Mahira Khan on Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar has become a trending topic once again, as the superstar recently addressed the issue in a heartfelt conversation. In a rare and candid appearance on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast Excuse Me, the Humsafar star discussed her side of the story regarding her tweet against writer Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar and opened up about how criticism from industry veterans like Firdous Jamal affected her in the past.
Mahira, one of the most celebrated names in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, has always been admired not just for her performances but also for standing up for what she believes in. From television classics like Shehr-e-Zaat and Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay to film successes like Superstar and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad, Mahira continues to rule hearts. Her upcoming film Love Guru, co-starring Humayun Saeed, is already creating buzz.
What Happened Between Mahira Khan and Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar?
While speaking on the podcast, Mahira candidly addressed the controversy surrounding her tweet criticizing Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar during a past incident involving verbal abuse. At the time, Khalil was facing backlash for his derogatory comments against a woman on a live show. Mahira had taken a stand by tweeting against him, which led to a public fallout.
Reflecting on the matter now, Mahira said:
“We were never friends, but we worked on Sadqay Tumhare—a story written by him. If I did something wrong, it was that I should’ve messaged him first. He’s right about that. But I was filming Neelofar when I saw that news at 4 a.m. It was disturbing. I reacted emotionally because it was about a woman being abused. For me, it didn’t matter who the woman was.”
She further shared how her mother later advised her to have handled the situation with more care, by verifying details before going public. Mahira admitted her mistake in not reaching out to Khalil directly but maintained that she stood by her values.
Mahira’s Stance: Separating Art from the Artist
Mahira added that while Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar is a talented writer, she finds it difficult to separate his work from his public persona.
“I can’t separate the artist from the man. That’s just who I am. Yes, I could have dealt with it differently, but my reaction was driven by emotion and principle.”
Her comments show a mature understanding of her role in the incident while reaffirming her position on standing up against abuse, regardless of who the abuser is.
Firdous Jamal’s Harsh Criticism and Mahira’s Response
The conversation also touched upon veteran actor Firdous Jamal, who once criticized Mahira Khan, calling her “too old” for romantic roles—a remark that sparked massive debate and outrage.
Addressing this, Mahira said:
“It used to bother me a lot, but now it doesn’t. During Punjab Nahi Jaungi days, my own industry people were speaking against me. Success brings a strange kind of insecurity in others. If you’re just successful, it’s fine—but if you become super successful, that’s when the real backlash begins.”
Mahira emphasized that people often criticize without knowing the person behind the fame. She expressed how this insecurity within the industry creates unnecessary negativity, especially toward successful women.
Mahira Khan’s Grace and Growth
What makes Mahira Khan on Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar an important conversation is the transparency with which she addressed both past mistakes and her growth from them. Her response reflects emotional intelligence and strength, making it clear why she continues to shine in Pakistan’s entertainment landscape.
From her acting to her advocacy, Mahira’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and staying true to one’s values—even in the face of public scrutiny.
What’s Next for Mahira Khan?
Fans are eagerly waiting for Mahira’s return to the big screen in Love Guru, where she will be seen sharing screen space with the dynamic Humayun Saeed. With a strong lineup of projects and her continued presence in important conversations, Mahira Khan is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.