Maya Ali tears up in memory of her father

Actor reflects on pain of losing family

During her trip to Australia in support of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital's Fundraising Gala, Maya Ali took to the stage to share a poignant reminder about those grieving the loss of their loved ones. In a carousel shared by Instagram digital creator Afia Qazi on Thursday, Maya shed tears in memory of her late father, who passed away in 2016.

"I lost my father too, though not because of cancer," she began, before pausing to quell her tears. Referring to the individual who spoke before her, she added, "When this father was speaking about his struggles, all I could think of was that the pain for his child was so great that it even shattered a man."

The Yunhi actor observed that men are usually expected to put up a strong front, even when they are breaking. "A child's agony hurts both parents equally," she said. "I might not have the right words to laud your strength. I'm sorry. I feel like the longer we discuss your child's health, the more we hurt you."

While Maya may not know a father's pain, she does understand a daughter's pain all too well. Despite losing her father years ago, the memory is still fresh in her mind and affects her anytime she's reminded of it.

In November 2024, she remembered him on his death anniversary with a simple yet gut-wrenching Instagram Story. "Baba," she wrote in Urdu against a black backdrop, punctuating her text with a heartbreak emoji.

Back in 2022, she penned a note on his death anniversary. "November 1," she began. "No matter what happens, this date has changed for me forever, and maybe has changed me along with it. Nothing can bring you back to me. Baba, I miss you every day, every moment, and every second." She ended her note with a polite request to her followers, "Please recite Surah Fateha and remember him in your prayers."