Tue Dec 17 11:45:43 UTC 2024: ## Mahira Khan Opens Up About the Emotional Toll of 2017 Smoking Scandal
**KARACHI, PAKISTAN** – Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has revealed the devastating impact of a 2017 scandal involving leaked photos with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor. The images, showing the pair smoking in New York, sparked intense public scrutiny and criticism in Pakistan, leading to a period of profound emotional distress for Khan.
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Khan described the backlash as “overwhelming,” recalling feeling her career might be over after reading a BBC article that questioned her future prospects. The intense public attention and cultural pressures severely impacted her mental health, causing periods of intense sadness and even preventing her from leaving her bed.
“I was crying daily, it affected my professional and personal life,” Khan shared, adding that the incident placed further strain on her life as a single mother. While acknowledging the significant professional challenges – including the fear of losing endorsements – she remained silent publicly, prioritizing her well-being and that of her son.
Khan expressed gratitude for the support received from her professional partners during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and believing in the eventual passing of hardship. She ultimately persevered, and is now set to star in the upcoming Netflix series “Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo” alongside Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed. Khan, who was previously married to Ali Askari and is now married to Salim Karim, shares a 13-year-old son, Azlan, with Askari.
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