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'SRK's energy is infectious' says Mahira Khan

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan on her Raees co-star and why she will never cut ties with TV

ONE OF THE curious elements of Mahira Khan's career is that her star power does not overshadow the TV and film projects in which she finds herself. Over a short span of time, she has evolved from a newcomer to the most bankable face of television, ads and now films. When she acts, she steals the thunder from her male counterparts, not to mention, effortlessly. When she steps on the red carpet, suddenly the lights get brighter. And when she deals with the press, it seems there is no one so accommodating as her. Sadiq Saleem in conversation with the effervescent Mahira Khan on the eve of the Lux Style Awards held in Pakistan recently:
It's your first time hosting a full-fledged event. Do you think it's intimidating to keep a live audience engaged?
I have done a chat show earlier for television but with a live audience it's very different. The feedback is quicker and in a way it is intimidating. It's just like a theatre where the response is immediate. Sometimes your best punch goes unnoticed and on the other hand something else clicks which is not expected at all.
Which two qualities of yours have brought you this far in your career?
I think it's a combination of my intentions and honesty. Plus I have been lucky to have been a part of some excellent TV projects.
If you were to choose an actor for your next Bollywood project, who would that be?
Shah Rukh Khan, again. His energy is infectious.
What is your commitment to television now?
If a really good script comes along, something that excites me I would definitely go ahead and do it. Television has given me a lot of love and I have a lot of respect for that medium, but at the same time I would like to be involved in a project that offers a challenge or something novel.
So your fans must not lose hope of seeing you in a drama serial?
Of course not, TV is something I will never cut all ties with. Let me say this, I will never divorce television.
What would be your piece of advice to television actresses or others out there who aspire to be successful in films?
I would just tell them to keep on doing what they do the best. With actors, the best thing is that each one brings something different on the table. So my advice would be to know your strength and excel in that. Pretty soon you will carve a niche for yourself. There is never a formula or a shortcut to it. But it's your determination and your self-confidence.
Two things that you like about your Humsafar co-star and Lux Style Awards co-host Fawad Khan.
What I like about Fawad is that he is smart and he is very hard-working.
One thing that you would like to change about yourself?
I am very indecisive.
Are you working on any project other than Raees?
Raees is in progress at the moment and is due for release next year. The teaser is out as well. I am listening to some scripts but I haven't signed anything as yet. But my next film Ho Mann Jahan is all set to release next month. I am looking forward to that.
What impression did Shah Rukh Khan leave on you?
For him I would only say that it is very rare that you come across a childhood idol who lives up to your expectations!