Pakistani film and television star Mahira Khan made a special appearance on CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live, where she spoke about her latest projects, her much-loved onscreen pairing with Fawad Khan, and her formative years as a student in the United States. The interview offered fans a rare, personal glimpse into the actor’s professional journey and life experiences as she steps into a new phase of her career.
Speaking to the intenational media, Mahira described 2025 as an “amazing” and “wholesome” year, admitting she had not anticipated having two film releases in the same year. Her recent projects, Neelofar and Love Guru, marked a significant return to the big screen and were warmly received by audiences. She said the year felt especially rewarding after carefully choosing roles that resonated with her creatively.
The conversation naturally turned to her reunion with Fawad Khan in Neelofar, a pairing that continues to enjoy immense popularity across Pakistan and among international fans. Mahira said working with Fawad again felt like a blessing, adding that their shared journey had earned them tremendous love and respect. She acknowledged that fans often express a desire to see them together more frequently and admitted she had sometimes been “stingy” in that regard. Neelofar, she explained, was her way of giving back to fans, calling it “almost a thank you note”.
Mahira described their professional dynamic as one built on mutual respect. While she considers herself a spontaneous performer, she said Fawad approaches his craft differently. Despite contrasting styles, the two actors understand each other’s rhythms extremely well, something she attributed to both experience and genuine friendship. Their chemistry first captivated audiences in the iconic drama Humsafar and later translated successfully to cinema with The Legend of Maula Jutt, one of Pakistan’s highest-grossing films.
When asked about future collaborations, Mahira laughed and said it might take some time. She noted that any new project would need to be unconventional, mentioning stories similar to Bonnie and Clyde or Marriage Story as examples of the kind of “out of the box” work that would excite them both.
Looking ahead, Mahira said 2026 feels like a moment of reflection for her life and career. She confirmed her return to television this year, describing it as slightly intimidating but also energising.
The actor also shared memories from her student days in California, recalling how working multiple jobs, including at a retail store and a pharmacy, deeply shaped her personality. Coming from a comfortable background in Pakistan, the experience of independence and responsibility left a lasting impact. Mahira said she now revisits those memories with her son, sharing stories of riding buses, studying, and learning life lessons that continue to guide her today.
