ISLAMABAD (PEN) : As Pakistani actress Mahira Khan continues her promotional tour in the United States for her upcoming film Love Guru, co-starring Humayun Saeed, she addressed a question that has long followed her career: Will she return to Bollywood?
The Raees star, who made her Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan in 2017, offered a reflective and balanced response during a fan interaction session.
“I think we need to focus inwards; we need to focus on our own industry,” Mahira said. “I’m someone who doesn’t believe in the cancel culture or boycotts. I’m speaking broadly—I don’t think it’s the right approach. But given the current situation, we’re all emotional. Instead of advocating such strong stances, which becomes one’s prerogative because of circumstances, we should focus on ourselves. Also, in the end, it’s your country which is your safe space. I believe we should invest in ourselves, in Pakistan.”
Social Media Reacts to Mahira’s Statement
Mahira’s remarks, which neither confirmed nor denied a return to Indian cinema, have drawn mixed reactions online. Some fans praised her for taking a mature, patriotic stance that supports the local entertainment industry. Others, however, felt she sidestepped the issue.
One social media user commented, “She gave a politically correct answer, but fans wanted a firmer position.” In contrast, another supporter noted, “She’s right—we should focus on the Pakistani drama industry, which is one of Asia’s biggest.”
Mahira Khan: A Cross-Border Star
Mahira Khan remains one of the few Pakistani actors who has successfully crossed over to Bollywood. Her performance in Raees earned her international recognition, but worsening diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have since placed restrictions on artistic collaboration between the two nations.
Despite these hurdles, Mahira has maintained a strong presence in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, with acclaimed performances in television dramas like Humsafar and Sadqay Tumhare, and box office hits including Superstar and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad.
Focus on Love Guru
Mahira is currently promoting Love Guru, which marks another collaboration with veteran actor and producer Humayun Saeed. The film is expected to release later this year and is generating buzz for its unique blend of romance and comedy.
