Ahsan Khan and Mahira Khan take a stand against hate and intolerance at LSA 2017

Mahira and Ahsan Khan's speeches are proof that celebs are no longer shy about speaking up on divisive issues

Updated 21 Apr, 2017

Celebrities are no longer hesitant to speak up on issues of national interest -- the LSAs this year were witness to that.

Two stars who took the LSAs as a platform to voice concern against recent controversial issues were Ahsan Khan and Mahira Khan.

Actor Ahsan Khan, while grabbing his Best TV Actor award for Udaari, spoke up about the brutal lynching of Mashal Khan in Mardan and said the entertainment industry had a 'moral duty to educate people' against such incidents.

"I have a special request for everybody in the industry -- we can sort this out. A lot of incidents which we hear everyday, like Mashal Khan's, it's because our society is not educated and television is the best medium we can [use to] educated people and it is our moral duty to educate people."

He also mentioned that his drama Udaari which tackles child abuse head-on is a 'game-changer for the [entertainment] industry.'

"Getting an award is an acknowledgement for something which is beneficial for the society it really means a lot," he said.

"A lot of producers thought that we had do something which is an awareness project, something educational, which is very important for the society."

Mahira Khan, who usually tends to avoid controversial issues, also alluded to the topic without directly naming anyone or any particular incident.

The star, who bagged the Best Film Actress award for her film Ho Mann Jahaan, asked people to be tolerant towards others' beliefs and allow equality for all.

"What I feel we do deserve is a country where we have some sort of equality for every single body no matter what they believe in or what they don't believe in. I really wish people saw people like us more often all of us getting together so much talent, so much love under one roof, it is truly amazing and spectacular. This is for my country and my fans."

Last year at the LSAs, Faysal Qureshi dedicated his Best TV Actor award to Kashmiris -- the year considered most turbulent and violent for Kashmir in recent years.

"I'm dedicating this award to all the Kashmiris who are sacrificing, bearing torture and pain. this is for all of them all us Pak, all Pakistanis are with you. don't ever think we will stand back."

Here's hoping other celebrities step up to the plate and use their platforms to educate people.

Comments

Qutub Uddin Apr 20, 2017 04:37pm

Great

Recommend

Alex Apr 20, 2017 06:18pm

Thanks Ahsan!

JKhan Apr 20, 2017 08:17pm

Try and find the root cause. We see it daily. Correct that.

NIMRA Apr 20, 2017 08:25pm

It's wonderful they are voicing their opinions on contradictory issues not only during these award shows but also on social media, rather than staying silent. I agree with Ahsan Khan completely that declining standards of education and lack of educational awareness regarding issues such as child abuse and sexual assault is a deep and troubling flaw in our society. And producing dramas such as Udaari is one step closer to eradicating this flaw. However, the rate of this change needs to be accelerated and should target the youth, mostly, as they are the future of Pakistan.

r sultan Apr 20, 2017 09:11pm

Who is this Faysal Qureshi? And what does he think we Kashmiris want from him or anyone else like him? We want you all to leave us alone and not meddle in our internal affairs. We can sort out our own problems. Your support only spoils it for us. Please keep well away from us. Thank you.

Indian Apr 20, 2017 09:50pm

Heartily appreciate views of these two fine people. If Pakistan had more such people, we surely could have been friends.

Marata Apr 20, 2017 11:32pm

I had a very bad experience of watching the Live Lux award 2017, Pakistani actors and actress were doing overacting, our comparing was very boring, No music, and even worse management during the show

Alba Apr 21, 2017 12:48am

Taking a public stand against hate and intolerance costs them absolutely nothing. They are just as protected as the political class. It is free publicity. Elvis Presley interrupted his career to serve in the army.

Dr mazhar Apr 21, 2017 03:56am

@Indian India should also produce such nice people

SS Apr 21, 2017 10:15am

"His also mentioned that his drama " it should be "HE also mentioned that his drama". just a small English mistake that I felt like pointing out, sorry :)

SS Apr 21, 2017 10:16am

@Alba Moment of silence for people who never like to appreciate anything.,

Aziz nasir gill Apr 21, 2017 12:37pm

I agree with Ahsan Khan completely that declining standards of education and lack of educational awareness regarding issues such as child abuse and sexual assault is a deep and troubling flaw in our society. And producing dramas such as Udaari is one step closer to eradicating this flaw.

Aziz nasir gill Apr 21, 2017 12:38pm

Vinod Narang Apr 21, 2017 05:56pm

It is so good to see some one speak up about the injustice. Mr. Ahsan is right Television is the best media to bring people together and all actors and actresses have an obligation to educate the uneducated so they can come out of the old culture and step into new .