MEHWISH HAYAT & TALHA CHAHOUR | A Sophisticated Journey Through Love's Timeless Appeal
In the effervescent world of HELLO magazine, it's not every day that two of the most captivating talents in the entertainment industry come together for the very first time. This month, we have the distinct pleasure of featuring Talha Chahour and Mehwish Hayat, two actors whose professional paths had never crossed until now, on our special Valentine cover. Despite their individual journeys through the labyrinth of stardom, their combined presence before our lenses sparked an undeniable chemistry that could only be described as cinematic magic. Together, they explored the dynamic possibilities of their first-ever collaboration, diving into discussions about potential genres for future projects, their mutual respect and admiration for each other's craft, and the exciting prospect of bringing their on-screen chemistry to life. Join us in this captivating issue as we uncover the depths of Talha and Mehwish's first collaboration, celebrating the serendipity of new connections and the boundless potential of future endeavors.
1. It’s great to have you both back on HELLO’s cover, and it’s even better to have you here together this time. How did you feel when you found out that you were going to do our digital cover shoot together?
Talha: It sounded really exciting when I first heard about it. When Rao told me about the concept behind this photoshoot, I was instantly eager to do it. Rao and I discussed the theme and prepared thoroughly in our minds before heading to the set.
Mehwish: I was pleased when I discovered Talha would be doing this shoot. While our paths haven't yet crossed professionally, I have heard a lot of positive things about his work, especially in 'Jo Bichar Gaye', for which he got nominated for the Emerging Talent Award at the Lux Style Awards. I always welcome opportunities to collaborate with gifted new talent like Talha. I really look forward to working with him again someday soon.
2. What's one thing you discovered about each other during the photoshoot that surprised you?
Talha: I can't say I discovered it, but I was really happy to see that Mehwish was quite supportive and cheerful. Being such a big superstar and very understanding, she makes it easy to work with people like her.
Mehwish:
I was impressed by Talha's professional presence on set. He approached each shot with focus. Beyond basic working rapport, Talha displayed a respectfulness that I appreciated.
While this photoshoot offered only a brief creative collaboration, Talha proved his commitment to doing quality work. It is always good to connect with talents who take their craft and responsibilities seriously. Should the chance emerge for Talha and me to collaborate on a drama, and the right script is offered, I would consider it the same way as I do other offers.
3. If you could pick any genre for a movie to star in together next, what would it be and why?
Talha: I guess romance? Why not some romantic genre! It would be great.
Mehwish:
While the tone of the photoshoot was very romantic – I think that has been done to the death in Pakistan. If I could choose another genre to collaborate on, I think it would be exciting to tackle something with intense action.
For me, having a chance to break out of my comfort zone, train hard, and deliver a strong action heroine as I did with ‘Ms. Marvel’ would fulfil my creative ambitions.
4. Even though you haven't worked together on a drama, do you think your chemistry from the photoshoot could translate into a great on-screen partnership?
Talha:
I definitely believe that our chemistry can translate into fire on-screen since we instantly connected on the sets of the photoshoot.
Shooting with Mehwish was a very good experience altogether!
Mehwish: Having chemistry is certainly a promising starting point for an on-screen partnership. However, translating that into a successful acting collaboration requires much more. The most critical factor is that we both feel truly comfortable with the characters, storytelling, and messaging of the script. The audience will only invest in our on-screen relationship if we fully understand our roles and can bring truthfulness, depth, and honesty to them. What this photoshoot captured was the surface-level chemistry; discovering the deeper dynamics between characters is the true test for actors. Chemistry alone does not guarantee an impactful on-screen partnership if the content itself does not resonate. If we are offered a project with characters whose experiences resonate, I would welcome reuniting with Talha. Only a script providing sufficient challenge and meaning could determine successful chemistry beyond a photoshoot.
5. What are your favourite qualities about each other as actors, and how do you think they could complement each other in a future project?
Talha: My favourite quality about Mehwish as an actor is her fearlessness. Her confident presence on-screen is truly mesmerising. She is a great actress, to be honest, and I believe she would inspire me to give my 100% if we were to share the screen. Fingers crossed.
Mehwish: While Talha and I worked well together during this photoshoot, a single day is hardly enough time to recognise the depth and breadth of each other's acting abilities. However, the glimpses I caught of his dedication to his craft and willingness to put in the work to get the perfect shot demonstrate Talha's professionalism. I certainly enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate and believe Talha has strong potential as a rising actor. But assessing our compatibility for a future acting partnership would be premature based on this brief interaction.
6. What advice would you give to aspiring actors who dream of reaching the same level of success you've achieved individually?
Talha: I don't think I'm at a point where I can comfortably offer advice to any aspiring actors. However, if you still want my input, I'd say just be yourself and focus on growth! Acting involves constant work and learning to improve our skill set with each passing day.
Mehwish: Believe in your talents and keep pursuing your vision even through inevitable setbacks. What separates those who reach success from others who regret ‘what if’ later in life is perseverance beyond doubts or obstacles. Keep pushing past comfort zones and bringing your unique spark to every audition. Risk failure by putting yourself out there again and again. With enough resilience, vision, and effort can make dreams a reality. Stay grounded in self-belief and let determination power you. Keep showing up and remember—having tried and failed still triumphs over never trying at all.
7. What’s the best piece of acting advice you’ve ever received?
Talha:
The best piece of advice I ever received regarding acting was to put your heart and soul into the characters you play so that they become unforgettable.
I ensure to cover the character from all angles while preparing for it, including styling, looks, costumes, and everything else! Every minute detail should capture the essence of the character.
Mehwish: Years ago, I came across game-changing acting advice from Meryl Streep. She believes that compelling performances stem from generosity and connecting with scene partners. Commit fully to each moment by listening and then responding authentically. Make an effort to understand the realities of your acting counterparts. Let that vulnerability reveal deeper emotional layers within your character as well. I continually apply this concept—connecting generously and intently with fellow actors elevates the impact of every scene. Heeding wisdom from the master herself transformed my outlook. Listening openly together brings out more authenticity.
8. Reflecting on your career so far, what has been your proudest moment? Can you talk about the moment you felt you had 'made it' in the industry?
Talha: It's too soon for me to feel that way in my case, and I personally believe you can never at any point say you have ‘made it’. It's about constant growth and achieving milestones in chunks, I guess!
Mehwish: Receiving Pakistan's Civil Honor from the President was truly a career highlight for me. What bigger accolade can there be for any Pakistani, let alone an actress, than such prestigious national recognition? Being bestowed in this way acknowledged years of hard work and affirmed my modest contributions to Pakistani cinema. Yet, in this industry, there is always another mountain's summit to conquer. There is so much more to do and achieve – I am not sure that I'll ever be able to say, ‘I've made it’.
9. Could you describe the dynamic and atmosphere of the cover shoot, considering it was the first collaboration between you both? How did the excitement of the shooting day contribute to the overall experience?
Talha: I was quite pleased with how it went. The shoot went very well. Rao was very attentive to every detail, being such a skilled stylist. The energy he brought to the set was both very active and relaxing.
10. Lastly, can you tease any upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works, even if it's not a drama together?
Talha: Um, no, not yet. Let's see what the future holds for both of us.
Mehwish: While Talha and I have no immediate plans to collaborate, I have some exciting projects of my own brewing!
currently filming two movies—sworn to secrecy for now. But this year, my own production company, Pink Llama Films, is my focus as we develop fresh stories.
I've been carefully crafting unique scripts for years now and have finally secured amazing partners to produce these visions. I wish I could leak spoilers to give fans a taste!
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
DIRECTION & STYLING: RAO ALI KHAN
STYLE TEAM: LAHRAYEB SHAMSI
TALHA’S OUTFIT: ISMAIL FARID
FOOTWEAR: L’AMOUR
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHAHBAZ SHAZI
BLACK & WHITE PHOTOS EDITED BY: SHAHZAD RIAZ
MAKEUP ARTIST: SHAZIA RASHID & JAVED ANWAR STUDIO
LOCATIONS: JUNE CAFE & DIMENSIONS HOME KARACHI
VINTANGE CAR: COURTESY HUMAYUN ALAMGIR