Mahira Khan wants to normalise older actors being heroes in Pakistani films

Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa have begun promotions for their new movie Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad. One of these promotions was with musician and filmmaker Mooroo on his podcast — that served as a testament that Khan will never stop being her own confident and unapologetic self.

During the podcast, Khan and Mustafa addressed several issues actors face in the film industry and Mahira responded beautifully when the host spoke about ageism. Her first move was to make it known that ageism takes different shapes when it comes to men and women — for women there is a shelf life and sheer gender discrimination. She explained that people still want to watch older actors play main roles in films. But for that, there must be discussions. She added with pride, “I talk about the fact that I am divorced and I have a 12-year-old going onto 13.”

Khan is no stranger to sexist ageism. Actor Firdous Jamal once unbelievably said she wasn't “heroine stuff” due to her age. That year, Khan starred in the film Superstar. She has since filmed two more movies and hit drama, Hum Kahan Kay Sachey Thay.

In the interview, Khan also spoke about being a mother and said having a child made her take the role of Khirad in Humsafar — owning her motherhood and showing how it goes hand in hand with her work despite being told she should focus on her child only.

Later in the podcast, when asked about Khalilur Rehman Qamar, she revealed that he loved her work and wanted to continue working with her until she took a stance to support a fellow woman. Yes, we’re talking about the Khalil and Marvi debacle. “I lost a lot of work but it doesn’t matter — I took a stance,” Khan said proudly.

We love that Khan knows and publicly acknowledges that there is no “shelf life” for an actor and that female artists should be defined by their craft, not the wrinkles on their faces. The fact that she still needs to be having this conversation in 2022 is truly horrifying.

Time and time again, the film industry has seen several renowned names take jabs at Mahira Khan and each time we have seen her brush aside unwarranted hate towards her with respect, love and grace, making fans fall in love with her all over again.