Mahira Khan is in awe of her overnight success in India despite her scant visits to the country. She tells Karan Bhardwaj how the popularity of Pakistani content here would help her industry deal with more universal and people issues and why she looks up to Vishal Bhardwaj, Mani Ratnam, Imtiaz Ali and Sanjay leela Bhansali
What instantly strikes you about Mahira Khan, now as famous in India as much in Pakistan, are her royal looks, deep-rooted sophistication, an elegant carriage and capacity to engage in serious dialogue. Her body of work only seconds her ideas, her persona and what we assume her philosophy of life. She is as sensitive a human being and committed to issues as her onscreen character of Khirad in Zindagi’s popular series Humsafar. The actress, who was on a multi-tour city in India to meet her newly-found fans across the border, and hopefully, some meetings with Bollywood filmmakers, took out some time for us.
Did you anticipate this mammoth feedback from the Indian audienceIJ
I was expecting a good feedback, knowing that the Indian audience is very segmented and it is difficult to get a uniform response. But honestly, I wasn’t even thinking about it. I had done this project three years ago and moved on to other shows. I never knew it would be telecast here and turn out this popular. So I was shocked and overwhelmed. looking back I can say Humsafar has been a blessed project.
Given the depth and evolution of your character over a quick span of 23 episodes, were you exhausted during the shootIJ
It was certainly tough. But I like such projects that challenge me as an artiste and allow me to explore a range of emotions and get into a character’s head. I choose difficult shows. Personally, it was draining because a lot happened in my life during the shoot. It was so personal that I cannot even disclose it but I was shattered.
What kept you going thenIJ
It was a sudden loss. So it was difficult to cope with the vacuum. I could not let that come out in public because then the loss would seem smaller than what it is. But I was feeling lonely and sad. What got me through was that the crew was a happy family. We used to have a gala time on the sets. In the last scene, my eyes were red because of an infection and too much of tear-shedding. But I was laughing my guts out while shooting for that part.
How easily did you slip into the character of KhiradIJ
I got into my character within a few months of the show. But I never thought she coincided with my personal life. I do not relate to Khirad. Sometimes, the director would ask me to seek inspiration from my personal moments but I would never do that. I don’t know if that happened sub-consciously.
How did Humsafar revolutionise television in PakistanIJ
Nobody asked me this question before and yet it is an important one (smiles). Humsafar was a game changer in television. By the fifth episode, everybody was watching it. It shattered all kinds of records. It attached a lot of people with what we call an overnight success. From the director to actors, Fawad (Khan) to me, success was an instant game. It changed the way people watched television. And the ratings caught the attention of advertisers, who till then were hungry for slots on news or sports channels. Companies started to sign us up as brand ambassadors. Suddenly, cricketers were not the only stars in Pakistan. After Humsafar, many creative minds came up with good, mature, realistic shows. Most importantly, people realised that drama could mean business.
How did success impact youIJ
All the actors were refined and experienced. But for me, it was all new. Just like it is all so new that people recognise me in India. I have just spent a few days here and people of all ages have approached me on streets and in malls. I was in lucknow to promote the show and there was such a fan frenzy. It humbled me and put me under pressure to raise the bar.
Your co-actor Fawad Khan has debuted in mainstream Hindi films. When are you stepping inIJ
I am definitely open to working here but I haven’t met any filmmaker yet. I didn’t have time as I was neck-deep in promotions. I wanted to go out in the colourful markets here and shop but couldn’t. I got a chance to have some street food in lucknow though.
I like good scripts. I cannot do something that doesn’t engage me. Even if there’s a small role or limited exposure, it has to be meaty. I have a good amount of talent. If that can be used, I would be very happy. I would wait for the right opportunity. I have never lived with boxes, otherwise my life would have been very different.
Why has Pakistani cinema not evolved to the extent TV dramas haveIJ
There is a multitude of reasons. It’s a mix of old-school politics between studio owners, political turmoil and the unending tussle about how Punjabi cinema has taken over the Urdu space. Drama was always popular because people were loyal, persistent and were expected to think and deliver out-of-the box. I believe the film industry is now ready to take off to the next stage. We get over 20 films every year which is a big thing for us. lollywood saw a great time in the 70s. But then political upheavals affected us so badly that we sank further. Now things are reviving. And most significantly, producers/makers of dramas are now venturing into films.
Are you a method actorIJ
I have no idea. One director says I am a method actor, the other says I am spontaneous beyond belief. For me, I am responsive to the script. If I fall for it, I start feeling it. I empathise with the character.
How does the Indian demand for Pakistani shows help you back homeIJ
I hope this sharing of cross-border content continues for both. If there’s a demand, there has to be supply. It will create more opportunities and encourage filmmakers to do quality work. Even if our stars move to India for work, it will eventually help the Pakistan industry in developing a talent pool. Art is beyond borders.
Have you set any roadmap for BollywoodIJ
I have never thought of doing a particular kind of cinema. Besides the director, the script is the most important factor for me. I have loved watching films of Mani Ratnam, Imtiaz Ali, Vishal Bhardwaj and Zoya Akhtar. I just loved Highway. Otherwise you can classify me as Bollywood’s buddhi viewer. I have grown up watching films of Guru Dutt, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand. My friends do not even check my track list because it has old, rare gems of lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh and other yeasteryear singers. They love new-age songs which do not appeal to me.
What’s your observation about the directors you have mentionedIJ
I am noticing how actors completely change their tenor in their films. Someone who’s average in every movie is so stellar in movies directed by big names. I think they really sense the potential of an actor and helps them realise a hitherto untapped facet. I also love how Imtiaz Ali and Sanjay leela Bhansali mount a beautiful backdrop on screen. Their films are an art work in continuum.
Would you work with Fawad on the big screenIJ
We want to work with each other but for both of us the story has to be interesting. There’s nothing to share at the moment.
What do you think about the portrayal of women on television in Pakistan and IndiaIJ When are we going to get out of the “doormat victim” syndromeIJ
We need to do that very soon. I don’t know when and how but I would love to be part of that change. I am also not fond of crying on screen. Which is why right after Khirad, I became Falak in Shehr-e-Zaat. Falak is an emancipated woman despite being ignorant and arrogant. I would like to play roles where women can stand up for themselves. Even Khirad ultimately became a very strong woman. She could brave so much and move on.
What is your assessment of Indian televisionIJ
I haven’t watched Indian TV much so I cannot comment. But Pakistan TV is not regressive because there are many women writers. We talk about everything in our drama — from physical abuse to class differences. Every time, there’s always hope for the better.
How are women looked at in PakistanIJ
If you ask me about problems in Pakistan, women-related issues would be my last concern. We are not dealing with that issue right now as there are bigger concerns. As in any other country, we do have crimes against women but there are laws and they are pretty much followed and implemented. The civil society does take a stand against atrocities on women in a strong way.
photo Sanjeev Kumar