In the United States, she is most widely known for having doubled for Jennifer Beals in the 1983 movie Flashdance. At the time of the film's release, Jahan's role was controversial for several reasons. Beals was an unknown Actress when Flashdance premiered, and throughout the movie were close-ups of what was purported to be Beals' body. However Marine Jahan's contribution was not listed on the movie's opening or ending credits, and because the movie was a huge hit by the time the truth of Jahan's participation had become public knowledge, some felt deceived to learn they had been looking at Jahan's dancing (and bicycle riding), not Beals'. The producers of the film stated they had made no secret of having used a stunt double, and Jahan's name did not appear because Paramount Pictures shortened the closing credits.

Jahan's other major film appearance was as a Dancer in "Torchie's" bar in the 1984 movie Streets of Fire. In 1985 she worked for Italian broadcast RAI at the show Il tastomatto.

Jahan was the featured Dancer in the halftime show of the 1987 Super Bowl XXI, during the Flashdance... What a Feeling number.

Jahan also played the role of Madame St. Cyr in the 1997 Broadway production of The Scarlet Pimpernel. She also made a guest appearance on the short-lived television series, The Wizard in 1986. She played the part of a Dancer who is paralyzed after being shot by a stalker.