Starlet Mehwish Hayat was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for her performance in Punjab Nahi Jaungi and making a mark internationally on March 23rd, Pakistan Resolution Day.
A day after she received the coveted Pakistan Civil Awards she shared it with “all the other girls in Pakistan who have a dream.” In a heartfelt Instagram post she recalls her journey to becoming an actor and expresses a surprise in being awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in “such a tender age”. While Mehwish might be surprised, we knew it was a long time coming.
Here are five times Mehwish Hayat got us rooting for her:
When she advocated for violence against women
The Load Wedding star doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinions. This International Women’s Day she collaborated with journalist and filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy for the campaign Aagahi.
For the strong roles she opts for
From her roles on television to that in movies, Mehwish has only chosen to play characters that portray a strong, independent woman.
When she proved she isn’t only a good actor but a singer too
Many were taken by surprise when Mehwish Hayat was featured in Coke Studio Season 9. However, few knew that the starlet has already been singing OSTs for some Pakistani dramas before that. She sang the OSTs for dramas, such as, Meri Behen Maya and Utho Jago Pakistan.
The turnout of people in her first ever live concert recently held in Lahore only proved that it’s not just us who are a fan of her singing.
When she was invited to the UNGA
Last year, the Dil Lagi actor was invited to the United Nation’s General Assembly in America by Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi. Lodhi had organized the Pakistan Film Festival in New York.
When she represented Pakistan at the launch of Filmfare Middle East in Dubai
Mehwish not only represented Pakistan but was also honored with the Pakistan Icon plaque.
Mehwish Hayat has proven that if you have your heart set on something, nothing can stop you from achieving it. And as she said in her recent Instagram post, “hope lies in dreams, in imagination and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams turn into reality.”