A mother is arguably the most precious relationship in anyone’s life – a bond rooted in an investment of pure, unconditional love that asks for no returns. It is this profound connection that we celebrate on Mother’s Day. This Mother’s Day, MAG celebrates this profound kinship with an exclusive look into a family defined by grace, resilience, and creativity. We had the privilege of sitting down with a living legend of our industry, the inimitable actress Masooma Latif. A foundational pillar of Pakistan’s television industry, she represents the grace and resilience of PTV’s pioneering generation. As one of the first women to grace the screen during the 1970s and '80s, she navigated a formative era for media, delivering performances defined by elegance and emotional depth. Her work in classic serials such as Shama, Tabeer, Fatima, and Kashkol cemented her status as a versatile actress who bridged the gap between the black-and-white era and the modern television boom. Beyond her individual accolades, her legacy remains woven into the very fabric of the industry through her family’s continued contributions, ensuring her impact on the "Golden Age" of Pakistani drama is never forgotten. Joining her in this session were her brilliant daughter, Tehmina Khaled – a powerhouse fashion journalist, former editor MAG, and the visionary founder of a public relations firm – and Masooma’s talented son, Dino Ali, the multifaceted host, RJ, singer, and content creator. Our conversation transcended generations, unearthing the wisdom Masooma imparted to her children and the deep-seated gratitude Tehmina and Dino feel for the woman who shaped them into the grounded individuals they are today.

We also explored the unique dynamic between Tehmina Khaled and her son, the promising young actor Komail Anam. Through candid, intimate dialogues, we captured a rare glimpse of Tehmina in her most cherished roles as both, a mother and a professional. We delved into how Komail perceives the woman behind the industry titan, peeling back the layers of the "powerhouse" to reveal the heart within. From the ancestral wisdom passed down by Masooma to the modern, nurturing guidance of Tehmina, we invite you to explore this enduring and beautiful legacy of motherhood.

Tehmina Khaled
AK: How do you compare your approach to motherhood with the way your mother raised you? What is one lesson you kept, and one expectation from which you chose to break free?
TK: Growing up with a working mother created a natural continuity in my own parenting. The most vital lesson I inherited was the importance of firm, structured discipline, which I maintained strictly during my children's formative years to help shape their character. I chose to break the expectation that professional success must come at the expense of personal involvement; I proved that one could be a high-achieving career woman while remaining deeply, consistently present in a child’s upbringing.

AK: While raising two sons, how did you balance priorities? Was there a moment you had to choose between a professional milestone and maternal duty?
TK: Transitioning into motherhood meant intentionally prioritising my children’s upbringing and schooling over rapid career advancement. I even declined an early-career editorship, accepting the role only years later when they were more independent. While I missed certain professional milestones, I have no regrets; choosing to put my children first remains my proudest decision.

AK: With your son now in acting, how do you balance being a mentor and professional peer with your primary role as a mother?
TK: We are supportive parents, but we believe in the necessity of the hard way. I don't believe in spoon-feeding them or leveraging my influence to secure them work; they must earn their own success and navigate their growth independently.

AK: Women in high-powered roles often feel their identity is fractured between 'professional' and 'mother.' How did you integrate these two parts of yourself so they didn't feel like competing interests?
TK: I never felt my motherhood overshadowed my professional identity. I have achieved significant success as a journalist and PR strategist, and I view my roles as a high-achiever and a mother as complementary rather than conflicting. My pride is twofold: I am as satisfied with my industry standing as I am with raising children who are respected by their peers for their own merit and professionalism.

AK: You and Khaled Anam have both built lives in the limelight, though in different corridors of the industry. What does your ‘support architecture’ look like?
TK: Khaled and I have always supported one another’s careers by working in "shifts," ensuring one of us was always present with our sons. I worked part-time and from home while he managed his schedule, allowing us to raise our children without relying on outside help. I attribute much of my professional success to his unwavering emotional and physical support as both a partner and a father. His role has been the essential foundation of our family’s balance being a truly domesticated and supportive force..

TK: What is the one non-negotiable value you and Khaled have worked to instill in your sons?
TK: Education and discipline are my non-negotiable values. I insisted that my children complete their studies before pursuing professional careers. We actively monitored their schedules, diet, and social circles to ensure they were raised with a strong, consistent structure.

AK: As a mother, is there any area of your children’s lives you feel you might have overlooked?
TK: I don’t believe I overlooked any essential upbringing, but being a working mother inevitably means you sacrifice quantity of time. You miss out on being home to witness every small step, every daily routine, and every game they play. I often wish I could have spent every single moment with them during those formative years.

AK: Everyone asks about ‘work-life balance,’ but I want to ask about work-life harmony. When professional pressure peaks simultaneously with family demands, what is your personal ‘reset’ ritual?
TK: I believe God has gifted women with an innate ability to multitask, and I consider myself quite efficient at it. While both fronts often place simultaneous pressure on a woman, achieving harmony is primarily about effective time management. By mastering how I allocate my hours, I am able to accomplish a great deal in a single day and successfully navigate the demands of both my career and my home.

AK: Looking back, what is the achievement that fills you with the most pride, and what, if anything, would you change?
TK: I wouldn’t change a thing. I am proud to have been a high-achiever professionally, but more importantly, I am grateful to God for the two sensible, kind human beings I raised. Looking back, I would handle my professional life and my roles as a mother and wife exactly the same way.

AK: What do you want the next generation of creative women – who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to ‘have it all’ – to know about the reality of the journey?
TK: I encourage women starting their careers to embrace both their ambitions and their role as mothers. We are naturally gifted with the ability to multitask. You must learn to shift your focus between family needs and professional demands as circumstances require. If I could successfully balance these responsibilities, I believe any woman is capable of doing the same.

AK: In a culture where a mother’s role in her sons' marriages is often scrutinised, what is your philosophy on 'support' versus 'interference' regarding your daughter-in-law?
TK: My philosophy centers on giving others space, a trait I apply to all my relationships to ensure harmony. I maintain a balanced, non-interfering relationship with my daughter-in-law by strictly respecting her boundaries and professional pressures. For me, support means being a pillar of strength when needed, not an architect of their domestic life.

AK: Independence is a double-edged sword for a parent. How much space do you intentionally lend your sons to make their own mistakes as they navigate their own families?
TK: I strongly advocate for giving children the autonomy to make their own decisions and learn from the consequences. While I am always here to provide guidance, I believe a parent's true job is to train their children to navigate both life's triumphs and disappointments independently. My philosophy is to foster resilience by giving them the space to grow through their own lived experiences.

AK: The archetype of the 'mother-in-law' in our dramas is often toxic. As someone who has spent decades editing content, how do you to dismantle those tropes in your own life?
TK: The portrayal of mothers-in-law in our television dramas is often melodramatic and highly exaggerated. While these depictions might mirror certain segments of society, they certainly do not resonate with my experience. I strongly reject the negative stereotypes perpetuated by media; in my own social circle, I see modern, supportive mothers-in-law who respect boundaries. I strive to be the antithesis of the toxic onscreen trope. I value healthy boundaries and cannot stand toxicity in any form – whether as a wife, mother, colleague, or mentor.

AK: As your sons transition toward becoming heads of their own families, how has your bond shifted?
TK: My children are still in a phase where they remain close to the family unit, and Khaled and I continue to be the primary anchors for our household and major decisions. Because they have not yet fully transitioned into managing their own independent homes or raising children of their own, we are still very much involved in their daily lives.

AK: What would be your one piece of advice to them?
TK: I am incredibly proud of the men they have become – they are kind, well-mannered, and respectful toward women and the less privileged, and dedicated to their faith. I would advise them to prioritize mutual respect. In my view, respect is even more vital than love; it means honoring your partner as an individual, giving them space to grow, and always be their support.

Dino Ali
AK: Growing up with an artist mother, how early did you realise her creative world was influencing your own path in media and hosting?
DA: Our household was a vibrant blend of music and art, which shaped my personality and perspective early on. My parents encouraged creative freedom, nurturing our expression rather than restricting it. Crucially, they taught us that this profession is a blessing and a privilege, emphasising meaningful, high-quality work over mere busyness.

AK: What is the most valuable behind-the-scenes wisdom your mother passed down?
DA: She taught me that passion must be paired with genuine belief and serious intent. She always advised me to be "certain in my heart" before taking on any project, because a lack of conviction shows on screen. She was always honest about the industry’s challenges, which instilled a sense of clarity and resilience in how I approach my work.

AK: Which professional quality of hers has most shaped your approach as an anchor?
DA: Her unwavering enthusiasm. She treated every project as an opportunity rather than an obligation. That outlook remains my foundation; even when the work is demanding, I never take for granted the privilege of working in a creative field.

AK: Has she been your toughest critic?
DA: Not at all. She has always trusted our abilities, which gave us the freedom to grow. Aside from the occasional critique of my wardrobe or styling, her approach is rooted in encouragement, which has proven far more powerful than harsh criticism.

AK: How do you both exchange ideas about the evolving media landscape?
DA: She has a profound respect for the craft and a genuine desire to learn from younger generations. Her openness to new techniques and evolving trends is something she passed on to us, though we both agree that the fundamentals – professionalism, sincerity, and commitment – never change.

AK: How did your mother’s perspective as an artist shape your understanding of success?
DA: She taught me that success isn't about visibility or fame; it’s about humility and kindness. She constantly reminded us that highs and lows are part of the journey, so treating others with respect, regardless of your professional standing, is the only true marker of success.

AK: If you had to attribute your unique hosting style to one lesson from her, what would it be?
DA: The importance of authenticity. She gave us the freedom to embrace our individuality, humour, and quirks. In an industry that often demands conformity, being comfortable in my own skin has become my greatest strength.

Komail Anam
AK: What was the most valuable "unspoken" lesson you learned by watching your mother navigate the PR and publishing worlds?
KA: The best advice I’ve been given is to be authentic, humble, and hardworking – to simply let my results speak for themselves. Above all, I was told to stand my ground and never compromise my principles.

AK: As the son of veteran parents, how have you navigated public expectations to carve out your own identity rather than living in their shadow?
KA: There is absolutely no pressure. While I hold my parents' illustrious achievements in high regard, I am firmly focused on my own trajectory. We are operating in a different era, and I am carving out an entirely unique path. I believe the most effective way to step out of anyone's shadow is not by fighting for space, but by cultivating a legacy of my own. When I hit my stride and achieve significant milestones, my body of work will speak for itself.

AK: How does the "Editor" version of Tehmina differ from the "Mom" version at home?
⁠KA: It is a profound dichotomy. The persona she commands in the professional arena is worlds apart from the woman she is within our home; the two are simply incomparable. While she possesses a multifaceted nature, there remains only one quintessential version of her—an intimate, unguarded depth of character that I alone have the privilege to truly know.

AK: How did she encourage you to learn from your own mistakes, and can you recall a time she stepped in with "crisis management" advice for your personal life?
KA: We discuss every aspect of my career, and her input is always invaluable. While I deeply respect her advice – given her experience as an industry veteran – there are times when I feel pulled in a different direction. In those moments, I trust my own instincts and follow my heart. It is a delicate balance of honouring her wisdom while staying true to my own creative compass.

AK: As you build your own career, do you find yourself relating more as professional peers than as parent and child?
KA: My mother and I share an incredibly deep-rooted connection – an unexplainable bond that feels beyond words. She possesses a rare intuition; she understands and perceives things that remain invisible to everyone else. In every sense, she is the silent witness to my truth.

With over twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry, the writer is a seasoned freelance journalist. For inquiries or feedback, he can be contacted at: [email protected]

• Concept & Coordination: Umer Mushtaq
• Hair Makeup & Grooming: Angie's Salon
• Photography & Styling: Hussain Pairt
• Featuring: Masooma Latif, Tehmina Khaled, Dino Ali & Komail Anam