Mahira Khan

Mahira Hafeez Khan's roots lie in Karachi, Pakistan, where she was born in 1984 to an Urdu-speaking Muhajir family with Pashtun heritage. Her father, originally from Delhi, India, migrated to Pakistan after the partition. After completing her O-Levels, Khan pursued higher education in California, attending Santa Monica College and USC. However, she eventually returned to Pakistan in 2008 without finishing her degree. Notably, she held a cashier job at a Rite Aid store while in the US.

Khan's personal life includes two marriages. In 2006, she married Ali Askari in Los Angeles despite familial objections, welcoming a son in 2009 before their divorce in 2015. More recently, she tied the knot with businessman Salim Karim in an intimate ceremony in 2023.

Mahira Khan's Career Launch

Mahira Hafeez Khan is renowned for her significant contributions to both Urdu films and television. Her illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades, including six Lux Style Awards, six Hum Awards, and the prestigious Recognition for Contribution to Film and Activism from the UK Asian Film Festival.

In 2006, Mahira Khan embarked on her career journey as a VJ, taking the helm of the live show "Most Wanted" on MTV Pakistan, a program that graced the airwaves three days a week. Expanding her horizons, she ventured into hosting AAG TV’s reality show "Weekends with Mahira" in 2008. In this role, she curated music videos, engaged in insightful conversations with celebrity guests, and fielded phone calls from viewers.

The year 2011 marked a significant turning point as Mahira Khan made her cinematic debut with a supporting role in Shoaib Mansoor’s directorial venture, "Bol." In this critically acclaimed film, she portrayed Ayesha, a young woman from a conservative lower-middle-class family in the old part of Lahore. Ayesha's character shares a profound passion for music with her love interest, Mustafa, portrayed by Atif Aslam. "Bol" emerged as a noteworthy success both critically and commercially, securing its place as one of the highest-grossing Pakistani films of all time.

Simultaneously, in 2011, Mahira Khan gracefully stepped into the world of television dramas with her debut role in "Neeyat," directed by Mehreen Jabbar. Set against the backdrop of New York, she embodied the character of Ayla in this compelling serial, showcasing her versatility as an actress in both the cinematic and television realms.

Making her mark, Mahira Khan's notable appearance came in the Sarmad Khoosat-directed drama serial "Humsafar." Both the drama and Khan received praise from critics, with the series achieving success in India when aired on Zindagi. Recognizing her outstanding performance, she was honoured with a Lux Style Award for Satellite Best TV Actress and a Hum Award for Best Onscreen Couple. In 2013, she portrayed a significant role in the Sarmad Khoosat-directed "Shehr-e-Zaat," earning Best Actress Awards from both Pakistan Media Awards and Hum Awards. Following this, from 2013 to 2014, she ventured into hosting "TUC The Lighter Side of Life," a talk show.

The year 2014 saw Khan in the Mohammed Ehteshamuddin-directed drama serial "Sadqay Tumhare," where she played the character Shano. This role brought her a Lux Style Award for Best TV Actress, two Hum Awards, and a Hum Award nomination. In 2015, alongside Humayun Saeed in Shahzad Kashmiri’s film "Bin Roye," she earned accolades such as the Lux Style Award for Best Actress (Film), Hum Award for Best Actress, Hum Style Award for Most Stylish Actress (Film), and a Masala! Award for Best Actress. The film was later adapted into a TV series in 2016, earning her a Hum Award for Best Actor Female (Drama Serial) and a Hum Award nomination for Best Onscreen Couple. In the same year, she played a supporting role in Sarmad Khoosat-directed biographical film "Manto." In 2016, she took the lead in the Asim Raza-directed film "Ho Mann Jahaan," securing a Lux Style Award for Best Actress (Film) and a Nigar Award nomination for Best Actress.

Her impact extends to successful Pakistani films, including "Bin Roye" (2015), "Ho Mann Jahaan" (2015), "Superstar" (2019), and "The Legend of Maula Jutt" (2022). Notably, she showcased her versatility by stepping into the role of a producer with the sports web series "Baarwan Khiladi" (2022).

Mahira Khan stands as a prominent figure in Pakistani cinema, amassing a total of 21 accolades throughout her remarkable career. Her list of achievements includes multiple Best Actress awards at the Lux Style Awards, a noteworthy nomination at the Nigar Awards for her role in "Ho Mann Jahaan," and the esteemed title of Best Television Actress at the Hum Awards for her outstanding performances in acclaimed television series like "Humsafar" and "Sadqay Tumhare." Her legacy in the world of entertainment remains indelible, reflecting not only her talent but also her enduring impact on Pakistani cinema.

In 2017, Mahira Khan ventured into singing, making her debut as a rape victim in Shoaib Mansoor’s social drama film, "Verna." Despite mixed reviews for the film, Khan's performance earned her the Lux Style Award for Best Actress in 2018. The following year, she made a special appearance in Asim Raza’s "Parey Hut Love" and starred in the romantic musical drama "Superstar," her highest-grossing domestic film at the time.

Her foray into the Hindi film industry unfolded in early 2017 with a co-starring role in Rahul Dholakia’s Indian film "Raees." However, this debut was marked by challenges as tensions following the 2016 Uri attack led to a ban on Pakistani artists in India. Khan faced rumors of scenes being deleted or replaced, and despite threats from Shiv Sena, an Indian far-right political party, the film was released in January 2017. "Raees" proved to be a commercial success, grossing over US$39 million worldwide. This made Khan the first Pakistani actress to join Bollywood’s 100 Crore Club and the top-grossing actress in Bollywood during the first quarter of 2017.

In 2022, Khan took the lead in Nabeel Qureshi’s action-comedy film, "Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad." She also ventured into production, presenting the web series "Baarwan Khiladi," released in March 2022. Khan featured in Bilal Lashari’s Punjabi-language action drama film, "The Legend of Maula Jatt," alongside Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, and Humaima Malik, receiving critical acclaim despite some criticism for her performance.

Looking ahead, Khan is set to appear in Pakistan’s inaugural Netflix Original Series, "Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo," an adaptation of Farhat Ishtiaq’s bestselling 2013 Urdu-language novel, alongside Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Ahad Raza Mir, and other well-known actors in pivotal roles.

International Achievements

Mahira Khan achieved fame and recognition for her outstanding talent internationally. Venturing into Bollywood, Khan made a lasting impression with her debut in the action romance "Raees" in 2017, sharing the screen with the legendary Shah Rukh Khan. Also, Crowned the Most Beautiful Woman in Pakistan in 2012, she gained global acclaim, ranking in the 'Sexiest Asian Women' poll. Beyond acting, she co-hosted major award ceremonies and serves as an ambassador for several renowned brands. In 2019, she became a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan, demonstrating her commitment to humanitarian causes.