Mahira Khan, Pakistan’s beloved actor, was honored by the British House of Parliament for her “remarkable contributions to global cinema and her role as a cultural ambassador.” The award ceremony, held in the House of Commons, was hosted by Member of Parliament Afzal Khan and supported by cross-party parliamentarians, recognizing Khan’s significant impact on cultural exchange and women’s empowerment, as reported by Geo News.
During her speech, Khan humbly accepted the accolades but expressed disagreement with being called “self-made.” She shared her childhood memories of being raised by working parents who believed in equal education for her and her brother.
Khan reflected on the influential people in her life, including her English teacher who once predicted she would one day be in the UN, although Khan herself imagined being in the cinemas. Despite facing skepticism when she first expressed her desire to act, Khan was supported by friends who believed in her dreams.
She acknowledged the challenges of her career, noting that while there were successes, there were also tough times that made her lean on those who believed in her. “I think of my first commercial film director, my biggest cheerleader, and a legendary actress who still celebrates my success,” Khan said, stressing that her achievements were not just her own, but the result of the support from teachers, mentors, family, and friends.
Khan addressed the audience, emphasizing the power each person has to make a difference. She urged them to open doors for others, particularly for women, and to create opportunities for girls to dream and achieve their goals. She highlighted the importance of fostering gender equality and supporting women’s success.
“We must teach our daughters to applaud other women’s achievements, not bring them down in times of struggle,” Khan stated, adding that men should be allies to women in this journey. She thanked her brother for being her fierce protector and supporter.
The Bol actor shared a picture of the award on her Instagram story, expressing her deep gratitude. The inscription on her award read, “Through her artistic talent and dedication, she has brought exceptional stories to life, captivating audiences around the world and fostering deeper cultural understanding.” The recognition celebrated her significant achievements and lasting impact in the entertainment world, honoring her as a distinguished icon.
