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Being a part of this industry does not mean we have forsaken our morals, says Mehwish Hayat

Being a part of this industry does not mean we have forsaken our morals, says Mehwish Hayat

The actor talks work, handling haters and work in Bollywood in her latest interview with BBC
16 May, 2019

Mehwish Hayat faced haters and trolls head on when she was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and isn't backing down anytime soon.

The Load Wedding actor spoke to the BBC Asian Network and opened up about her work, her ethics and working in Bollywood.

"For the past two years, I have been very outspoken. I have realised that being an actress is not enough; i should use my voice for the causes I believe in."

"It is all about being fearless, which I have always been with my roles, my careers and my choices. Why not raise my voice against issues that I feel strongly for. That's why I have been very vocal about things and I am glad people respect that and that they listen to me."

While Mehwish spoke about "flying high" when receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and how "It feels great to be in the same name list of legends and heroes who have received it," she also opened up about the hate and bullying she was subjected to afterwards.

"Being a public figure I am used to trolling and criticism and it's okay, everyone has their own opinions. However, questioning my character and credibility was crossing the line.

"My contribution to Pakistani cinema and art were overlooked and it was assumed that I slept my way to the awards. That was crossing the line, I had to stand up and fight... No one can question my credibility and character, they don't even know me.

"As artists we deserve respect and acknowledgement, and mindsets are changing but we still need to work on that mentality. We generate money. In 2017 our movies made around 2.5 billion rupees and in 2018 approximately 5 billion rupees, so it is a growing business we're all contributing to bringing a softer image of Pakistan to the world. All we need is respect and acknowledgement," she added.

Hayat also talked about how her job entails wearing 'western clothes' and performing item songs, "We belong to a very glamorous industry, it is all glitz and glamour and we have to show some skin, we have to wear western clothes, I have to dance in Billi, because I am an actress and that's a character I am playing."

"Being a part of this industry does not mean we have forsaken our morals... We as artists are very emotional and sensitive people and we haven't forsaken our morals."

While Hayat has no regrets when it comes to the choices she made in movies, she did open up about one mistake she made: endorsing fairness products.

"I was young, didn't realise what these things meant, and just saw the glamour and beauty. As I matured mentally, I realised I should not endorse things I don’t myself believe in. I am not fair. I am wheatish and i love my complexion.

She added, "Body shaming is something I want to work on... We need to put an end to unrealistic beauty standards."

Hayat has previously spoken about refusing work in Bollywood. According to the star, "It was a conscious decision that I want to stay here in my country and work for my Pakistani cinema."

Comments

ali May 15, 2019 11:14pm
love mehwish hayat beauty with a brain
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Shah May 16, 2019 09:52am
You are not a public figure. You are an actress .
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Ibrahim May 16, 2019 10:57am
"Being a part of the film industry does not mean we have forsaken our morals." .. I am not so sure about that.
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Pakistani May 16, 2019 11:02am
Whatever you say missy
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Rabia Toor May 16, 2019 11:45am
You does not deserve award ?
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Samia May 16, 2019 11:56am
Mehwish Hayat always strikes as an clear headed and intelligent person. Love you for your patriotic stand, art and beauty. Mehwish and Hamza are the only two who have always been very clear on not working in Bollywood. More respect to you guys!
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Sabir Punjabi May 16, 2019 01:18pm
I live Mahwish but what was the reason for that she won this award? Why not any one of the senior actresses?
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Abdul Jabbar May 16, 2019 01:29pm
Really?
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Jackal May 16, 2019 01:45pm
'My contribution to Pakistani cinema and art were overlooked.' I still cannot understand what were these amazing 'contributions' that resulted in MH getting tamgha-e-imtiaz.
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mirza May 16, 2019 02:09pm
why girls are so jealous.
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N abidai May 16, 2019 07:08pm
Where the 3 x ex PM have fake accounts,and money launder the funds of poor people's of Pakistan to become a billionaire, artists are saints,they give back to society,in the country they live in and pay taxes,raised money in time of disasters ! Any one who thinks artists do not have morals, what do you thinks of people's who are part of black economy !
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Ehsan May 16, 2019 07:42pm
Well said
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Rana May 17, 2019 02:05am
She should stick to acting!!!
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