Mahenur Haider explained why she shunned putting on an abaya, which had previously been a significant part of her public image.
The Khaie actress recently opened up about a deeply personal aspect of her life in a frank conversation on actor and host Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast.
Hailing from a family with a strong religious background, where regular prayers are an integral part of daily life, Mahenur explained that, despite expectations, there was no family tradition of wearing a burqa or covering their heads with dupattas or shawls.
This contrast was a focal point for Mahenur’s contemplation of her journey with religious attire. During her ninth grade in 2009, Mahenur went for wearing a burqa, as she shared in the podcast.
Her initial motivation was that she hoped her father would see it as a positive step towards cherishing religious observance.
Yet, to her surprise, her father responded with fascination rather than endorsement. He doubted the genuineness of her abrupt decision and inquired, "What kind of hypocrisy is this?" This led her to the reevaluation of her intentions.
Looking back on her father's reaction many years later, she admits that she now sees things from his point of view. He had urged her to prefer inner spiritual development to outward demonstrations – a notion that deeply connected with her developing comprehension of faith and self.
After adopting the burqa, the actress faced a range of challenges. Her decision received mixed reactions from friends and family, with some friends mocking her.
Even her mother, not openly critical, expressed discomfort with the difference in their family's appearance when they were out together.
" Mahenur, you look out of place with us. When we go out, you don't seem like part of our family," she quoted her mother’s saying.
These responses prompted Mahenur Haider to reconsider her approach to religious attire. As a result, she now chooses to wear a burqa selectively, finding freedom in the ability to decide when and how she adheres to these traditions.
She has chosen not to wear a dupatta on her head when she's not wearing a burqa, influenced by her wish to avoid public attention and to keep her appearance consistent.