

MAHAL
WAK
Actress & Model

ABOUT
ME!

I’m a bilingual actress, model, TV host, children's rights activist and help for Afghan heroes ambassador. I live and work in Kabul, Afghanistan.
I model traditional embroidered and ethnic Afghan clothes and jewellery in the hope that it will promote Afghanistan’s home-grown textile and clothing industry as well as help revive our forgotten culture. I prioritise female-owned fashion houses as I believe they face greater challenges in the market.
Through acting (television and cinema) I aim to highlight and hopefully tackle some of the biggest social issues that our country is facing. Issues such as co-existence, tolerance, education, the environment, women, children, minority and animal rights are close to my heart.
I’m often asked what it’s like to work in “one of the most dangerous countries on the planet.” My answer is that although it’s extremely challenging and unpredictable (not knowing whether you will make it home safely after work) it’s also very rewarding. I’ve lost family members and friends in some of the most brutal attacks.
Also, I work with street children, widows, and those on the margins of our society and have seen first-hand how war breaks institutions, brings poverty and tears the fabric of a society apart.
Despite all of the above, I’m determined to remain in the country, and to continue working as an artist and ambassador for those who have no way of escaping from it all.
Another question I’m asked regularly is about my name and what it means. Mahal means “Time” in Pashto and Wak is “Power.”
Finally, due to so many imposter accounts pretending to be me on social media, many of you have been asking about my “real” accounts. I’m glad to inform you that they’re now linked to this website.
Be kind, share and spread the goodness we all have in us.
Thank you,
Mahal