Mahira Khan has revealed she is expecting her second child as she makes her Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) debut. The appearance combines a personal milestone with her efforts to promote Pakistani cinema internationally.
The actor shared the news 17 years after becoming a mother to her son, Azlan. Speaking to Dawn Images, she discussed pregnancy, representation and her changing priorities.
Her TIFF schedule includes moderating a conversation under the festival’s Community Impact programming and attending a world premiere.
Bringing Pakistan’s voice to TIFF
Khan said the invitation offered an opportunity to present Pakistan as a distinct South Asian voice, with its own stories and cinema.
“To be able to be part of that conversation on a platform like TIFF feels very special to me.”
She described choosing international platforms carefully, considering their purpose and what she could contribute. Pakistan’s identity, she said, should remain visible within broader discussions about South Asian representation.
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Her programme includes the premiere of Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, directed by Pakistani-origin filmmaker and TIFF Tribute Award recipient Bassam Tariq. Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali stars in the film.
The film follows a grieving Muslim hitman balancing fatherhood, faith and violence. Khan’s conversation with Tariq will explore storytelling, diaspora experiences and more authentic representation in global cinema.
She said the trailer immediately appealed to her. Discovering Tariq’s Pakistani roots strengthened her interest, alongside her growing enthusiasm for collaboration with South Asian diaspora filmmakers.
Recognition for cinema and representation
Khan and Tariq will receive the Muslim Excellence in Cinema and Art award at the Muslim International Film Festival Toronto. The honour recognises their cinematic contributions and work bringing underrepresented perspectives to wider audiences.
Her appearance comes through Us Studios’ South Asian Women Excellence in Cinema and Arts Programme, working with the Muslim International Film Festival Toronto.
The initiative connects South Asian artists with international festivals and industry opportunities. It also brought Sanam Saeed to Cannes in 2026.
Hassan ‘Huss’ Khan, a 26-year-old American model and film producer, founded Us Studios to advance South Asian storytellers internationally.
A different experience of motherhood
Khan acknowledged feeling apprehensive about revealing personal news and dressing for a red carpet while visibly pregnant. She ultimately chose a sari by Aafrinish by Niazi.
“It’s very different this time, and definitely more challenging.”
She contrasted becoming pregnant at 24 with her experience now, at 41. Physical limitations have disrupted her usual pace of work and travel.
Emotionally, she described joy alongside fear, exhaustion and vulnerability. Starting again has also required adjusting expectations shaped by an older son, established routines and independence.
“You imagine a lot of things for yourself and for your life, and this wasn’t necessarily one of the things I had imagined at this point. But we plan and then God plans, and of course His plans are supreme.”
