interview
In the surge of new actors, Mahnoor Malik is one name that is catching viewers’ attention owing to her charming personality and good acting skills. She has been attracted to the showbiz world since childhood. Not many people know that before becoming an actor, she appeared as a child star in TV ads.
Mahnoor started her acting career with the drama serial ‘Meesni’ (2023), followed by ‘Saltanat’ (2024) and ‘Wo Ziddi Si’ (2024).
Mahnoor has a line-up of exciting projects ahead. In the serial ‘Muamma’, she’s thrilled to share the screen with the legendary Saba Qamar, and in the telefilm ‘Haad’, she’ll be stepping into a completely fresh and challenging role. With her stunning looks and acting skills, Mahnoor Malik is one actor to watch out for.
In a candid interview with You!, this talented actor shares her experiences with our readers…
How are you feeling working with a superstar like Saba Qamar?
It’s an honour for me to work with a veteran actor like Saba Qamar. She is a powerhouse of talent and grace. She just slips into her characters like a pro. Her energy lights up every scene. I have learnt and still learning a lot from her.
What factors do you keep in mind while choosing a script?
When I am given a script, I first see how strong or meaningful my character is. I also love doing projects that carry a social message.
Do you like taking up challenging roles?
I like taking up challenging roles as they give me an opportunity to polish my acting skills. I study my character very deeply and try to get myself into that character so that when it appears on the screen, it does not look borrowed or fake.
Any advice that helped you sharpen your acting skills?
“Don’t act the emotion - feel it first.” An advice I have stuck by and it really helped me sharpen my acting skills.
You are a theatre actor too. What’s the difference between acting on stage and acting in front of a camera?
Stage acting is like an adrenaline rush - you instantly feel the audience’s energy and it’s a no-retake zone. TV acting, on the other hand, is all about subtleties. The camera picks up every little nuance. Both have their unique challenges.
Would you be delighted if you were given a comedy role?
Oh, I’d be thrilled to team up with Ahmed Ali Butt or Faiza Saleem. They’re both naturally hilarious and radiate energy. A light-hearted project with that kind of chemistry would be an absolute blast.
How about doing a web series?
The digital space is a treasure trove for creativity and daring storytelling. Audiences on OTT platforms are ready to devour fresh narratives and I’m excited to explore characters that break the mould and offer more depth.
What’s your take on social media?
It’s just part of the game now. Social media can be a double-edged sword - it connects you with fans but also puts you under the microscope. I try to keep it real and let my work do the talking amid all the noise.
How do you see favouritism in our industry?
Favouritism is everywhere, but I truly believe talent and hard work eventually shine through. Today’s audience craves authenticity - they can spot when someone truly deserves their success.
One trend in our dramas that you think needs to be stopped?
One trend in our dramas that I think needs to stop is the repeated portrayal of the same old, repetitive storylines. I feel people are fed up with it and are craving stronger female characters and more variety - real stories that reflect our dynamic society.
If you were given a chance to create a drama, what would your subject be?
I’d love to whip up a drama that centres on mental health and healing - something that dismantles taboos and offers a glimmer of hope. There’s so much that still goes unspoken. I also want to champion causes like women’s education and emotional wellbeing. These issues are close to my heart.
Describe your style sense?
My style is a blend of classic and modern - I like to keep it chic but comfy. I have the autonomy to curate my looks; I believe your personal style should be a reflection of your true self, not just following trends.
How do you balance your private life and social media?
It’s a tightrope walk, for sure. I share what feels genuine but keep some parts of my life private. I think having that boundary helps me stay grounded and sane.
What do you like to watch?
I’ve been binging international shows with strong female leads - they really highlight the empowering nature of storytelling. I also enjoy diving into interviews with artists; their journeys are super motivating.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Acting will always be my main focus, but I’d love to dip my toes into producing someday. The idea of creating stories from scratch and bringing them to life on screen is thrilling.