(Web Desk) – During her appearance at Jashn-e-Rekhta in Dubai, Mahira reflected on storytelling, the emotional toll of acting, the realities of fame, and why she has always valued meaningful work over screen time.
Mahira shared that a compelling story matters more to her than the prominence or screen time of the character she portrays.
Asked whether she would choose a powerful character in a mediocre script or a weaker character in an exceptional story, her answer was unequivocal: the story comes first.
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Mahira recalled that reading Urdu scripts was initially challenging after returning from the United States, but she remained committed to understanding the complete narrative before making a decision.
Over time, she said, experience taught her that an actor's value is not measured by the number of scenes, songs or appearances before the interval. "This understanding comes with age and experience," she explained.
She also reflected on her role in Verna, director Shoaib Mansoor's film about a rape survivor seeking justice, describing the lasting emotional impact of portraying traumatic experiences on screen.
According to Mahira, some roles continue to resonate long after filming ends, leaving an emotional imprint that actors carry with them beyond the set.
Despite her status as one of Pakistan's biggest stars, Mahira said she has never been particularly attached to the idea of fame itself. Instead, what she cherishes most are the human connections that come with her work.
She acknowledged that celebrity status is temporary and believes staying grounded is essential. Laughing, she credited her family for ensuring she never takes herself too seriously.
"Today it's here, tomorrow it's not," she said of stardom, adding that her parents and brother are always quick to bring her back down to earth whenever necessary.