December 10, 2024: Pakistani actor Mahira Khan has addressed the trolling she faces for frequently being linked to Shah Rukh Khan in her interviews. Speaking at the Aalami Urdu Conference 2024 in Karachi, Mahira expressed frustration over the misconception that she deliberately uses Shah Rukh’s name for publicity.
During the session hosted by Waseem Badami and Tabish Hashmi, Mahira was candid about her experiences. When asked if she finds it irritating to be repeatedly questioned about Shah Rukh, Mahira responded, “I never bring up Shah Rukh on my own. Mujhse koi puchta hai toh main uska jawab deti hoon (When someone asks me, I respond). But then people assume I’m deliberately talking about him. Mujhe yeh hota hai ke aap mujhse puchiye hi nahi unke baare mein phir (At that point, I just feel—don’t ask me about him then).”
Shah Rukh Khan: A Childhood Crush
Despite the criticism, Mahira spoke warmly of Shah Rukh, referring to him as her “bachpan ka pyaar” (childhood love). Reflecting on her Bollywood debut with him in the 2017 film Raees, she shared, “I will never have enough of Shah Rukh.”
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Directed by Rahul Dholakia, Raees starred Mahira alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The action film received positive reviews and performed well at the box office. However, Mahira was unable to promote the movie in India due to the ban on Pakistani artistes.
Tackling Trolls and Mental Health
Mahira’s association with Shah Rukh has often made her a target for online trolls, especially after her Bollywood stint. Addressing her mental health struggles, Mahira previously opened up on the FWhy Podcast about dealing with challenges after entering Bollywood and following a 2017 controversy where photos of her smoking with Ranbir Kapoor surfaced online.
Earlier this year, during a chat session on X (formerly Twitter), Mahira shared a key lesson she learned from Shah Rukh on the sets of Raees. When asked what she took away from working with the superstar, she replied, “Give happiness a chance, baby.”
Moving Forward
While Mahira has not appeared in any Indian projects since Raees, she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, proving her talent transcends borders. Her remarks at the Aalami Urdu Conference underline her ability to rise above unwarranted criticism and stay true to her craft.
