THE GOLDEN CHAPTER | MAWRA ON CAREER, COURAGE, AND HER NEXT MOVE | WEARING ARE BY ABDULLAH ARSHAD
In Lahore, a city wrapped in the quiet haze of winter, Mawra walked into the spotlight for our December digital cover, turning an indoor studio into her playground. The shoot, vibrant and full of unexpected moments, featured ARE By Abdullah’s bridal masterpieces—pieces that Mawra truly brought to life.
The day was anything but routine. Between quick outfit changes and bursts of laughter with the crew, Mawra reminded us why she’s a force to be reckoned with. Her presence is magnetic—not loud or overbearing, but quietly commanding. It’s the kind that draws you in and keeps you watching, frame after frame.
This cover is a snapshot of a star who’s found her rhythm in an ever-evolving industry. Mawra’s take on life, career, and everything in between is refreshingly unfiltered, making her not just a face of the moment, but someone who keeps you rooting for her long after the cameras stop rolling.
“Living so many lives in one lifetime is the most rewarding part of my journey.”
Your work continues to evolve with each project, resonating with audiences in unique and powerful ways. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far, and how do you keep redefining yourself in such a dynamic industry?
The most rewarding part is definitely being able to live so many lives in one lifetime. I think that process itself allows me to redefine myself as I’m given new opportunities and characters. I try to work as hard as possible, and I’m glad it resonates with the audience.
In your recent drama "Jafaa," you portray Dr. Zara Hassan, a gynecologist facing complex personal challenges. How did you approach balancing the professional and personal aspects of this character?
It’s not a one-person job. I was able to strike that balance firstly because of my director, as we did a lot of homework together on how being in such a profession could give her strength amidst the turmoil in her personal life. Secondly, the writing supported that approach, and lastly, of course, I worked tirelessly on my character under the guidance of the director and writer.
“When I choose a role, it’s not just about the story—I ensure it’s never detrimental to society.”
"Jafaa" addresses sensitive topics such as domestic abuse. What challenges did you face in portraying such a complex character, and what message do you hope the audience takes away from this series?
With such a prevalent issue, the idea was for victims and survivors to feel represented, to find it relatable, and then to give them a path to find their way out of such relationships. Our message for them is to walk away before it’s too late or the harm is too deep. We also shed light on how seeking help is important for both parties involved in ending a relationship.
Your recent Instagram milestone of nine million followers is impressive. How do you perceive the role of social media in connecting with your audience and shaping your public persona?
I have never separated social media from who I truly am. Over the many years I’ve been in the public eye, it has been a reflection of my life—highs, lows, failures, and achievements. My feed evolved as I did. With every bigger milestone, I feel absolutely grateful and loved. I also believe that one’s body of work brings in the numbers; therefore, work has to remain the main focus, and everything else follows.
You've been vocal about selecting scripts that have a purpose and make a difference. Could you share more about your criteria for choosing roles and how you ensure they align with your values?
To be honest, I have done all sorts of projects, but yes, the recent ones have been more message-based. Initially, it wasn’t a conscious decision—I enjoyed reading the stories, so I opted for them. Simultaneously, I was able to bring important messages to light. For me, the threshold is to avoid anything that could in any way be detrimental to society or any group of people. As a result, the audience can take away something meaningful. Moving forward, I’d love to do light, entertaining projects as well, aiming to create a balance between the two.
“I’ve never separated social media from who I truly am—it’s just an extension of my life.”
Balancing a successful acting career with personal life can be demanding. How do you manage this balance, and what activities help you unwind and stay grounded?
I love being at work and haven’t felt the need to balance it so far. Yes, it can get exhausting creatively and physically, and to rejuvenate, I spend time with my family, travel to my parents or best friends, and pray, which keeps me grounded. I hope it always stays this way, InshaAllah.
Your journey from theater to television and film has been remarkable. Reflecting on your career, what have been the most significant lessons learned, and how have they influenced your approach to acting?
The best lesson I’ve learned is that hard work and punctuality go a long way. I truly believe hard work can change your fate and life. My mother taught us this very early on, and I don’t take my work or opportunities for granted. I may not be the most talented person in a room, but I definitely work the hardest.
“Hard work and punctuality can change your fate. That’s a lesson I’ve lived by since childhood.”
With the evolving landscape of Pakistani television and cinema, how do you see the industry's future, and what role do you envision for yourself in it?
The industry is headed in the right direction, improving every year. I have high hopes for television as I believe it’s our strength, whether in content or execution, and we are applauded globally for it.
Beyond acting, are there other creative avenues or projects you're passionate about and planning to explore in the near future?
I definitely want to produce content that resonates with me, and there are several projects underway. I also feel strongly that I’ll direct someday.
“Our message through ‘Jafaa’ is clear: Walk away before the harm becomes irreversible.”
The looks you wore for this cover shoot, designed by Abdullah, are stunning in their diversity. Which one stood out as your favorite, and why?
The red lehenga was definitely my favorite. It was beautifully curated, and the fittings were excellent—something I don’t often find during shoots.
Let's switch gears: If someone were to make a movie about your life, what genre would it be, and who would you cast to play yourself?
I don’t know about the genre, but the title would be something like "Many Lives in One Life," as this feeling has always stood out for me. It would be a multi-genre film. I think by the time I hang up my boots, I might be able to think of someone to play the role.
“I love being at work—I’ve never felt the need to balance it with my personal life.”
As someone constantly in the public eye, what's one myth about you that you'd love to bust?
I think people believe me to be stronger and more resilient than I am in reality. The myth doesn’t bother me at all, but if I had to pick one, I wouldn’t mind being perceived as more vulnerable than I am in the public eye.
You've been in the industry for a while now—what's one lesson you’ve learned the hard way that you’d pass on to someone just starting out?
Never be afraid of the time it takes to get somewhere. You can either fear your dreams or choose to be inspired by them. I understood the latter over the years, and I feel more driven than ever now.
“My wardrobe surprises everyone—I’m obsessed with oversized pieces from men’s collections!”
On a lazy Sunday morning, what’s your ultimate comfort food and binge-watch go-to?
Oh, definitely anda (shakshuka-style) and paratha, paired with watching Friends. I also really enjoy watching Turkish shows.
You’ve traveled quite a bit. If you could teleport to one city right now, where would you go, and what’s the first thing you’d do there?
I’d always teleport to the north of my country because I love it the most. However, I dislike the road and flight travel to the mountains, so teleporting would be ideal.
If you were to design your own fragrance, what would it smell like, and what would you call it?
It would smell like lavender. I don’t know why, but I find lavender soothing in every form—candles, sprays, or anything I can get my hands on.
“I don’t count my milestones yet. There’s still so much more I want to achieve.”
You’ve achieved so much already, but is there a personal milestone or ‘pinch-me moment’ you’re still waiting for?
Honestly, I only reflect on what I’ve done when someone points it out to me. I think I have a long way to go before I can count professional milestones. However, I’ve had a few ‘pinch-me’ moments in life, like graduating with my parents in the audience, holding my niece for the first time, or experiencing magic while performing a scene.
Let’s imagine you’re hosting a dinner party and can invite five guests—living or dead, fictional or real. Who’s on the list?
I’d love to invite Adriene Mishler (the yoga instructor) because she’s played a huge role in changing my life, even though I’ve only known her through a screen.
I’d also love to sit across Nazia Hassan, whose personality has instilled kindness in me.
Most definitely Carlos Alcaraz, to learn from his dedication and consistency.
From the fictional world, I’m obsessed with Kösem Sultan and her ability to withstand life’s challenges.
Lastly, Cristiano Ronaldo, the ultimate legend.
“If I could relive one day, it would be during Sanam Teri Kasam—this time, I’d live it more fully.”
Fashion is such a big part of your persona. If we peeked into your wardrobe right now, what’s the most unexpected thing we’d find?
The size of my oversized wardrobe collection would probably be unexpected! I love buying from men’s collections and really, really huge sizes.
“I’d teleport to the northern mountains of Pakistan—they’re my favorite escape, without the travel hassle.”
If you could relive one day of your life, which day would it be, and would you change anything about it?
I’m extremely grateful for the life I’ve lived so far, and there’s nothing I’d change about it.
A day I’d relive would be any day during the filming of my first film, Sanam Teri Kasam. Halfway through, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I was extremely young and couldn’t handle it well, spending most of my time in a daze. During Sammi and later Aangan, I felt better equipped to manage my condition, but those were emotionally and mentally tough days.
If given a chance, I’d live them being more present and experiencing them in a more wholesome way.
Interview: @sublimerantr
Wardrobe: @arebyabdullaharshad
Photography: @nusairrahman.photography
Styling: @mamoontariq
Hair & Makeup: @toniandguypk @labelmpakistan
Jewellery: @jewels_power_official
On-set Coordination: @safa_adnan
BTS: @Tahirch @massprofilms