Lahore (Web Desk): Famous Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan’s film Raees, has candidly discussed her mental health journey. She revealed that a psychiatrist diagnosed her with bipolar depression, shedding light on her personal struggles.
According to details, Mahira shared how she learned to manage her mental health, especially after her career took a hit following Raees and a 2017 controversy involving leaked photos of her smoking with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor.
In a past podcast interview, Mahira reflected on the 2016 Uri attack that led to a ban on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood. She explained, “I had completed the film (Raees), and everything was going well until the attack happened. I wasn’t scared, but I did receive threats.”
She recalled receiving alarming calls and facing relentless online harassment. Mahira expressed her disappointment about being unable to promote Raees in India, saying, “I knew I couldn’t go to India for the promotions, but I hoped the film would release in Pakistan. I knew people here love Shah Rukh Khan.”
Raees was released in 2017, the same year Mahira’s pictures with Ranbir Kapoor surfaced online, sparking widespread criticism. Reflecting on that difficult time, she admitted that the backlash triggered her underlying anxiety and depression.
“The reaction brought out the anxiety and depression I had hidden within me. It was a challenging time. I received hateful tweets and comments on Indian media channels. The anxiety got so intense that I experienced a panic attack one day and passed out. That was the first time I sought therapy,” Mahira revealed.
View this post on Instagram
However, her initial experience with therapy didn’t yield results. “I saw several therapists, but it didn’t help. That year was really tough. I couldn’t sleep, and my hands would tremble,” she added.
Mahira also disclosed that she has been taking antidepressants for the past six to seven years. Although she attempted to stop using them at one point, she found herself in a “dark place.” For the first time, she publicly admitted to being on long-term medication, underscoring the importance of mental health awareness.