Mehwish Hayat | Poised, Powerful, and Back on Her Own Terms | in Rashmi Kumari
Draped in the bold and intricate designs of Rashmi Kumari, Pakistan’s leading star returns to our screens — and into the spotlight — on her own terms.
Sometimes, taking a step back is the only way to come back with more strength and clarity
There’s a certain stillness in the air when Mehwish Hayat walks onto set — not the hesitant quiet of uncertainty, but the calm of a woman entirely sure of her place in the world. The kind of energy that doesn’t need to announce itself. It’s this very presence — poised, unapologetic, and utterly magnetic — that has defined her career and kept audiences captivated for more than a decade.
I’ve never been interested in chasing trends — I’d rather chase what feels real and true
For HELLO! Pakistan’s July digital cover, the multi-faceted actress slips into the statement silhouettes of Rashmi Kumari — bold, textured, rooted in tradition yet undeniably modern — an echo of Mehwish’s own evolution. Her comeback to television with the supernatural drama Dayan has already set the internet abuzz, not least because of the air of mystery that surrounded her brief hiatus from the screen. “It wasn’t planned,” she says. “Sometimes, you need to step away to come back with more clarity. The timing just felt right.”
Not every moment needs to be broadcast. Some parts of life are more powerful when they’re lived quietly
Having conquered romantic leads, played the rebel, the patriot, and now a supernatural femme fatale, Mehwish isn’t slowing down. If anything, her appetite for storytelling is only growing more ambitious. “I’d love to portray a historical woman from our region — someone complex and forgotten, whose story deserves to be told.” It’s this constant push for layered, challenging roles that sets her apart in an industry where typecasting is often the norm.
There are certain lines I will never cross on screen — no script or director is worth compromising my dignity
Yet, for all her public success, Mehwish remains fiercely protective of her personal space. Off-camera, she finds herself drawn to mornings spent in calm reflection, soulful conversations, music, and nature — anchoring herself amidst the chaos of an industry that rarely pauses. Even her sporadic presence on social media is intentional. “Presence is more important than performance,” she says. “Sometimes, I disconnect from the digital noise to reconnect with what truly matters.”
Women in our industry still have to fight harder to be heard when we speak about politics or patriarchy — but that only makes it more important to keep going
The digital age has undoubtedly transformed the entertainment landscape — streaming is booming, audiences are louder, and the scrutiny, especially for outspoken women, is relentless. Mehwish faces it with refreshing honesty: “Women in entertainment still have to work harder to be taken seriously when they speak about politics or patriarchy. But that’s exactly why we must continue.”
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: trust yourself. You’re allowed to outgrow people, places — even dreams
It’s this unbothered yet aware aura that fans and critics alike admire. But beneath the composed exterior lies an unflinching distaste for hypocrisy. “People who say one thing and live another — that’s something I can’t tolerate,” she admits.
The industry has changed — faster, louder — but staying true to yourself is still what connects
Looking back on her journey since 2009, if there’s one piece of advice she would give her younger self, it’s this: “Trust yourself more. You’re not here to fit in — you’re here to break moulds.”
The pieces I wore for this shoot felt unapologetic — strong, but still soft. That’s what drew me to them
As for HELLO’s shoot, Mehwish is effusive about Rashmi Kumari’s designs: “Every piece felt powerful — a blend of strength and softness, bold but still rooted in tradition.” Her favourite? “The deep burgundy ensemble with structured shoulders and metallic accents. Regal and commanding — something you'd wear when you know exactly who you are and have nothing to prove.”
Rashmi’s designs felt like statements — they carried a boldness but stayed rooted in tradition, which really resonated with me
With Dayan heralding her return, new creative ambitions brewing, and an unwavering sense of self, Mehwish Hayat is writing her next chapter — and doing it on her own terms. The mystery wasn’t part of the plan. The magic, however, most certainly is.
That deep burgundy look — there was something about the way it held structure and presence, it instantly felt like red carpet material
RAPID-FIRE ROUND
● Role that scared you the most — and you still did it?
Haven’t done one yet — but I’m open to being challenged in the right way. Maybe that role is waiting for me just around the corner.
● Craziest fan encounter? .
A fan once tattooed my name on his arm. I didn’t know whether to be flattered or concerned — but mostly, I was humbled.
● A line from a film or drama of yours that people quote at you the most?
"Main woh larki nahi hoon jisko tum daraoge to darr jayegi ya tumhari mohabbat mein marjayegi — main woh hoon ke wafa karoge to wafa karoongi aur dagha karogay to dagha karoongi.”
From Punjab Nahi Jaungi — still as powerful as the day I performed it.
● Last thing you Googled?
“Signs you’re aligned with your higher self.”
● If your life had a soundtrack, what song would be playing right now?
“Unstoppable” by Sia. That’s the energy. That’s the frequency.
Interview: Sundus Unsar Raja
Wardrobe: Rashmi Kumari
Photography: Shahbaz Shazi
Style Director: Tabesh Khoja
Hair & Makeup: Nabilas
Mehwish's Coordination: Rao Ali Khan
Rashmi Kumari’s Coordination: Rasikh Ismail Khan