Saba Qamar and Mahira Khan. Photo: file
Actor Mahira Khan has addressed longstanding rumours of a rivalry with Saba Qamar, calling the narrative “manufactured” and rooted in a broader tendency to pit prominent women against one another.
Speculation first began circulating in 2019 after Saba appeared on ‘The Munshi Show’. When asked about her relationship with Mahira, she candidly responded, “We are not friends.” The remark quickly sparked online chatter, though it stemmed more from fan speculation than any real-life tension.
Saba later clarified, “There is no such issue between us, simply because we have never interacted or worked together. She is doing great work in her own lane and I am in mine.” Since then, Mahira has repeatedly been asked about the rumours and has consistently praised Saba’s talent while questioning why successful women are often framed as adversaries.
Appearing at an event to promote her upcoming movie ‘Neelofar’, Mahira stated, “I’m not being diplomatic, I think Saba is a brilliant actress.” She added that her perspective is not personal; she simply has very few friends within the industry. Mahira explained that the narrative around her and Saba is part of a larger culture of pitting successful women against each other.
“We underestimate what two powerful women can do if they come together. Hopefully, if we ever collaborate, it can be a really good product. We have a broader worldview problem where, the moment we see two successful women, we pit them against each other, and it works for everyone except them.”
Both actors have now publicly dismissed the rivalry, putting the rumours to rest. Yet the discussion highlights how quickly speculation can take on a life of its own in showbiz, often overshadowing the actual work and achievements of women in the industry.
