She just wants to act
"I thanked God that the film was a success, "gushes Mahira in an interview with Independent Urdu. "This was something we all needed."
Back with co-star Humayun ten years after their hit film Bin Roye, Mahira's latest feel-good film tells you all you need to know after a mere flicker through its trailer. With Humayun's eponymous love guru (i.e. the aforementioned hired muscle) making the use of airborne hot air balloons and violins under a suspiciously dry London sky to woo his fake lady love, there are no plot twists to be had, and no expectations unmet when you have memorised the rom-com manual. And if the box office figures speak the truth, then Love Guru has achieved its ambition of wooing all lovers of rom-coms.
However, box office hit or not, success is not something Mahira wishes to dwell on for too long. Itching to set her sights further and move onto the next project, she adds, "But then you start to think, 'What's my next project?' And you move forward. I think all actors do this. At the moment, I am reading over two [projects], and I'm trying to decide which one I'll do next!"
Understanding Sophia
When it comes to her role as Love Guru's leading lady Sophia, Mahira is confident she had her character under her skin from the start – and wherever she did not, she says she could always count on director Nadeem Baig to straighten things out.
"Whenever I didn't understand something Sophia was saying or doing, I would ask Nadeem, and he would guide me a lot," she recalls. "But by and large, I knew what Sophia was all about and I had her all figured out."
As a woman in her forties, Mahira has faced backlash inhabiting a conventionally younger character on screen, but any negative comments about how many years she has been around the sun fall off her like water off a duck's back.
"I have never hidden my age – nor did I hide my marriage or my divorce or my child. I have to be true to myself," she mandates. "I don't care about anyone else. And when it comes to people's opinions – I welcome them. They don't bother me."
Illustrating that she does, in fact, put some thought into the roles she takes on, the actor adds, "Whenever I get a project, I will think over it ten times, and there have been times when I've said, 'Listen, this is not age appropriate, I don't want to do it!' I'm particular about that as well. I want myself and the next generation to be comfortable."
Working with Humayun
Age backlash aside, the success of Love Guru has been largely down to its promotion before release, with the trailer for the film having been splashed out in Time Square, Manhattan.
"That was really cool," admits Mahira, before going on to add that what was harder was making sure Humayun did not flee before the promotional work for the day had been done and dusted with. "I was then thinking, 'Oh my God, I hope Humayun doesn't run off, because I have to record a reel with him!"
Mahira's comments appear completely on brand for Humayun himself, who had conceded in an earlier interview on a local talk show – without a moment's hesitation – that he found the promotional work far more laborious than shooting the actual film itself. "Promotion is harder than filming. It looks as though I'm enjoying it, but it's a lot of hard work!" Humayun had said at the time.
Upcoming roles
Despite Humayun's limited enthusiasm for promoting his films, Mahira has no qualms about sharing screen space with him again – and she hopes that this time, there will not be another ten-year gap.
"We were about to do another film that is very close to my heart, actually, and a very intense love story" reveals Mahira. She adds, however, that what she really yearns to do is take on a role loaded with action.
"I don't know when an offer will come," she laments. "I'm in talks with someone about action – let's see! I was in Maula Jatt, but I had no action in that film – and I wish I did."
As for what lies ahead, viewers can look forward to seeing the star opposite that other bankable male, Fawad Khan, for the third time in Neelofar – a film whose praises Mahira cannot sing highly enough (albeit albeit sprinkled with a dose of caution lest she ramps up expectations beyond reach). "People should see it because we've made it with a lot of love," she noted. "Whether or not it succeeds or they find it any good – that is another thing altogether!"
Meanwhile, those with an eye on upcoming Netflix shows will be aware that Mahira is also slated for a part in Pakistan's first series for the platform, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo. Keeping a pulse on expectations, the yet-to-be-aired show features an ensemble cast including Hania Aamir, Iqra Aziz and Ahad Raza Mir. The release date has been pushed back to October, and Mahira hints at a departure from the characters she usually takes on.
"I've never been in that zone before. I think you all will be amazed," she promises.
Unmoved by Indian bans
Love Guru is not the only thing making waves in entertainment circles; Indian social media bans on Pakistani artists have made waves in the showbiz industry. It is, however, something Mahira says she has "zero reaction" over.
"I still have a lot of love for my fans. Fans are fans, people are people. That has very little to do with politics, although of course, the two do become intertwined," she notes.
Reflecting on trigger-happy governments targeting artists in the first instance, she continues, "It's strange, isn't it? That if there is a war or political problem, the first thing that is attacked is on artists. Why is that so? Because artists are the people that connect people – so that is the first thing that gets banned, so there is no chance of any love between anyone. We are, as they say, the soft power. We are very important."
Mahira, however, remains philosophical about any imminent bans, noting she has far more avenues in which to practice her craft than just films. "If tomorrow my films are banned, then I will go into dramas or theatre."
As a final reminder, this A-lister has just one thing to say: "I am an actor. I just want to act."
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Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Humayun on another high
With the release of Love Guru last month and Main Manto Nahi Hoon airing this Friday, Humayun Saeed reflected on what keeps him motivated to entertain the Pakistani audience. The actor appeared in an episode of Geo Podcast with Mubashir on Friday, where he talked about his love for cinema and how he acted in his first drama while working at a factory. "I was a general manager and made sure shipments were released on time. My brother was paralysed at the time so I needed the money. That factory really taught me how to work hard," said Saeed. "At the same factory I once acted in a play at a celebration party and my boss, who was a part time model, suggested that I act in TV dramas. He referred me to a couple of places and I did my first drama, Karoron Ka Aadmi in 1995." "My father was a religious man. He would not have approved of acting so I hid my first TV drama from him." he laughingly recalled. "Eventually people started telling him, 'Your son looked good on TV', and my secret was out!" Saeed moved on from it after his first project. "I forgot about acting after my first job, I thought that was it. But after a few days, I started getting more offers." said Saeed. "I left my job at the factory then and shifted to acting." Launching local films Saeed was one of the first actor-producers to give Pakistani feature films a try. His films Main Hoon Shahid Afridi and Jawani Phir Nahi Aani were released in 2013 and 2015, respectively. "They were a risk at that time," he shared. "I invested PKR700,000 in the first film and did not make as much in return. People were quizzical about this decision but I kept creating more." "And I was right," he added. " I put in PKR600,000 into making Jawani Phir Nahi Aani and it made around PKR5 million at the box office. The film was not dead. People were interested in watching if given the right content." The actor was nervous about making another feature hit after the first one."Jawani Phir Nahi Aani had four male leads so it had more chances of being a success," Saeed remarked. "I had to do a solo male lead film after that and people challenged me. 'Let's see if you can make this work,' they said - and I did make it work. Punjab Nahi Jaungi then released worldwide in 2017 and it made even more than the first two." The producer shared his two cents about recent India-Pakistan tensions as well. "It was really upsetting that Sardaar Ji 3 did not release in India just because it had a Pakistani actor. Hania Amir was casted when relations between the two countries were good. Imagine the financial loss it must have been for the producers, it's extremely sad," he said. Insights on Pakistani TV Regarding his three-decade experience in TV, he said, "Pakistan makes some of the cheapest dramas cost wise around the world. Yet they are still watched so much." Saeed played Lady Diana's love interest, Dr. Hasnat, in UK based Netflix series The Crown, in 2022. "While I was working for the team, I saw that the show was directed by five different directors. Each director came with their own team that had people to research and make the creative decisions. That takes money," noted the actor. "Pakistan does not currently invest on that big of a scale on TV dramas. Imagine how far our TV shows will go if we put in that much money too. And we aren't short of talent," added Saeed. Talking further about his role as Dr. Hasnat, the star recalled, "I had COVID-19 when I was asked to audition for The Crown. They gave me the script and told me to record myself playing the scene. I was asked not to tell anyone else about it." "They really loved my work," he continued. "I gave a second audition but then didn't hear back for a while. I thought the role was given to someone else. Twenty days later, I received a call. I had bagged it!" Saeed smiled and shared, "While I prefer to work in my own country, I was really proud to play a Pakistani character. Moreover, working in Hollywood was an experience of its own. I was really nervous because my part had a kissing scene too. But the team was really confident in my skills and it ended up going well." Saeed is all set to appear in Main Manto Nahi Hoon alongside Sanam Saeed and Sajal Ali. His film opposite Mahira Khan, Love Guru was released on June 6 and is playing successfully in cinemas worldwide. For future, Saeed eagerly revealed, "I have a couple of dramas lined up that will be completed soon. I am also aiming to release at least two movies this year, one romantic and one action. I want to play the lead in both."
Express Tribune
19-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Pakistan makes cheap dramas and yet they are widely watched: Humayun Saeed
With the release of Love Guru last month and Main Manto Nahi Hoon airing this Friday, Humayun Saeed reflected on what keeps him motivated to entertain the Pakistani audience. The actor appeared in an episode of Geo Podcast with Mubashir on Friday, where he talked about his love for cinema and how he acted in his first drama while working at a factory. 'I was a general manager and made sure shipments were released on time. My brother was paralysed at the time so I needed the money. That factory really taught me how to work hard,' said Saeed. 'At the same factory I once acted in a play at a celebration party and my boss, who was a part time model, suggested that I act in TV dramas. He referred me to a couple of places and I did my first drama, Karoron Ka Aadmi in 1995.' 'My father was a religious man. He would not have approved of acting so I hid my first TV drama from him.' he laughingly recalled. 'Eventually people started telling him, 'Your son looked good on TV', and my secret was out!' Saeed moved on from it after his first project. 'I forgot about acting after my first job, I thought that was it. But after a few days, I started getting more offers.' said Saeed. 'I left my job at the factory then and shifted to acting.' Launching local films Saeed was one of the first actor-producers to give Pakistani feature films a try. His films Main Hoon Shahid Afridi and Jawani Phir Nahi Aani were released in 2013 and 2015, respectively. 'They were a risk at that time,' he shared. 'I invested Rs700,000 in the first film and did not make as much in return. People were quizzical about this decision but I kept creating more.' 'And I was right,' he added. ' I put in Rs600,000 into making Jawani Phir Nahi Aani and it made around Rs5 million at the box office. The film was not dead. People were interested in watching if given the right content.' The actor was nervous about making another feature hit after the first one.'Jawani Phir Nahi Aani had four male leads so it had more chances of being a success,' Saeed remarked. 'I had to do a solo male lead film after that and people challenged me. 'Let's see if you can make this work,' they said - and I did make it work. Punjab Nahi Jaungi then released worldwide in 2017 and it made even more than the first two.' The producer shared his two cents about recent India-Pakistan tensions as well. 'It was really upsetting that Sardaar Ji 3 did not release in India just because it had a Pakistani actor. Hania Amir was casted when relations between the two countries were good. Imagine the financial loss it must have been for the producers, it's extremely sad,' he said. Insights on Pakistani TV industry Regarding his three-decade experience in TV, he said, 'Pakistan makes some of the cheapest dramas cost wise around the world. Yet they are still watched so much.' Saeed played Lady Diana's love interest, Dr. Hasnat, in UK based Netflix series The Crown, in 2022. 'While I was working for the team, I saw that the show was directed by five different directors. Each director came with their own team that had people to research and make the creative decisions. That takes money,' noted the actor. 'Pakistan does not currently invest on that big of a scale on TV dramas. Imagine how far our TV shows will go if we put in that much money too. And we aren't short of talent,' added Saeed. Talking further about his role as Dr. Hasnat, the star recalled, 'I had COVID-19 when I was asked to audition for The Crown. They gave me the script and told me to record myself playing the scene. I was asked not to tell anyone else about it.' 'They really loved my work,' he continued. 'I gave a second audition but then didn't hear back for a while. I thought the role was given to someone else. Twenty days later, I received a call. I had bagged it!' Saeed smiled and shared, 'While I prefer to work in my own country, I was really proud to play a Pakistani character. Moreover, working in Hollywood was an experience of its own. I was really nervous because my part had a kissing scene too. But the team was really confident in my skills and it ended up going well.' Saeed is all set to appear in Main Manto Nahi Hoon alongside Sanam Saeed and Sajal Ali. His film opposite Mahira Khan, Love Guru was released on June 6 and is playing successfully in cinemas worldwide. For future, Saeed eagerly revealed, 'I have a couple of dramas lined up that will be completed soon. I am also aiming to release at least two movies this year, one romantic and one action. I want to play the lead in both.'
Express Tribune
30-06-2025
- Express Tribune
She just wants to act
It is as formulaic as any rom-com could be: girl meets boy, girl's parents hate boy, girl's father hires a man to break them up, girl falls in love with hired muscle. Slap on an easy-to-remember title (Love Guru), throw in two bankable stars proven to sell box office tickets – such as, say Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed – and you have on your hands a blockbuster before it even hits the theatres. "I thanked God that the film was a success, "gushes Mahira in an interview with Independent Urdu. "This was something we all needed." Back with co-star Humayun ten years after their hit film Bin Roye, Mahira's latest feel-good film tells you all you need to know after a mere flicker through its trailer. With Humayun's eponymous love guru (i.e. the aforementioned hired muscle) making the use of airborne hot air balloons and violins under a suspiciously dry London sky to woo his fake lady love, there are no plot twists to be had, and no expectations unmet when you have memorised the rom-com manual. And if the box office figures speak the truth, then Love Guru has achieved its ambition of wooing all lovers of rom-coms. However, box office hit or not, success is not something Mahira wishes to dwell on for too long. Itching to set her sights further and move onto the next project, she adds, "But then you start to think, 'What's my next project?' And you move forward. I think all actors do this. At the moment, I am reading over two [projects], and I'm trying to decide which one I'll do next!" Understanding Sophia When it comes to her role as Love Guru's leading lady Sophia, Mahira is confident she had her character under her skin from the start – and wherever she did not, she says she could always count on director Nadeem Baig to straighten things out. "Whenever I didn't understand something Sophia was saying or doing, I would ask Nadeem, and he would guide me a lot," she recalls. "But by and large, I knew what Sophia was all about and I had her all figured out." As a woman in her forties, Mahira has faced backlash inhabiting a conventionally younger character on screen, but any negative comments about how many years she has been around the sun fall off her like water off a duck's back. "I have never hidden my age – nor did I hide my marriage or my divorce or my child. I have to be true to myself," she mandates. "I don't care about anyone else. And when it comes to people's opinions – I welcome them. They don't bother me." Illustrating that she does, in fact, put some thought into the roles she takes on, the actor adds, "Whenever I get a project, I will think over it ten times, and there have been times when I've said, 'Listen, this is not age appropriate, I don't want to do it!' I'm particular about that as well. I want myself and the next generation to be comfortable." Working with Humayun Age backlash aside, the success of Love Guru has been largely down to its promotion before release, with the trailer for the film having been splashed out in Time Square, Manhattan. "That was really cool," admits Mahira, before going on to add that what was harder was making sure Humayun did not flee before the promotional work for the day had been done and dusted with. "I was then thinking, 'Oh my God, I hope Humayun doesn't run off, because I have to record a reel with him!" Mahira's comments appear completely on brand for Humayun himself, who had conceded in an earlier interview on a local talk show – without a moment's hesitation – that he found the promotional work far more laborious than shooting the actual film itself. "Promotion is harder than filming. It looks as though I'm enjoying it, but it's a lot of hard work!" Humayun had said at the time. Upcoming roles Despite Humayun's limited enthusiasm for promoting his films, Mahira has no qualms about sharing screen space with him again – and she hopes that this time, there will not be another ten-year gap. "We were about to do another film that is very close to my heart, actually, and a very intense love story" reveals Mahira. She adds, however, that what she really yearns to do is take on a role loaded with action. "I don't know when an offer will come," she laments. "I'm in talks with someone about action – let's see! I was in Maula Jatt, but I had no action in that film – and I wish I did." As for what lies ahead, viewers can look forward to seeing the star opposite that other bankable male, Fawad Khan, for the third time in Neelofar – a film whose praises Mahira cannot sing highly enough (albeit albeit sprinkled with a dose of caution lest she ramps up expectations beyond reach). "People should see it because we've made it with a lot of love," she noted. "Whether or not it succeeds or they find it any good – that is another thing altogether!" Meanwhile, those with an eye on upcoming Netflix shows will be aware that Mahira is also slated for a part in Pakistan's first series for the platform, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo. Keeping a pulse on expectations, the yet-to-be-aired show features an ensemble cast including Hania Aamir, Iqra Aziz and Ahad Raza Mir. The release date has been pushed back to October, and Mahira hints at a departure from the characters she usually takes on. "I've never been in that zone before. I think you all will be amazed," she promises. Unmoved by Indian bans Love Guru is not the only thing making waves in entertainment circles; Indian social media bans on Pakistani artists have made waves in the showbiz industry. It is, however, something Mahira says she has "zero reaction" over. "I still have a lot of love for my fans. Fans are fans, people are people. That has very little to do with politics, although of course, the two do become intertwined," she notes. Reflecting on trigger-happy governments targeting artists in the first instance, she continues, "It's strange, isn't it? That if there is a war or political problem, the first thing that is attacked is on artists. Why is that so? Because artists are the people that connect people – so that is the first thing that gets banned, so there is no chance of any love between anyone. We are, as they say, the soft power. We are very important." Mahira, however, remains philosophical about any imminent bans, noting she has far more avenues in which to practice her craft than just films. "If tomorrow my films are banned, then I will go into dramas or theatre." As a final reminder, this A-lister has just one thing to say: "I am an actor. I just want to act."
