The makeup artist opens up on Mahira Khan makeup controversy, online bullying, and beauty standards
Makeup artist Babar Zaheer strongly condemned the online hate directed at actor Mahira Khan during the Neelofar press tour amid the controversy over alleged botox claims, saying that the level of hate was unjustified.
Zaheer appeared on Muhammad Fahad Abid’s podcast last week, speaking candidly about dermatological treatments, online bullying, and the controversy surrounding actor Mahira Khan’s viral look.
The makeup artist began by reflecting on his journey in the beauty industry, sharing how working alongside some of Pakistan’s most accomplished women has been both rewarding and, at times, challenging. With visibility, he noted, often comes scrutiny.
Addressing the topic of online bullying, Zaheer revisited the Mahira Khan controversy that once dominated social media discourse. He explained that the look in question was created during a film music launch event for Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan’s film, Neelofar.
“I’m going to talk about bullies actually—how they’ve bullied Mahira and me,” he said. “If you remember that picture, what I did was stretch Mahira’s hair to give her a more ‘snatched’ look. It’s a technique that’s commonly used internationally, though maybe not as much here.”
He went on to clarify the misunderstanding that followed: “People assumed she had Botox or fillers done. No—it was purely a look we wanted to create. Yes, I take responsibility for that look, but that doesn’t justify the level of hate that followed. People were sending me messages telling me to die or saying I had ruined someone’s face.”
Zaheer also opened up about how deeply the backlash affected his mental health. He revealed that he had recently stopped taking antidepressants at the time, which made the situation even more overwhelming.
“People will always talk—that’s their job,” he said. “But the intensity of it can be damaging.”
Despite the negativity, Zaheer emphasized the value of his professional experiences. Working with strong, career-driven women like Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir, he said, has been a source of inspiration and growth.
“God has blessed me with two daughters,” he shared. “When I work with women like Mahira and Hania, I’m constantly learning. Imagine how much of that I’ll be able to pass on to my children my daughters and my son. That knowledge is empowering.”
Discussing beauty standards, Zaheer challenged conventional ideas of perfection. “Beauty is not a complaint,” he said. “I appreciate real people—people with lines, pigmentation, expressions. I have my own imperfections too. When you meet different people, you realize everyone has something uniquely beautiful. That’s how we’re created.”
He reiterated that while public figures willingly put themselves in the spotlight, the emotional impact of criticism cannot be ignored. “We put ourselves out there for people to judge, it’s part of the job. But we’re still human. Yes, it affects us.”
Toward the end of the podcast, Zaheer criticized the growing podcast culture in Pakistan, arguing that some content creators prioritize sensationalism over substance.
“Anyone with some resources is becoming a podcaster,” he said. “Instead of meaningful conversations, they focus on judging appearances and personal choices. If you’re a good host, you should encourage discussions about life, emotions, and experiences, not just looks.”
He also pointed out the need to shift focus toward more meaningful achievements. Highlighting the accomplishments of younger generations, he noted, “Our Miss Universe is representing Pakistan at the Cannes Festival. That’s huge. These are the conversations we should be having.”
Zaheer concluded by emphasizing growth, empathy, and perspective. Despite controversies and criticism, he remains focused on learning, evolving, and using his experiences to empower both himself and the next generation.