When Mahira Khan revealed her viral smoking photos with Ranbir Kapoor took toll on her mental health: 'I was crying daily...'

Mahira Khan has faced many challenges in her career and personal life but has always bounced back stronger. In a past interview, the Raees actress opened up about the struggles of being a divorced single mother and the pain of being banned from working in Indian films alongside other Pakistani artists. She also revealed how viral photos of her smoking with Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor deeply affected her mental health, leaving her in tears for days.The Tough Road: Personal and Professional StrugglesIn a candid conversation with BBC Asian Network, Mahira Khan reflected on the ups and downs she has faced over the years. She acknowledged how her journey—including her divorce, single motherhood, the viral photos controversy, and the ban on Pakistani artists in India—has been intense and challenging. Despite the difficulties, she noted that while some moments have been incredibly tough, she has chosen to keep many of those struggles private.The Viral Photo Fallout: A Career in QuestionMahira revealed that when her photos with Ranbir Kapoor went viral, she feared her career was finished. An article titled "The Little White Dress" on BBC highlighted her success and questioned what would happen to her now, which made her feel devastated. She struggled emotionally during that time, often staying in bed and crying, as the incident deeply affected both her personal and professional life. Despite this, a part of her remained hopeful that the difficult phase would eventually pass.Standing Strong: Support and Resilience Amid ChallengesDespite the emotional struggle, Mahira remained strong and focused. She made personal decisions that were best for her and her child, and professionally, she chose to stay silent, knowing it wasn’t the right time to speak out. Meanwhile, brands showed their support by reaching out and standing by her during that challenging period.In 2017, Mahira Khan and Ranbir Kapoor grabbed headlines when candid photos of them smoking together on the streets of New York went viral. The images sparked a wave of speculation among fans, who eagerly wondered if there was a romantic connection between the two stars.