We’re all doing our part to try and make Pakistan a better place: Mahira Khan

The 'Bol' star opens up about her experience at Cannes film festival and what her debut visit means for Pakistan

Mahira Khan made her maiden tour to Cannes Film Festival this year as a spokesperson for L'Oreal hair care. The starlet stood shoulder to shoulder with international celebs such as Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Jane Fonda on the red carpet, making Pakistan proud.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MAHIRA KHAN

Mahira also attended various discussions and gave several interviews during her visit to the French island. In an interview with Masala! UAE, the Bol starlet opened up about the entire experience and what it means for Pakistan.

“Whenever we travel abroad, we give an exposure to other countries about our country and culture," Mahira told the publication. "Whether it is India or Beirut or Dubai for the Masala! Awards, what we’re doing is saying, ‘Look this is who we are.’ Whenever we go to another country, people there sit with us and talk to us about our films and the industry. Everything we say, therefore, helps the world see us in a more clear way.”

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MAHIRA KHAN

So, what did she take away from her first ever trip to Cannes? “The takeaway was that I made a drop in the ocean. All the people there that I met knew I was Pakistani and now, if they ever go and talk to someone about us, they’ll say, ‘Hey, yeah. I’ve had a good experience working with people from Pakistan!’ And when someone sees my profile, they’ll also be lead and redirected to other profiles from Pakistan,” said the 33-year-old starlet.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MAHIRA KHAN

Mahira continued, “We, as a country, as brand Pakistan, are a melting pot of many opinions, representations, communities and people who are trying to make our country better each day. Whether it’s artists, actors, directors – whoever it may be, whatever it may be – we’re all doing our part to try and make Pakistan a better place. And that’s who we truly are. We mustn’t ‘create’ images, I feel. And we can’t sell lies. We must be true to who we are.”

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MAHIRA KHAN

The Raees actor admitted she wanted to photograph everything she did while there. “When I was in Cannes, I spoke to so many people and there was so much that I did,” Mahira added, “And I kept asking people if they took a picture of this meet? Insha Allah, if I go next year I will post pictures of what I’m doing rather than what I’m wearing!”

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.