hen Mahira Khan’s first look from The Legend of Maula Jatt was introduced to the world as well as snippets from the trailer revealed, there was an expectation of romance, intimate moments between Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, who are Pakistan’s version of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.

When posed with the question, Fawad Khan was clear that while some brief moments do exist in The Legend of Maula Jatt between the two actors, it wasn’t about their characters as the central narrative.

The real ying-yang, said Fawad, was about the characters of Maula Jatt (Fawad Khan) and Noori Nath (Hamza Ali Abbasi).

When posed with the same question, Mahira Khan also echoed a similar perspective. When probed if she felt overwhelmed by the public’s demand to see the two actors in a romantic setting, Khan was astute in her observation.

“I’ve never been burdened by it. I’ve never used it to my advantage in any way. You see, Humsafar was a blessing. Just like Tanhaiyaan was a blessing,” said Mahira Khan.

“Humsafar was not the best drama; it was just the most blessed drama. And we all catapulted into success and what we did with it is for everyone to see.”

Mahira Khan doesn’t look at her onscreen chemistry with Fawad Khan as something they deliberately push for.

“If Fawad and I were not dedicated actors, we wouldn’t be here today. The fact is that we love acting more than the couple or the fame that’s attached to that couple.”

In the many roles Mahira has played over the years, she admitted that she could tell where she delivers an average performance. “I can detect a false note.”

As for the criticism that follows her around even as she continues to be the country’s biggest female actor, Mahira observed, “I wish I could detect false criticism.”

Speaking about her experience on the set of the mammoth film and who was the funniest person around, she told Instep, “It has to be Ali Azmat and Hamza Ali Abbasi.”

On a parting note, the actor who plays the character of Mukkho Jatti – a look that was appreciated by Hrithik Roshan from across the border prior to release – which required learning and speaking in full-blown Punjabi language, Mahira came out the other side with a new perspective. She noted, “Punjabi is freeing as a language, to fight, romance and love in it.”