Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has revealed the emotional toll a 2017 photo with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor took on her personal and professional life. The image, which showed the two stars smoking a cigarette on a New York street, sparked widespread controversy and led to speculation and gossip, both in Pakistan and internationally.

In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Mahira reflected on the difficult period that followed, describing how the scrutiny and criticism she faced affected her mental health. "I faced a lot of trials during that time, and it was extremely hard to get through that crisis," Mahira shared. She recounted how a particular article titled 'The Little White Dress' published by BBC left her feeling devastated. "After reading that article, I felt like my career was over," she confessed.

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The attention that Mahira received from the media, coupled with harsh comments on social media, had a profound impact on her well-being. "I felt like I was in a state where I couldn't even get out of bed. There were days when I would just cry," she added. The article discussed how Mahira had achieved unprecedented success and how a single 'incident' could have the power to ruin it all. "When I read that, I was left speechless," Mahira admitted. "The days that followed are a blur for me. I was overwhelmed with so many crises. I couldn't even muster the strength to get out of bed. Every day felt like a battle, and it affected both my professional and personal life."

Adding to the pressure was Mahira's role as a single mother to her 12-year-old son, Azlan, who is from her first marriage to Ali Askari. The couple separated in 2015. Mahira said that being a single mother made the challenges even more difficult, but she eventually decided to approach life with a more positive mindset. "I tried to see life from a more positive perspective and focused on making decisions for the well-being of myself and my child," she said.

Despite the emotional and professional toll, Mahira expressed gratitude for the support she received during that period. She credited her professional partners and brands for standing by her. "I will never forget the support they gave me. It was essential," she said. Over time, Mahira realised the importance of staying calm and positive, hoping that her struggles would eventually be resolved. "I started to understand the importance of staying composed, and I held onto the hope that the problems would be solved in the future."

Mahira's career continued to thrive, and her resolve to rise above the controversies and criticism has made her a symbol of resilience. Her story serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that public scrutiny can have on celebrities, but also of the strength needed to overcome personal battles. 

Mahira continues to navigate the turbulences of life with grace. She married businessman Salim Karim last year.