In light of the recent controversy involving YouTuber and ex-Pak army officer Major (retd) Adil Raja, where many senior actresses of the industry were dragged into an ugly media controversy as part of a distasteful political scandal, the important question to ask becomes – is the Pakistani entertainment industry even a safe place for female artists?
Even though many senior actresses stood up for themselves and had to take various measures to address the ugly and unsubstantiated accusations, the situations points towards a frightful, pathetic and downright dejected working environment for the females in the industry. A scenario where anyone can wake up any day and trash somebody’s hard-earned reputation on the basis of just a few unsubstantiated remarks.
There are numerous names of models, actresses, and celebrities in Pakistan and abroad, with the initials that I have mentioned. I do not endorse and condemn any of the names of the celebrities being mentioned by anyone on any forum/social media in this regard.
Having said that ⬇️— Adil Raja (@soldierspeaks) January 2, 2023
Earlier, actress #KubraKhan took to Instagram to call out Adil Raja for levelling false allegations against her. “Either retract your statement and publicly apologise or I will be suing you for defamation,” asserted the actor.
View this post on Instagram
Similarly, Tamgha-e-imtiaz winner #MehwishHayat, who was also dragged into the controversy reacted to false allegations being levelled against her as she responds to all the mudslinging online. “This stops and it stops now! I will not allow anyone to defame my name in this way anymore!,” emphasized the actor.
Although many other female actresses also stood in solidarity with the actresses, with the dejected state of affairs, it becomes an important time to ask what measures need to be taken to ensure a safe and dignified working environment for the females of our entertainment industry, and much needed accountability for men levelling ugly accusations against women.
