Superstar Mahira Khan, breaking her silence after seven years, has addressed the controversy surrounding her viral photos with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor. In these photos, she was seen smoking and wearing a short white dress, which led her to believe that her career was over.
Mahira Khan on The Viral Incident
The photos of Mahira Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, taken in September 2017, became a sensation in both Pakistani and Indian media, as well as on social platforms. In the images and video clips, Mahira was seen in a short white dress, smoking alongside Ranbir Kapoor. This fueled rumors of a romantic relationship between the two actors, which Mahira later dismissed as baseless.
Mahira Khan Reveals Impact on Mental Health
Years later, Mahira opened up about how the episode affected her mental health. Without mentioning Ranbir Kapoor’s name directly, she shared how she suffered from severe anxiety and spent countless nights crying alone. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Mahira discussed the toll that the leaked photos took on her mental well-being, leading her into deep depression. She felt confused and unsure of how to handle the situation.
Support and Recovery
Mahira credited journalist Fifi Haroon for her article, “The Little White Dress,” which discussed the public reaction and the impact of the incident on Mahira’s personal life. Reading the piece, Mahira felt both comforted and disheartened as it portrayed how a single viral photo could make it seem like her entire career was over. Despite the overwhelming negativity and public scrutiny, Mahira gradually received support from various welfare organizations and brands. This support gave her hope and strength to confront her mental struggles.
Professional Resilience
Mahira revealed that when brands assured her of their continued collaboration, she regained the courage to face her challenges. Initially, she feared losing professional opportunities and chose to remain silent to protect her son, family, and personal life. Reflecting on the experience, Mahira acknowledged the viral photos and smoking incident as a mistake but described it as part of her life and career journey. “Everyone makes mistakes,” she said.
Gratitude and Perspective
Mahira further stated that had she not been in the entertainment industry, she would still have faced challenges in other fields but may not have received the same level of love and support from people. Expressing gratitude for the support she received, Mahira concluded by saying she thanks God that the immense fame she achieved did not come with equally intense hardships.
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