Mahira Khan shares her Love of Karachi

At the 17th International Urdu Conference in Karachi, Mahira Khan enchanted the audience in a session titled ‘Main Hoon Karachi’.

Organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, the festival brought together notable figures from various fields to celebrate the city’s cultural vibrancy.

The discussion, moderated by senior journalist and anchor Waseem Badami, opened with him praising Karachi for its dynamic spirit and cultural significance.

Mahira Khan, with her characteristic warmth and sincerity, shared her deep connection to Karachi.

Born in the city and having married here, Mahira spoke fondly of Karachi as a place that holds immense personal significance.

She revealed that her grandparents had migrated to Karachi from India, adding another layer to her emotional bond with the city.

Mahira said: “Karachi is where I’ve experienced the most important moments of my life.”

The actress went on to emphasise Karachi’s inclusive nature, describing it as a city that does not judge people based on their background or identity.

Mahira praised Karachi’s defining characteristic is its ability to bring together people of different religions, cultures, and ethnicities.

She said: “It’s a melting pot.”

Mahira also highlighted how Karachi has given her the largest circle of friends, a testament to the city’s welcoming spirit.

Recalling her childhood, Mahira fondly mentioned visits to Karachi’s famous Zainab Market and her love for eating pani puri.

She jokingly shared that she sometimes wishes she could wear a burqa so she could wander the streets incognito to relive those carefree moments.

However, her fame often prevents her from enjoying anonymity, which the audience found amusing.

Addressing a more serious note, Mahira Khan spoke about a recent incident in Quetta, underscoring the importance of organising cultural events in smaller cities.

She urged that such initiatives be extended to other parts of the country to prevent negativity and to foster a sense of togetherness.

Mahira also shared a humorous anecdote about a robbery at her home.

The actress discussed the significance of award shows, noting that they not only recognise new talent but also offer a valuable platform for artists to connect with each other.

The actress also addressed the frequent topic of Shah Rukh Khan, explaining that she rarely brings him up herself:

“I can never have enough of him, but when someone asks a question about him, I do reply, and then people say that she is quite obsessed about him.

“That’s why I expect them not to ask me because then they say she wants to talk about it, which I never start on my own.”