Actress Mahira Khan wants to share screen space with Shahrukh Khan. She talks about becoming a household name with the show Humsafar that brought a positive change in the Pakistani television industry
Her onscreen debut in Pakistan’s TV series Humsafar (which is currently being aired on Zindagi), alongside Fawad Khan turned her into a household name and she has never looked back. The Pakistani actress made her first silver screen appearance in Shoaib Mansoor’s critically acclaimed Bol. Excerpts from an interview with her:
Humsafar was a huge hit and a career highlight for you. How was the experienceIJ
Humsafar was my first show and it was an overnight success. It was life altering because my character, Khirad, is very close to my heart. The entire cast and crew are responsible for the success of the show. Humsafar changed the face of Pakistani television and it does live with me somewhere. I am really excited that the Indian audience will now watch it on Zindagi. I am not sure how the reaction will be. Humsafar is older than most of the shows that have aired on the channel. The show brought a positive change in the Pakistani television industry.
Fawad Khan is already a big name here. So how was the experience working with himIJ
I am always happy for him. Every time I hear something nice about him, I smile. Fawad is exactly what you know about him. As a friend, he is a great guy and as a co-star, I really look up to him. I love the way he conducts himself. His debut in Bollywood is the best thing that could have happened to him. Even though I was a newcomer and Fawad had been in the industry for quite a few years, he really helped me. We had an amazing time while shooting for Humsafar and that has translated into a great onscreen chemistry for us. I was unaware of the camera angles and used to forget lines but he was very supportive throughout.
How difficult was it for you to play KhiradIJ
It wasn’t all that difficult for me because a part of me is just like Khirad (her role in Humsafar). She is a little shy and hesitant and so am I. But there were times when I couldn’t identify with her and times when I wanted her to be a little composed in life. I have now accepted that one needs to be honest to the character. The lines you say, you need to mean them.
What have you done after HumsafarIJ
I did Shehr-e-Zaat after Humsafar, which earned me a lot of appreciation for my acting. While Humsafar made me popular, Shehr-e-Zaat made me famous as an actor. I have also been working on this film which is slated to release in January next year. I have now begun shooting for another film in Pakistan.
When will we get to see you and Fawad again together on the screenIJ
We were planning to work together after Humsafar but unfortunately nothing materialised. Also, as actors, we are both very picky and choosy about the kind of work we do. We were offered a show together, Fawad did it and I did not. So may be something great is in store for us. In fact, I would like us to play characters that are very different from Ashar and Khirad, probably something like Rani Mukherjee and Abhishek Bachchan’s characters in Bunty aur Babli.
Will we get to see you in Indian showsIJ
If something exciting comes my way, I would definitely do it without giving it a second thought.
How do you manage the work life balanceIJ
I don’t do more than one project a year and that is exactly how I manage work and home. I was 24 when I had my son Azlan and he is five now. I am very particular about him and I want to be a hands on mother who is always there for him. Having said that, I am also obsessed about work and when I take up a project in hand, I give it my hundred per cent. There is a very fine line of balance but then again I have given up many shows in the past years to maintain the same. I do less work but I make sure I believe in it completely.
Do you watch Bollywood moviesIJ
I am a huge fan! I have grown up watching Hindi movies. We used to go to our neighbors house to watch movies all the time. I am 50s-60s Bollywood movies lover. I love the work of Guru Dutt. I love the songs of Mohammad Rafi.
Would you be open to do Bollywood moviesIJ
Sure. But for me it’s about what I have that I can give the Indian film industry and what already is missing. I would really work with Vishal Bhardwaj and Imtiaz Ali, they are both brilliant. I am also a great fan of Sanjay leela Bhansali, Karan Johar and Anurag Kashyap.
Who is you favourite Indian actorIJ
I would be cheating on Shahrukh Khan if I take another name here. I would love to work with him some day. I have been a fan of him since I was 13 and my love for him stays strong even today. Ranveer Singh is also a fabulous actor.
Have you been offered any Indian filmsIJ
Yes. But I would not like to disclose any details because nothing ever materialised.
Have you been to India beforeIJ
I came to Mumbai a few years ago to attend a friend’s wedding. I had a blast. I love Mumbai. I have also been to Delhi once for a fashion show where I had walked the ramp.
Does beauty become a hindrance in recognition of acting talentIJ
I have faced that all the time, especially after Humsafar. Today, I have learned to accept it. If something is offered to me today, I don’t mind that my face is being emphasised upon, but then again I don’t need to compromise on my acting.