In a recent interview with BBC, Pakistani actress Mahira Khan reflected on the most challenging chapter of her life—when her photos with Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor were leaked in 2017. The images, which showed the two sharing a casual moment with Mahira in a white dress smoking, sparked widespread controversy and judgment, especially in Pakistan.

For Mahira, the incident was not just a media scandal but a deeply emotional blow. She feared that all her professional achievements would be overshadowed by the public backlash.

Mahira admitted that when the photos surfaced, she feared the worst for her career. Speaking about the impact, Mahira said:

"When the photos came out, there was an article called ‘The Little White Dress’ published in BBC. At that time, I failed to see the brilliance of the article. It wrote about how a woman who had achieved unparalleled success in Pakistan could lose it all because of a single incident."

The article made her question if her career had come to an abrupt end, as it described how endorsements and professional opportunities might vanish due to societal judgment.

Mahira confessed that the incident left her mentally drained, leading to days of emotional distress. She shared:

"I wouldn’t get out of bed; I cried daily. It affected not just my professional life but also my personal life. A lot happened on my personal side."

The scrutiny and backlash from society, combined with her internal fears, created a difficult period for the star. However, her resilience began to shine through as she leaned on her inner strength, which she credited to her younger self.

Despite the challenging period, Mahira found the strength to move forward. She explained how a part of her believed that the turmoil would eventually pass:

"I told myself, ‘Are you mad? This is going to end.’ Maybe it was the 14-year-old Mahira that told me."

This self-belief helped Mahira navigate through public judgment and reclaim her confidence.

Mahira’s experience highlights the intense scrutiny faced by women in the public eye, especially in conservative societies. The backlash against her not only questioned her personal choices but also reflected the societal double standards surrounding women’s behavior.

Her decision to openly discuss this chapter of her life is a testament to her courage and determination to challenge societal norms.

Mahira Khan’s journey through the challenges of 2017 serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience. By addressing the incident and sharing her emotional struggles, she has shed light on the human side of celebrities often hidden behind their public personas.

Today, Mahira continues to thrive in her career, proving that moments of vulnerability can lead to strength and growth.