In an homage that intertwines yesteryear glamour with contemporary flair, Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has captured the hearts of fans and netizens alike as she embodies the legendary Parveen Babi, the quintessential style icon of Indian cinema. Her transformation, showcased in a promotional video for the clothing brand ‘Muse’, unveils a breathtaking persona reminiscent of Babi’s alluring charm—a visual ode that breathes life into the timeless allure of the Bollywood goddess.
The scintillating tribute is more than an impersonation; for Mahira, it is an evocation of lifelong admiration. Speaking fondly of her muse, Mahira Khan recalls the profound impact of Parveen Babi’s grace and elegance: “I remember seeing this TIME magazine cover, and it had the gorgeous Parveen Babi on it. I don’t know if you have seen any of her films, but it’s because of that cover that I actually watched her films and some of her songs, which I just loved. She was so beautiful, such a style goddess.”
Indeed, Parveen Babi was not only a celebrated figure in Indian cinema but also the first Bollywood actress to grace the cover of TIME magazine, achieving an iconic status that transcended borders and generations. It is this very essence that Mahira Khan channels, intertwining her own identity with the enigmatic spirit of a bygone era, perhaps best captured in her affinity for the 1981 song “Jawani Janeman” from the movie ‘Namak Halaal’.
Mahira Khan’s own journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by not only her ascending career trajectory but also the vicissitudes of her personal life. Beginning her sojourn in Los Angeles at the tender age of 17, propelled by youthful romance, Khan found herself amidst the thrills and challenges of young love. Her candid revelations on the FWhy Podcast paint the picture of a star whose course was altered by the heart: “We were always supposed to go to LA since my uncles were already there. But at 17, I insisted that I go early since I was in love and he was there. But, after going there, mujhe meri naani yaad aa gayi (things got difficult for me).”
The complexities of her relationship with her then-partner Ali Askari were compounded by distance and youthful indecision. Yet, despite an initial breakup, their love rekindled and ultimately steered them toward matrimony. As she juggled her studies and relationship, Mahira made the pivotal decision to marry Ali Askari in 2007, sealing their union with a traditional wedding ceremony before returning to Pakistan together.
Their tale of togetherness would see the birth of their son Azlaan in 2009, effectively weaving the tapestry of family life. However, this chapter was not without its hardships, and by 2015, their marital journey had reached its denouement. Mahira’s reflection on this period reveals the tumult and tenderness of her experiences: “Post Azu, I knew my marriage was…even prior, I think. But I think you let it go on, and you love the person, who is your childhood sweetheart. But I think that was a very painful and difficult time. I was so young at the time. I had a baby, I was scared.”
Today, as fans and followers admire Mahira Khan’s portrayal of Parveen Babi, the layers of her own narrative interweave with that of the screen siren she so reveres. Her luminous reinvention not only displays her skills as a versatile actress but also serves as a tribute to the women who blaze their own trails within the cinematic landscape. In bringing a touch of Parveen Babi’s brilliance to life, Mahira Khan reminds us that the goddesses of the silver screen, past and present, continue to inspire awe through the eternal language of beauty and grace.
