Latest news with #BinRoye
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Performances that shaped Mahira
Mahira Khan marked 14 years in the industry with an Instagram post on Wednesday that read: "Today marks 14 years of my debut. Today, in this very moment, I am sitting under the same skies where I prayed, dreamed, worked hard, manifested... Today I bow my head in gratitude." Today, Mahira Khan is a household name across South Asia, but her legacy has been built gradually through a body of work that has helped shape the landscape of Pakistani cinema and television. Known for portraying women who are vulnerable, flawed, resilient, spiritual, and brave, Mahira has consistently taken on roles that challenge and expand the representation of femininity on screen. Her breakout role, Ayesha, came in Bol (2011), marking the beginning of her ascent as one of the region's most influential actors. As the quiet, supportive sister to Humaima Malick's Zainab, her lightheartedness and inner strength reflected the lives of many women caught in abusive family dynamics in Pakistan. The film changed the course of Pakistani cinema and launched Mahira into stardom. Throughout her ongoing career, Mahira has been part of many iconic projects, portraying her acting chops through incredible characters alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. 'Humsafar' (2011) Humsafar is arguably Mahira's most beloved role and made her shy heroine, Khirad, a national sweetheart overnight. Starring opposite Fawad Khan's suave Ashar, Mahira's character starts out as a simple, educated girl forced into a marriage of convenience. As the two develop feelings for each other, a sinister scheme by her mother-in-law, played by Atiqa Odho, tears the couple apart. When betrayed and cast out, she raises her child alone, returning not for revenge, but to be heard and to fight for the rights of her daughter. Khirad's strength and dignity highlight the power of mothers. 'Shehre Zaat' (2012) Adapted from Umera Ahmad's novel of the same name, Shehre Zaat finds Mahira playing Falak, a self-centred sculptor from a wealthy family, obsessed with outer beauty and romantic ideals. After her marriage to Mikaal Zulfiqar's character fails due to his infidelity, she turns inward, questioning ego, faith, and identity - and giving one of the best performances of her career. She ultimately turns to God, going through a spiritual journey with the help of her grandmother, played by Samina Peerzada. The TV series has been praised for showing strong female characters, a break from the mopey, weak portrayals of women commonly written. 'Bin Roye' (2015) Her first role next to superstar Humayun Saeed was for Bin Roye, a film adapted from a novel by Farhat Ishtiaq. Mahira plays Saba, a naive and emotional girl who is deeply in love with her cousin, played by Humayun. However, he falls in love with her sister and marries her, and Saba's grief turns to bitterness. After her sister passes away in an accident, Saba goes into guilt-ridden shock, but she is married off to Humayun's character to accompany him to America and also to take care of his son. Her journey moves from possessive love to self-realisation. Saba is one of Mahira's most emotionally volatile roles, showing jealousy, vulnerability, and redemption. The success of this film resulted in it being adapted into a television series with the same name, with the same cast. 'Verna' (2017) Verna is a powerful story of Sara, played by Mahira, who is kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a powerful politician's son. She refuses to stay silent, fights the system, and takes matters into her own hands. This gut-wrenching story becomes an inspirational tale of a woman who goes against all odds to fight back against the injustices done to her. Near its release, Central Board of Film Censors stated, "The general plot of the movie revolves around rape, which we consider to be unacceptable," as they moved to ban it in Pakistan. However, after an outcry from women's rights activists, the film was released and well-received for its portrayal of jarring and real issues women in Pakistan go through, especially if they have been victims of sexual violence. Right now, Mahira is making waves in the media for her new film with Humayun, released on Eidul Adha. Love Guru is a modern-day love story, where Humayun plays a "love guru" who helps people find love and get married, until he is tasked with breaking up the forthcoming wedding of the character, played by Mahira. As reactions and reviews are pouring in, the film has received mixed reviews on story and acting; however, the chemistry between the leads has been highly praised. Not only has Mahira shone as an actor, but she has also emerged as a vocal advocate for human rights. Her career reflects a deep commitment to telling stories that matter, both on screen and beyond it.
The National
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Pakistani stars of Love Guru, Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed, on filming in the UAE
Humayun Saeed are reuniting for the first time in a decade with the romantic comedy Love Guru, a Pakistani film releasing in time for Eid Al Adha. The pair, who last starred together in the 2015 romantic drama Bin Roye, were recently in Dubai to promote the family entertainer. They had earlier shot the song Aa Tenu in the emirate, featuring several locations including the Palm Jumeirah. 'The UAE feels like home,' Khan tells The National. 'It's a melting pot of so many cultures, and it never feels like I've left home. What is amazing and beautiful about the UAE is that it is a common ground for so many people. Nationality and stuff like that gets left behind, and I love that it is so safe for women.' Directed by Nadeem Baig, Love Guru is named after Saeed's character, a Casanova and 'professional break-up artist', who falls head over heels for architect Sophia, Khan's character. Saeed, who is also a producer on the 280 million Pakistan rupee (Dh3.66 million) film, is counting on Khan and his popularity to turn the film into a success. 'I want people to like the film. If that happens, you recover,' he says candidly. 'When I made Main Hoon Shahid Afridi [a film he starred in and produced in 2013], I learnt a lot about failure. But my subsequent successful films Jawani Phir Nahi Ani and Punjab Nahi Jaungi helped me gain confidence. I just pray everything goes well, and it usually does. Inshallah, this will work, too.' A major star in Pakistan, Saeed was also in the fifth season of the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Crown, in which he played Dr Hasnat Khan, a surgeon who had a relationship with Princess Diana. Both he and Khan share a passion for their work. 'I love doing what I do. Even if it's one project a year, I have to keep working,' Khan says. One of the most influential stars in Pakistan, Khan is often in the spotlight for her vocal stance on several hot topic issues. She was the first major star to publicly call out Pakistani screenwriter Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar for verbally abusing a female journalist during a televised debate in 2020. Qamar, who was widely criticised for his comments, responded by saying he committed a 'sin' by working with Khan. The incident was recently revived during the promotional tour for Love Guru. Comments by Khan saying she could have handled the situation better and more privately have led to her being accused of backtracking. 'I was scared to open my social media today. My manager told me: 'You speak and say things from the heart and you expect people to take it in the same vein. You also expect everyone to understand the nuance of what you've said,'' Khan says. 'So I either go completely silent for a while or I step up. And when I choose to be vocal, there will always be these kinds of reactions, like 'I can't believe she said this' or 'Did she just say we should do this or that?'. 'Whatever it is, I will stand by what I'm saying. Because for now, this is what I feel.'
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mahira bumps into Onijah
If you thought the promotions for Nadeem Baig's Love Guru were running out of surprises, think again. While riding high during the film's promotions in the US, star Mahira Khan crossed paths with internet sensation Onijah Robinson. That's right. Mahira met up with the American woman who went viral for flying to Pakistan in search of the man she loved. Both women took to Instagram to gush over the interaction. Posting on Stories, Mahira shared a video clip in which she asked her viewers, "I'm in New York, and guess who I have with me?" She turned the camera to reveal Onijah, who greeted the screen with her viral phrase, "Hello, Shabana!" The actor quickly joined in on the antics, indulging the influencer's phrases with enthusiastic nods and a captivating smile. Meanwhile, Onijah posted a photo of the two on her handle, attending the premiere in a white-and-pink outfit while Mahira wore an elegant, fitted dress. "Showed up to the Love Guru premiere," she wrote. "They thought Mahira was the star. Plot twist: I'm the sequel." The influencer might not be exaggerating as she did indeed run into fans of her own at the event, if the post of her taking photos with a crowd of attendees is any indication. Grateful for the love, she wrote, "It's one thing to post online, but feeling the love in person? That's the part that lives in my heart." Mindful of all her fans, she added, "Every hug, every word, every smile - I see you, I feel you, and I carry that energy with me. Forever thankful for the real ones who show up and show love." Mahira isn't lacking in love either, given her glamorous return to the world of cinema opposite Humayun Saeed. In the following Story, she shared a clip of her film's official trailer setting the billboards alight at New York City's Times Square. The romance film's trailer dropped earlier this month, featuring Humayun as a love expert and Mahira as his alluring case study along with flaunting a star-studded cast which includes Javed Sheikh, Marina Khan, and Mira Sethi. With a screenplay penned by Vasay Chaudhry, a key appeal of the film is the reunion of the Bin Roye stars in what appears to be another tale packed with obstacles that challenge the leads' affection for each other. We'll find out in June whether or not Humayun and Mahira's characters will overcome the odds separating them, as the film is slated to hit theatres this Eidul Azha.
Express Tribune
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Farhan, Armeena react to India's Instagram ban
In the latest fallout of the ongoing cultural freeze between India and Pakistan, several Pakistani celebrities have reacted sharply to Indian authorities banning their Instagram accounts. The ban, imposed after the Pahalgam attack, has drawn sharp responses from the entertainment industry in Pakistan, including singer-actor Farhan Saeed and film star Armeena Khan. Farhan, who rose to fame with the band Jal and has since acted in several acclaimed television serials, posted a pointed message on social media on Friday. "What started as a war has turned into a high school blocking game. Your loss," he wrote. "All the love to Indian fans who are victims of this. I pray that sense prevails and you can see your favourite stars again." Armeena, known for her performances in Bin Roye and Janaan, also shared her thoughts. "I'm not too bothered [by the ban]," she said. "I just feel for the fans who were always supportive of me and believed in peace." Several other celebrities on this side of the border have voiced their reactions to India's continued ban on Pakistani artists. Actor Yasir Hussain responded sarcastically, urging followers to not take the ban too seriously, while actor-comedian Arsalan Naseer joked about blaming Fawad Khan for the situation, adding a comic twist. Meanwhile, actor Zhalay Sarhadi took a firmer stance, questioning the motives behind the ban and reminding everyone that VPNs exist. Comedian Ali Gul Pir responded with a playful apology to his Indian followers, reaffirming his goodwill. The unofficial ban on Pakistani actors in India, in place since 2016, resurfaced in public discourse following renewed political tensions in early 2025. The original catalyst was the 2016 Uri attack, after which the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) announced a bar on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood, citing national security concerns. This industry-level decision was later upheld by the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), framing the issue as one of patriotism over cultural exchange. In 2018, a petition was filed in the Bombay High Court challenging the constitutionality of the ban, arguing it violated the freedom of artistic expression and cultural rights, but the appeal was dismissed, with the court observing that such decisions were within the government's diplomatic purview. Despite no official state order, the ban has been enforced across casting decisions, promotions, and now, digital platforms, evidenced by the 2025 blocking of several Pakistani celebrity Instagram accounts. While institutional barriers remain, Pakistani actors and musicians who once found massive popularity in India, from Mahira Khan to Atif Aslam, continue to advocate for cultural dialogue and mutual respect. As Farhan poignantly stated, "I pray that sense prevails."
