Stunner through the years

KARACHI:

We all know her for the mark she's made across the big and small screens. Many can testify to the grace she embodies both on and off screen. What's in a name? But when the name is "Mahira Khan", the impact is hard to deny. Especially as it continues to cement its unfaltering legacy in the industry. As we wish her the happiest birthday yet, let's look back on Mahira's evolving elegance that we have all grown to love over the years.

Blink back to black

Undeniably, this conversation would be a non-starter without mentioning the iconic Humsafar outfit first and foremost. Mahira sported simple poise with this one — a form-clung, black chiffon dress that poured down Khirad's figure and altered the brain chemistry of every girl watching. I should know; I was one of them.

Although sophistication was at a minimum with this one, the all-black ensemble — paired with a dupatta wrapped steadfastly around the neck and the occasional jhumki — redefined feminine presentation for the season at least. The dress was proof that a motley of colours isn't required to dream up a fairytale. You can easily be swaying in the rain, swept up by your desi princess fantasies, with nothing but a black outfit — an untraditional take on soft magic — and minimal effort.

Material girl deconstructed

Of course, colour isn't a foe to evade when it comes to fashion. Where black is an easy champion in a world of ever-changing fads, its counterparts require a little more creative challenge to look good. Good thing, Mahira has a vogue-driven range for days.

Shehre Zaat offered its audience a vast variety of what all the star is capable of pulling off. Be it a casual kurti and hoop earrings befitting the wandering nature of a history enthusiast to high-waisted floral trousers tucking a white button-down shirt in the spirit of an enthusiastic college girl, Mahira's scale in this show knew no limits.

This was a truth acknowledged in the drama serial itself. "Ho hee nahi sakta ke Falak kisi dress mein buri lagay!" ("It's not possible for Falak to look bad in any dress!")

But casual wasn't all that Falak had room for on her plate. Marriage brought with it the glimmer of more accessories, bangles and earrings that served as well-matched add-ons on emerald fabrics—a reminder of what the protagonist held dear in the beginning of her journey.

Materials were Falak's go-to in an attempt to fill the looming emptiness in her life, and that made her wavering relationship with them all the more intriguing to watch. The further her earrings drooped or the glossier her lipstick got, the quicker she began to crack, helplessly grasping onto what she believed was happiness. Until the simplicity of white became her end goal, her enlightenment, her shot at peace. Fashion choices steered by symbolic intent? Chef's kiss.

Nerdy and never lacking

Remember when Mahira put on specs for Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay and we were meant to believe that was anything less than a serve? While Aswad might not have seen the vision, the round frames over the rose-decked sari was a statement to remember.

Mehreen strode in front of the guests in translucent, muted drapery—its scoopy neckline flecked with gold lace — and made a lasting impression on everyone watching within and behind the screen. While she channelled modesty, the pink lip tint and neat hair twists exuded confidence that she had every right to put on. Even if the glasses were a last-second choice, they belonged to the outfit as appreciably as its other elements did.

All for the glam

It should be stated that Mahira's elegance isn't limited to semi-fancy draperies and casual wear. In frequent, filmic instances, she has left a breathtaking, almost enviable impact on her viewers. With wedding season panning out as leisurely as possible, there's no better time to discuss the extra flair that the birthday star brings to it.

Bold colour combinations stood central to her attire's appeal in Bin Roye. From a short-sleeved, stem-and-rose-coloured kameez shalwar to a lehenga choli comprising separate articles of pale green, dull gold, and purple, there was much to wrap one's mind around. Yet it all came together like a dramatic spectacle—clamorous yet ornamentally satisfying.

One thing the telefilm proved was that Saba had looks for days. Even as we watched her succumb to a breakdown, it was difficult to take our eyes off the glittering, angrakha-lined bridalwear. The heavy embroidery clung to the soft rosy hues of the flowing dress in a way that was hard to forget.

In the same vein, Mahira's presentation in Ho Mann Jahaan was also not to be taken lightly. Surely, no one has forgotten that one-of-a-kind purple veil, straying from the usual red and gold of bridal attire. The contrasting yellow lehenga allowed for a potent blend of colours along with Sheheryar Munawar's orange and Adeel Husain's green sherwanis — a pleasing ensemble for the energetic Shakar Wandaan Re.

And of course, the fawn wedding dress with the halter neckline was the film's fashion staple. A curving choker, a crescent matha-patti, a dangling jhoomer pinning her hair to the side, and white flowers at the base of the crown might seem like too much for the eyes to take in, but offered a bejeweled touch befitting a filmstar like herself.

In a poetic turn of fate, Mahira also donned a similarly light-toned dress for her own wedding. Although the latter dress was brought together with different elements entirely, it is proof of how even the birthday star understands what she shines in. And with all the stylish looks she shares with her fans, it's safe to say she'll always know how to elevate her radiance.