TORONTO: Renowned Pakistani actor Mahira Khan has opened up about her pregnancy, saying she never expected to become a mother again at the age of 41.
Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the Toronto International Film Festival, the actor discussed the news of her pregnancy and the emotional and physical experience of embarking on motherhood again after many years.
Mahira said that when she found out she was expecting at 41, she was not prepared for such a major change in her life. Her son had grown up, while she had become accustomed to focusing on her career, routines and independence.
She said she had envisioned a particular way of living at this stage of her life, making the decision to begin the journey of motherhood again after several years an emotionally transformative experience.
The actor said people often make plans for their lives, but ultimately, “Allah has His own plan,” and His plan is the best.
Mahira explained that the experience taught her to let go of the need to control everything or have answers to every question in advance, and instead allow life to surprise her and surrender to God’s will.
It turns out that Mahira had her first baby at the age of 24 and described the experience as completely different from the one she is currently going through.
She was younger and healthier then, and approached the birth of her baby naively enough, not giving too many thoughts to possible complications.
As she told, the current pregnancy of Mahira is rather physically strenuous, because there are days when her body does not give her an opportunity to do what she wants, while she used to be very active, worked, travelled and did many other things simultaneously.
The emotional part of the experience is also somewhat different, as with age, she has become wiser and now knows more, worries more and understands the fragility and significance of life better.
Previously Mahira was married to Ali Askari, which happened in 2007. Their son Azlan was born in September 2009, after they divorced.
The actor later married Salim Karim in October 2023.
