Mahenur Haider stands by Ali Zafar, exposes harassment faced by ‘Teefa’ crew
Pakistani actress and model Mahenur Haider has spoken out in support of Ali Zafar following a Lahore court ruling in his favour in the long-standing dispute with Meesha Shafi.
Taking to Instagram, actress shared a detailed account of her personal and professional experiences while working closely with Zafar on the hit film Teefa in Trouble, offering a perspective rarely discussed amid the controversy.
Haider wrote that she had remained silent until now, fearing accusations of bias due to her professional association with Zafar. “They say when you travel with someone, you get to know the person,” she said, recalling nearly a month spent in Poland during the shoot.
“Not once did he make me feel anything other than absolutely safe and looked after like family. He was the same with the entire unit, kind and considerate. We all saw how much this project meant to him and how hard he was working.”
She also highlighted the hostile aftermath following the 2018 allegations of sexual harassment by Meesha Shafi. According to Mahenur, the cast and crew faced protests, bullying, and threats, forcing key figures including the director Ahsan Rahim, his family, and even Zafar’s wife and mother to enter premieres through back doors for safety.
“No one ever talks about that,” she added, emphasizing the personal and professional toll of the controversy on everyone involved.
The statement coincides with a Lahore sessions court ruling ordering Shafi to pay Rs5 million in damages to Zafar, with the court deeming her allegations “false, defamatory, and injurious.”
Beyond her advocacy, Mahenur Haider continues to cement her reputation as a powerhouse in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Following her acclaimed role as Apana in the 2024 blockbuster drama Khaie, she has captivated audiences with her lead performance in the Green Entertainment series Diyar-e-Yaar (2024–2025).
Haider also manages her fashion label, Zyre, and remains a prominent influencer in lifestyle, self-care, and fashion, reflecting her journey from a standout model to a respected lead actress.