Performances that shaped Mahira

Mahira Khan marked 14 years in the industry with an Instagram post on Wednesday that read: "Today marks 14 years of my debut. Today, in this very moment, I am sitting under the same skies where I prayed, dreamed, worked hard, manifested... Today I bow my head in gratitude."

Today, Mahira Khan is a household name across South Asia, but her legacy has been built gradually through a body of work that has helped shape the landscape of Pakistani cinema and television. Known for portraying women who are vulnerable, flawed, resilient, spiritual, and brave, Mahira has consistently taken on roles that challenge and expand the representation of femininity on screen.

Her breakout role, Ayesha, came in Bol (2011), marking the beginning of her ascent as one of the region's most influential actors. As the quiet, supportive sister to Humaima Malick's Zainab, her lightheartedness and inner strength reflected the lives of many women caught in abusive family dynamics in Pakistan. The film changed the course of Pakistani cinema and launched Mahira into stardom.

Throughout her ongoing career, Mahira has been part of many iconic projects, portraying her acting chops through incredible characters alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.

'Humsafar' (2011)

Humsafar is arguably Mahira's most beloved role and made her shy heroine, Khirad, a national sweetheart overnight. Starring opposite Fawad Khan's suave Ashar, Mahira's character starts out as a simple, educated girl forced into a marriage of convenience. As the two develop feelings for each other, a sinister scheme by her mother-in-law, played by Atiqa Odho, tears the couple apart. When betrayed and cast out, she raises her child alone, returning not for revenge, but to be heard and to fight for the rights of her daughter. Khirad's strength and dignity highlight the power of mothers.

'Shehre Zaat' (2012)

Adapted from Umera Ahmad's novel of the same name, Shehre Zaat finds Mahira playing Falak, a self-centred sculptor from a wealthy family, obsessed with outer beauty and romantic ideals. After her marriage to Mikaal Zulfiqar's character fails due to his infidelity, she turns inward, questioning ego, faith, and identity - and giving one of the best performances of her career. She ultimately turns to God, going through a spiritual journey with the help of her grandmother, played by Samina Peerzada. The TV series has been praised for showing strong female characters, a break from the mopey, weak portrayals of women commonly written.

'Bin Roye' (2015)

Her first role next to superstar Humayun Saeed was for Bin Roye, a film adapted from a novel by Farhat Ishtiaq. Mahira plays Saba, a naive and emotional girl who is deeply in love with her cousin, played by Humayun. However, he falls in love with her sister and marries her, and Saba's grief turns to bitterness. After her sister passes away in an accident, Saba goes into guilt-ridden shock, but she is married off to Humayun's character to accompany him to America and also to take care of his son. Her journey moves from possessive love to self-realisation. Saba is one of Mahira's most emotionally volatile roles, showing jealousy, vulnerability, and redemption. The success of this film resulted in it being adapted into a television series with the same name, with the same cast.

'Verna' (2017)

Verna is a powerful story of Sara, played by Mahira, who is kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a powerful politician's son. She refuses to stay silent, fights the system, and takes matters into her own hands. This gut-wrenching story becomes an inspirational tale of a woman who goes against all odds to fight back against the injustices done to her. Near its release, Central Board of Film Censors stated, "The general plot of the movie revolves around rape, which we consider to be unacceptable," as they moved to ban it in Pakistan. However, after an outcry from women's rights activists, the film was released and well-received for its portrayal of jarring and real issues women in Pakistan go through, especially if they have been victims of sexual violence.

Right now, Mahira is making waves in the media for her new film with Humayun, released on Eidul Adha. Love Guru is a modern-day love story, where Humayun plays a "love guru" who helps people find love and get married, until he is tasked with breaking up the forthcoming wedding of the character, played by Mahira. As reactions and reviews are pouring in, the film has received mixed reviews on story and acting; however, the chemistry between the leads has been highly praised.

Not only has Mahira shone as an actor, but she has also emerged as a vocal advocate for human rights. Her career reflects a deep commitment to telling stories that matter, both on screen and beyond it.