Pakistani actress Momina Iqbal has built a strong reputation in the entertainment industry thanks to her compelling performances and poised presence. Equally skilled in portraying both positive and negative roles, she has been on the receiving end of critical acclaim for her work in the dramas Dastak and Do Kinaray. More recently, Momina has found herself in the midst of an unexpected and distressing online controversy.
A video circulating on social media with a misleading rumour about her gender, gathered traction and went viral on platforms like TikTok; prompting widespread speculation and inappropriate commentary about her gender identity. The rumour albeit baseless quickly became a trending topic.
In a recent interview with Something Haute, Momina finally addressed the situation stating that she was initially unaware of the controversy until she began receiving phone calls from journalists, some of whom directly asked her, “Are you a woman?” Momina shared that these interactions deeply affected her mental well-being, especially during the first few days after the rumour went viral.
She questioned the audacity and absurdity of being asked to prove her gender identity, stating that such questions were both hurtful and invasive. Despite support from her friends—who joked about the situation—and her mother, who brushed it off, Momina admitted the incident had left her shaken.
In a powerful moment during the interview, she made it clear that even if the rumour were true, she would never hide her identity. “I’m in a good place in life, and I would own it,” she said. “I would tell the world. I wouldn’t hide it or be embarrassed about it.”
Momina Iqbal’s poised and thoughtful response highlights not only the emotional cost of online misinformation but also the strength it takes to stand up against it. Her words serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy, truth, and dignity in a world where rumours can spread faster than facts.
Author: Mehrisa Khan Niazi
