Renowned Pakistani actress and model Mahenur Haider, known for her role as ‘Apana’ in the popular drama serial ‘Khaie,’ recently opened up about a deeply personal aspect of her life during a candid discussion on actor and host Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast.
Mahenur revealed the reasons behind her decision to stop wearing a burqa, a choice that had once been a significant part of her public image.
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Coming from a family with a devout religious background where regular prayers are central, Mahenur noted that there was no family tradition of wearing a burqa or covering their heads with dupattas or shawls. This contrast was a key point in her reflections on her own journey with religious attire.
On the podcast, Mahenur shared that her decision to start wearing a burqa in 2009, during her ninth-grade year, was a personal one. She initially hoped her father would see it as a positive step towards embracing religious observance.
However, to her surprise, her father’s reaction was one of amusement rather than approval. He questioned the sincerity of her sudden decision, asking, “What hypocrisy is this?” which made her reconsider her motivations.
Reflecting on her father’s response years later, she now understands his perspective. He had encouraged her to focus on internal spiritual growth rather than outward displays, a sentiment that deeply resonated with her evolving understanding of faith and identity.
The actress also shared the challenges she faced after adopting the burqa. Her decision received mixed reactions from friends and family. Her friends mocked her choice, and even her mother, though not overtly critical, felt uncomfortable with the contrast it created when they were out together.
Her mother remarked, “Mahenur, you look strange with us. When we go out, you don’t seem like part of our family.”
These reactions eventually led Mahenur Haider to reassess her approach to religious attire. Today, she chooses to wear a burqa selectively, finding freedom in deciding when and how to adhere to these traditions.
She has decided to forego the practice of covering her head with a dupatta when not wearing a burqa, influenced by a desire to avoid public scrutiny and maintain consistency in her appearance.
