘My father treated me like a daughter’?
When she started working in Pakistan, she experienced a culture shock and became aware of being treated differently. Despite working with talented individuals, she stood up for herself and refused to partake in activities that she deemed inappropriate. Her independence stemmed from the belief that she did not need the job. She had heard stories of people being treated poorly, but she did not allow herself to be treated the same way.
During one of her earliest TV commercial shoots, Mahira Khan recalled walking into the director’s office and signing a contract. The director asked her if there was anything she didn’t want to do. However, being shy with her body, Mahira declined to wear sleeveless clothing for a photoshoot. In just a few hours, she was thrown off the contract, and the agency contacted her to inform her that she was out. She acknowledges that it’s crucial to support individuals who do not have the same level of support.
The guy at the agency called and said, ‘I’m sorry, but you’re out of the contract.’ I remember my heart breaking. But I also remember my parents saying, ‘If you thought what you did was okay, then losing it is okay.’ I think about people who don’t have support, it’s important for people like us to support them.”
2. Are The Characters She Essays A Part Of Mahira Khan’s Activism?
When asked if she feels like her work is a part of her activism, Mahira Khan replied that she tries to separate herself from the character she is playing, which can be difficult but necessary. She emphasized that she is not the character she portrays on screen and that the audience needs to understand that. She also mentioned that she has to be mindful of her actions but cannot be too cautious.
I do have to be mindful but I can’t be too mindful, what I can do is walk the talk if I am standing up for something then I stand by it. Have I gotten into trouble for it? Yes!
She revealed that she had lost a major brand deal due to her ethical and moral alignment, and she tries to be mindful of the brands she works with. While she may have lost some opportunities, she doesn’t let that hold her back from making a difference. As Mahira says, “Somewhere down the line, people will know that.”
3. The One Thing Which Makes Mahira Khan Say “Thank God For What I Do”
As she reminisces about her journey, she remembers the amazing experience of working with UNHCR, raising awareness, and helping people in need. She longs to go back to the camps and continue her work on the ground. It’s the stories she hears and the people she meets that bring her the most satisfaction, more than just raising awareness through media.
She recalls the moment when she first got involved in raising breast cancer awareness with Shaukat Khanum, and how it has become so close to her heart over the last 10 years. What started with curiosity about why people didn’t talk about it, turned into a deep passion for the cause.
But what truly fills her heart is when fans come up to her and share how she has made an impact on their lives. The gratitude and love they show is the most humbling feeling, and she keeps those memories close to her heart. For Mahira, the power to bring a smile to someone’s face is something she treasures and cannot thank God enough for.
4. The Story Yet To Be Told By Mahira Khan
Mahira Khan shared her desire to tell a story that is close to her heart, an amalgamation of what she has seen. She envisions telling a story of a young girl struggling and wants to show it in a unique way that has not been portrayed before. She wants to depict the details of simple struggles, like cleaning windows and putting inventory back in the freezer. Mahira is especially intrigued by the idea of portraying a single mother, as she finds their stories fascinating. She wants to show struggle and success in a beautiful way that resonates with audiences. While she enjoys dancing and playing the role of a heroine, Mahira is eager to explore different characters that bring substance to the story.
She also expressed her desire to tackle issues like mental health and the carers of those afflicted by it.
I’ve also been a caretaker for my nani in her final years of dementia, and I would love to make a movie about caretakers. It’s such an important and often overlooked role, and I think it’s something that needs to be brought to light.
5. The Most Anticipated Question
Alas, we don’t have all the juicy details about Razia, Mahira Khan’s upcoming miniseries on Express Entertainment. Trust us, we tried to sneak a peek, but no luck! However, according to Mahira Khan, the drama is going to be all about women throughout the ages. So if you like watching women conquer the world, this drama might just be your cup of tea. And if it’s close to what Mahira wants to tell, then we’re sure it’s going to be a story worth watching. The project will start filming in June.
