Mahira Khan Opens Up About Viral Photo with Ranbir Kapoor

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan recently reflected on the emotional toll of her viral smoking photo with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor. The image, which sparked widespread controversy, left Mahira fearing for her career and struggling with personal challenges.

The Viral Moment That Shook Mahira

In a candid conversation with BBC Asian Network, Mahira shared how the viral photo affected her life. Captured in New York, the image showed Mahira and Ranbir Kapoor smoking together. While the photo caused a media frenzy, Mahira was hit with intense backlash, particularly for her smoking, which sparked debates in conservative circles.

She admitted to fearing the worst at the time. “When the photos came out, I thought, ‘Is my career over?’ I couldn’t help but feel like everything I worked for was slipping away,” Mahira said. An article titled The Little White Dress, which addressed her situation, further intensified her anxiety. “I remember reading it and thinking, ‘What’s going to happen to me now?’”

Struggling with Emotional Turmoil

Mahira candidly described how the controversy pushed her into a difficult mental space. “I wouldn’t get out of bed, I was crying every day,” she revealed. The backlash impacted both her professional and personal life. “It was one of the hardest phases I had to endure. I was dealing with so much on a personal level at the same time,” she explained.

Read: Shraddha Kapoor Eyes Global Stardom with Hollywood Aspirations

The actress, however, credited her resilience to her inner strength. “I told myself, ‘This will end,’” Mahira said. It was her younger, determined self that gave her hope during the darkest moments.

Balancing Personal Choices and Professional Pressures

Amidst the storm, Mahira chose to stay silent. “Professionally, I couldn’t say anything at that point,” she shared. However, her personal priorities became clear. As a divorced single mother to her son, Azlan, Mahira focused on making the right choices for their future. “I did what was right for me and my child,” she added.

Despite the controversy, Mahira received support from her professional network. “All the brands called me and said, ‘We are with you,’” she recounted. Their encouragement helped her move forward and regain confidence.

Life After the Controversy

Mahira Khan, known for her roles in Humsafar and other acclaimed projects, has always managed to bounce back with grace. She remains positive, channeling her focus on personal growth and her career.

Last year, Mahira married Salim Karim, finding stability and happiness in her personal life. She previously parted ways with her first husband, Ali Askari, in 2015, and shares a close bond with their 13-year-old son, Azlan.

What’s Next for Mahira?

Mahira is set to return to screens with her upcoming Netflix series, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, alongside Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed. The much-anticipated project is expected to release next year, marking another milestone in her career.

A Story of Resilience

Mahira Khan’s journey through public scrutiny reflects her strength and determination. Despite facing backlash, she rose above criticism, focusing on her personal growth and professional ambitions. Her story is a testament to the importance of resilience and staying true to oneself in challenging times.