Actress says even doing nothing makes her go viral — a pressure she’s tired of.

What Happened

Pakistan’s top film star Mahira Khan has finally responded to the criticism surrounding a viral emotional scene from her latest film Neelofar, in which she stars opposite Fawad Khan.
A clip of Mahira’s character — a visually impaired girl crying and hitting herself out of frustration — spread rapidly across social media, sparking debate over her performance.

Why the Clip Triggered Backlash

The crying scene was widely circulated, and some viewers claimed the emotional delivery lacked conviction.
Because the character is visually impaired, critics argued the performance required heightened sensitivity and nuance — leading to stronger scrutiny.

The scene became a trending topic across platforms, with users dissecting Mahira’s expressions, gestures, and body language.

Mahira Khan Addresses the Criticism

Speaking at an event hosted by Ahmed Ali Butt, Mahira responded openly:

“Whether I do something or I don’t do anything, I know I will go viral.”

She admitted that she had seen the clip spreading online and understood that the moment where she hits her face had become controversial.

With a mix of humour and fatigue, she added that the constant spotlight is exhausting:

“I’m tired that everything I do goes viral.”

How Mahira Views the Pressure of Fame

Mahira has long been one of Pakistan’s most recognisable entertainment figures — from international appearances at Cannes to back-to-back high-profile projects.
However, her stardom also means intense online scrutiny, where:

• Every gesture becomes a meme
• Every statement becomes a debate
• Every performance is magnified

Her remarks suggest a growing frustration with this hyper-viral culture, where artists frequently become targets of instant judgment.

WHAT

A performance clip from Neelofar went viral, drawing criticism on Mahira’s acting in an emotional scene.

WHY it became controversial

• Emotional scenes attract strong opinions
• The portrayal of disability requires precision
• Mahira is a high-profile celebrity — increasing scrutiny
• The virality snowballed reactions, creating negative momentum

HOW Mahira responded

• Acknowledged the clip and public criticism
• Expressed exhaustion with constant virality
• Indicated that scrutiny has become a permanent part of her life

IMPACT / WHAT IT MEANS

• Highlights the pressure on artists in an always-online world
• Opens conversation about fair critique vs. viral bullying
• Shows how fame in Pakistan is increasingly tied to social media trends rather than performance alone
• Reinforces Mahira’s status as a public figure who remains graceful but clearly affected by relentless attention