In a recent appearance on Geo’s podcast alongside his wife and producer Shazia Wajahat, acclaimed Pakistani director and filmmaker Wajahat Rauf shared a surprising revelation about superstar Mahira Khan’s early career. Speaking candidly, Wajahat Rauf said that it was he who gave Mahira her first-ever break as a Video Jockey (VJ), long before she became a household name in Pakistan and beyond.
During the conversation with host Mubashir Hashmi, Rauf cleared up a common misconception. Many people, he explained, believe that he was responsible for introducing actress Hania Aamir into the entertainment industry. However, he clarified that Hania had already been working for four to five years before he collaborated with her. Instead, the real discovery story connected to him is that of Mahira Khan.
According to Wajahat Rauf, his first encounter with Mahira happened years ago during a launch event. He vividly recalled the moment: “I saw Mahira dancing and enjoying the event with such energy and passion. She stood out from everyone else in the room. That was the exact moment I decided to bring her on board as a VJ for Aag TV.”
Rauf explained that after hiring her, he made a professional arrangement where Mahira would report directly to him. She worked at his channel for three to four years, and since then, he said, their relationship has remained close and strong.
When asked about working with Mahira in the future, Wajahat Rauf and Shazia Wajahat both admitted that they had considered collaborating with her on several projects in the past. However, scheduling conflicts and differences over compensation often prevented those plans from moving forward. Despite those hurdles, they expressed strong interest in creating a project with both Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in the near future, a pairing that has always been popular among audiences.
Mahira Khan’s Career Journey
Mahira Khan began her career in 2006 as a VJ, where her charismatic personality and confident hosting style quickly earned her recognition. Yet, her real breakthrough came with the blockbuster drama “Humsafar”, which not only elevated her career to new heights but also made her one of the most beloved faces of Pakistani television.
Building on her television success, Mahira transitioned into films with Shoaib Mansoor’s “Bol”, a critically acclaimed project that cemented her reputation as a talented actress. Over the years, she has starred in several hit Pakistani films and dramas, consistently proving her versatility as a performer.
Her talent also gained international recognition when she was cast opposite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the 2017 film “Raees”, a milestone that expanded her global fan base and showcased her ability to hold her own alongside one of the biggest names in Indian cinema.
Today, Mahira Khan is regarded not only as a leading actress but also as an influential cultural icon whose career trajectory—from VJ to internationally recognized star—continues to inspire aspiring actors and entertainers across the region.
