I can't work in Indian serials, as they are too long... they run for years.
— Mahira Khan
Empowering women with better education, being sensitive towards their wellbeing, health, happiness, ensuring equal opportunities, and respecting their rights will go a long way in transforming Pakistan.
I was dreaming of wearing a sari and dancing like Madhuri Dixit. I also used to dream of working with Shah Rukh Khan. I did nothing to make it happen. I only dreamed and believed in my dreams.
The truth is that we have all gone through failure. I have personally as well as professionally experienced failure.
I am very self-doubting; it has come out of experience.
As many have said before me, artists are creative people who can't be dragged into the politics of nations. I have always made a concerted effort to maintain this standard for myself.
I love commercial cinema.
Since the Indian film industry is one of the oldest, and I have grown up admiring all the movies, especially the classics starring Guru Dutt, I would love to work here.
I am the first Pakistani actress who got the opportunity to work with Shah Rukh Khan as the main lead.
Money is not a driving force for me when it comes to my passion: that is, dramas and films.
Actors love to do good work irrespective of country and borders.
Bollywood was never really the aim, actually. I mean, sure, you could argue that I could have done more films there; for sure, I could have.
Now I've come to a place where I believe that anger doesn't really make me a better actor.
If my co-actor shines, it means I have shone as well and vice versa.
The most vital thing for an actor to deliver a great performance is to be honest to the role he or she is playing.
I loved 'Highway.' It was amazing. I have watched Imtiaz Ali's other films, too, and he is one of my favourite Bollywood directors, besides Vishal Bhardwaj and Mani Ratnam.
I believe in one thing, and that is content, because if your content is strong, the film will surely be hit at the box office.
If I have to choose between a Bollywood film and Pakistan film, it may sound cliched, but I will go with the script first. And if both the scripts are equally good, then I will choose a Pakistan film.
You don't feel good about being criticised, especially when you've been loved so much.
Failure is knowledge, and knowledge is success.
When I read my interviews, I feel, is it me? I constantly wonder if someone will get hurt if I say this or that. It is unfortunate that I am scared to say what I feel.
I have grown up watching Bollywood films, watching Shah Rukh Khan's films. I am happy that I worked with him.
I like watching a 'Ram Leela.' I like my dance and song.
On-screen wardrobes are important. They help create an overall aura, and with local productions being viewed all around the globe, they represent our aesthetics to the world.
I became an actor only as a result of Madhuri Dixit. I was watching 'Ram Lakhan,' and her song 'Bada dukh dina' started playing. The minute I saw it, I told my mother, 'I wish to accomplish it. I desire to be on TV.'
It's very hard for an artist to negotiate their fees. My job is to act; my manager's job should be to handle the business side of it.
Actresses have always been in a position of power.
The Lux girl is every girl as far as I'm concerned. She can be shy, confident, boisterous, elegant, or clumsy.
I want to be able to bring out stories like 'Verna,' as well as stories which are of the modern and new generation like 'Ho Mann Jahaan,' which is a film I did of the youth of Pakistan.
Only a good actor has an edge over a weak actor. A hardworking actor has an edge over a lazy actor. Nationality has nothing to do with it.
I did meet Shah Rukh. He was very kind.
My directors are always more confident about me doing a role than I am.
I know it's easy to say the box-office numbers doesn't matter, but the reality is it actually does.
Every character is challenging because, at the end of the day, you have to make something out of it.
I am very excited about 'Raees.' But more than this, I am nervous, too. It feels like I am under pressure to show my acting skills.
'Humsafar' is addictive; it's a good nasha to have. I remember, when the show was on here in Pakistan, my friends would keep asking me what's going to happen next. And those who didn't see it when it was aired the first time watched all episodes back-to-back because they found it very gripping.
It is a big thing to work in a foreign film.
I am scared to answer questions. I do not think and answer. I say whatever comes to my mind.
Art connects everyone.
I've given 'Bin Roye' everything, and I'm hoping that people enjoy something different coming from Pakistani cinema.
'Humsafar' was the show that made me popular.
I will work in films based on quality productions and significant characters.
How much money I demand - or don't demand - is my prerogative as an actor. However, when it comes to commercials, my outlook is different. And in that area, I do try to set certain standards, financially or otherwise.
I would definitely like to work in India. It is just that I am quite picky when it comes to roles.
Being the Lux girl has been a real journey! I did my first ad before my first film released. I was shy and unaware.
I don't think that I can tell any story better than the story of my own country, than the stories of my own countrymen.
Luckily, I've had the chance to perform with some of the best actors in Pakistan, who helped me out a lot on set.
If people can come out of 'Bin Roye' feeling even just a little bit of what this character felt, and touched your heart, that's enough for me.
I am very much open to Bollywood and would love to work in great stories.
I'm doing 'Maula Jutt 2,' which is a Punjabi film. For me, it's a new experience because I have never spoken Punjabi, and I hope everyone is going to love it.
