Megastar Mahira Khan is celebrating her 40th birthday and all the years she has spent working in the industry, she has established herself as a global icon.
The star has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with, be it giving back to the people or rocking the red carpet, she has done it all.
What makes Mahira more special is her pride for her son Azlan, whom she gave birth to in 2010. She shares her joy at becoming a mother to the world and clearly reveals that motherhood is one of the greatest joys in her life.
As the “Humsafar” actress celebrates her 40th birthday, here are some moments from her wide and varied career that cement her as an icon:
Cannes Film Festival kicks off in black
Making her debut at the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival in 2018, Mahira rocked the red carpet in a black Alberta Ferretti, figure-hugging off-shoulder gown.
The star looked stunning as she wore minimal jewellery, a diamond necklace and earrings, proving that beauty can be achieved with simplicity.
Appointment as Goodwill Ambassador of UNHCR
In 2019, Mahira was appointed as UNHCR’s National Goodwill Ambassador advocating and fighting for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
UNHCR said at the time that Mahira had been actively supporting the organization’s work for the past few years prior to her appointment.
“I feel honored to be chosen to serve this great cause,” she said.
Humanitarian workers and actors have since been working with UNHCR and visited their Voluntary Repatriation Center in Nowshera, the refugee settlement in Karachi and the Refugee Summit in Islamabad.
Mahira made it to the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women
As the BBC released its list of 100 most influential women in 2020, Mahira also made it to the list along with several other powerful and influential women.
The BBC said that her advocacy against sexual violence, her refusal to endorse skin lightening creams and her fight against racism had landed the star on the list.
She added, “She wants to tackle social issues in her native Pakistan by changing the narrative on films and TV.”
Ambassador of the British Asian Trust
The British Asian Trust appointed Mahira as an ambassador in 2022 to support their work in South Asia.
The “Superstar” actor has always been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and programs. It was his advocacy for this cause that led to his appointment as ambassador.
“With around 90% of people in need of mental health treatment who have no access to support, Mahira is supporting the British Asian Trust’s current Peace of Mind campaign which aims to improve mental health in both Pakistan and Bangladesh. to raise awareness about the issues and needs of the,” BAT said at the time.
Honored by the UK Parliament
Finally, Mahira was honored by the UK Parliament at a ceremony held in the House of Commons in November 2024 for her impact on cultural exchange and women’s empowerment.
The award presented to the ‘Bol’ actor by the UK further proves that Mahira is a global icon who is gaining recognition across the world due to her achievements.