Latest news with #PunjabNahiJaungi
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mahira grows into her stardom
When Mahira Khan sits down for an interview, she makes it adequately evident that she is indeed a star, a performer who never fails to deliver. Her recent appearance on Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt felt less like a Q&A and more like a rollercoaster ride through memories, mistakes, men and defending Fawad Khan's dance moves to calling Nadeem Baig an "addiction," Mahira's hour and a half-long tell-all speaks to her endless charm and candour. "I felt like a child again," Mahira recalled being on the set of Love Guru, her eyes gleaming. "I had the time of my life." After years of near misses and misfires — she famously said no to Punjab Nahi Jaungi and turned down a few other Nadeem Baig projects — Love Guru is her long-awaited collaboration with Pakistan's blockbuster director. "Nadeem Baig is an addiction," she confessed. "I wish I'd worked with him earlier." Turns out, it was worth the wait. "I was doing a dance with Nadeem at one point. I couldn't even understand what he was saying, but we just vibed," she said about her chemistry with the director. And while Mahira has always been known as an actor's actor, she was clear: it's directors who fascinate her. "I'm very amused by directors. Every director has their own unique personality," she mused. "Actors don't really do it for me. But directors, I fall in love with them." The brotherhood of blockbusters Mahira had nothing but praise for her co-star Humayun Saeed. "There's no one like him. He's generous, secure, and just has a big heart," she said. "He'll give the best line to his co-actor and say, 'It's your scene, speak now.'" But it wasn't just Humayun who got love. Her long-time collaborator Fawad as well as Fahad Mustafa and Bilal Ashraf, Mahira's favourite trio, were all in the mix. "I call Bilal 'Billu Bhai.' Every time I needed him, I'd call him and he'd show up." she smiled. "Fahad, on the other hand, is a fantastic dancer. I love dancing with him." On the other hand, Fawad, she candidly dubbed a "terrible dancer." While the duo's chemistry has delighted fans for years, Mahira revealed an equally intimate off-screen dynamic. "What I cherish about Fawad is those moments when he's true to himself. That's rare. I've always protected that side of him." Marriage and motherhood Mahira also opened up about her marriage and the fears that preceded it. "I was scared," she admitted. "Not of love, but of how it would affect Azlan. I chose to leave a marriage once. I didn't want my son to go through that again." It was Azlan who gave her the green light. "He said, 'Mama, what's wrong with you?' That's when I knew it was time." Now, Mahira is happily married to businessman Saleem Karim and glowing with gratitude. "Azlan loves him for his own reasons, not just because I do." Regardless of good and bad times, the star's faith in the universe remains unshaken. "I tell Azlan all the time: imagine, pray, and work hard for it. I'm a living example of manifestation," Mahira said, grinning. "I even wrote letters to the love of my life and became his Zaalima! But remember, every dream has a price." Calling out nonsense Mahira acknowledged that she should have addressed her differences with Khalil privately, saying, "He said that I should have called him. He's right." Following the widely publicised dispute between the two, the actor's mother also suggested the matter could have been handled more discreetly, citing Khalil's seniority. Still, Mahira maintained that the writer's remarks were unacceptable. "What he said was wrong," she said. "And in our industry, we only call people out when we have nothing to lose. That's not okay I can separate the artist from the man. And I have done that." Mahira and Khalil had a falling out after the writer verbally attacked human rights activist Marvi Sirmed on live television over her feminist views in 2020. Khalil took a hardline stance on the matter and repeatedly said he would neither forgive nor forget Mahira Khan's "cheap" tweet criticizing him. He often voiced his disappointment, arguing that instead of posting publicly, Mahira should have reached out to him privately to share her concerns. As for years of industry trolling, the star recalled regaining her confidence with age. "I used to feel guilty. Like I didn't deserve success. But now, I don't let it get to me. I actually believe that if people just meet me once, they'll be mesmerised," she deadpanned. Roots in Rampur Offering rare glimpses into her upbringing, the star spoke about her father, a double-MBA hippie who once lived on a Colombian island, carved wood, and played the flute. "He went to Woodstock in '69!" she said. "He was all about free love." On the other hand, her mother was a pioneering remedial teacher who fought to support children with autism and dyslexia. "She was one of the first to do it in our school. I'm so proud of her." Though her parents' marriage was rocky, Mahira's childhood was filled with music, cousins, and laughter. "I remember my dad playing No Woman No Cry during fights. There was chaos, but there was also love." When asked what's next, Mahira laughed: "I don't plan. I never have. My career's has been entirely intuitive." She wants to act more, direct soon, and maybe, just maybe, go back to school. "But only for three months. That's my limit," she quipped. The actor closed the podcast with her usual blend of honesty and sparkle: "I just want to do a lot more. And I want to enjoy it while it's happening because it never comes back."
Express Tribune
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mehwish Hayat set to make TV comeback
After almost a decade away from the world of drama serials, Mehwish Hayat will be returning to the small screen. Starring alongside Ahsan Khan and Hira Mani, Mehwish will be portraying a complex character in a serial that promises love, secrets, and suspense. The announcement of the actor's return to dramas has delighted her fans. "She's amazing on screen, gives every role her all," commented a user. "OMG, my favourite onscreen pair will be starring together. I'm super excited!" gushed another. Mehwish last starred in Dil Lagi opposite Humayun Saeed in 2016. In the show, Mehwish played Anmol, who falls into a clash with Humayun's Mohid over an eviction notice. However, affection begins to bloom between the two not long after. In addition, Mehwish has starred in a number of films, including Nabeel Qureshi's debut Na Maloom Afraad and Nadeem Baig's Punjab Nahi Jaungi, cementing herself as a frequent face on the big screen. The Pakistani star even made her Hollywood debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series Ms Marvel, which also had Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on board as a director. As of late, the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient starred in the music video for Indian rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh's song Jatt Mehkma. The music video begins with well-to-do individuals and pairs entering a lavish gathering and quickly mingling until their attention is drawn to the hosts descending the stairs - Mehwish and the rapper. The announcement of the collaboration was made in a cheeky behind-the-scenes video, in which the two were dressed in their rich attire from the music video. However, it seems that this is as close to Bollywood as Mehwish will get, as in June last year, she explained why she prefers not to work in the neighbouring industry. "I received many offers from Bollywood, but I declined all of them," she revealed in a podcast. "I have countless opportunities here in Pakistan. I have been part of the revival of Pakistani cinema and some of its biggest and most successful films. I have received immense respect and love in my country," she added. "After gaining so much recognition and success in my own country, I felt that I should not accept offers from Bollywood. I enjoy my work here in Pakistan. People come to watch my films with their families, and that is a great achievement."
Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mehwish Hayat is All Set to Return to Our Television Screens After 7 Years!
After a long seven-year hiatus, top Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat is finally returning to the small screen, and fans couldn't be more excited. It's about time! The versatile actress, who has gained fame for her outstanding performances in films and dramas alike, was last seen in Dil Lagi (2016) opposite superstar Humayun Saeed, which was a massive hit both critically and commercially. Her return to television is a highly anticipated event, and it's safe to say that expectations are through the roof. Mehwish Hayat is no stranger to accolades and adoration. The Punjab Nahi Jaungi star was awarded the 'Tamgha-e-Imtiaz' (the fourth highest civilian award in Pakistan) in 2019 for her contributions to the entertainment industry. A well-respected figure both in Pakistan and internationally, Hayat has carved a niche for herself not just with her acting prowess but with her powerful presence and dedication to her craft. Her fans have been eagerly awaiting her return to television, and it's safe to say this new project is expected to be nothing short of spectacular. Though the name of the upcoming drama remains under wraps, the first trailer has already caused a stir. Produced by 7th Sky Entertainment, this serial promises to be a mix of love, suspense, and dark secrets—exactly the kind of show that will give Hayat the platform to showcase her immense talent in an intense, gripping role. Alongside her, the talented Ahsan Khan and Hira Mani will also take on pivotal roles, adding more star power to the already impressive ensemble. The drama, which is set to air soon, has been described as a mega project, making it clear that the production values will be top-notch. Directed by Siraj ul Haq and written by Fatima Faizan and Amber Azhar, the drama features an all-star cast, including Usmaan Peerzada, Zainab Qayoom, Nayyer Ejaz, Sohail Sameer, Osama Tahir, Nida Mumtaz, Shamyl Khan, Afsheen Hayat, and Zohreh Amir. Fans are already buzzing about the gripping suspense and dark twists teased in the trailer. Following her monumental success in television, Hayat made her Hollywood debut with the Ms. Marvel series, further solidifying her place in the global spotlight. After her international stint, fans were left eagerly waiting for her return to the Pakistani drama scene, and now, that wait is finally over. This comeback drama promises to be far more intense and layered than her previous works, and it's safe to say that we are all looking forward to seeing this new, darker side of her.
