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Mehwish Hayat calls out Priyanka Chopra for her faux celebrity activism

Mehwish Hayat calls out Priyanka Chopra for her faux celebrity activism

In an op-ed titled 'The problem with Priyanka Chopra', Hayat spoke about her struggles with using influence to unite.
16 Aug, 2019

Actor Mehwish Hayat, who recently spoke about the negative stereotypes against Muslims perpetuated in Hollywood and Bollywood isn't done giving Priyanka Chopra a piece of her mind.

At a Beauty Con last week, Chopra was called out for her pro-war tweet by Ayesha Malik, a young woman from Pakistan who was not afraid to say, "You are a UNICEF ambassador for peace and you are encouraging nuclear war against Pakistan."

Instead of a legitimate response, Chopra was condescending, saying, "Whenever you're done venting. Got it, done? Okay cool." This was after security snatched the mic from Malik.

"Girl, don't yell, we're all here for love. You're embarrassing yourself," said Chopra to the mic-less young woman.

Chopra has since drawn criticism for her response and reaction, with the latest being Mehwish. The Load Wedding star penned an op-ed for CNN, calling out faux celebrity activism and the responsibility that comes from an influential position.

"Chopra's response to her questioner in LA, as well as the February tweet, did have the effect of both shining a light on the crisis in Kashmir, and forcing many of us to think about celebrity activism, its uses -- and its abuses."

She added, "Celebrities who act as charity spokespeople should always focus on humanitarianism. Chopra -- again, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador -- should not be using her voice to legitimise a regime opposed to the values she claims to represent."

"Rather than use her position as a US-based celebrity to broaden what it means to be an Indian celebrity, she has fallen into the same jingoistic role that her fellow countrymen are forced to adopt at home."

She went on to say, "It's this kind of failure that tempts many observers to insist that celebrities stay out of politics completely. Just look at the damage those ill-informed starlets can cause, they say, wading into issues they know nothing about. They should shut up and stick to entertaining us -- in silence"

Mehwish also spoke about her struggles with using influence to unite rather than divide and picking her battles carefully.

"This is where Priyanka Chopra and others have made a mistake: by lending their name to racism dressed up as patriotism, they have done us all a disservice."

According to Mehwish. "It is human suffering that those with a platform must focus on. It also falls on other film industries, including my own in Pakistan, to counter the negative stereotypes pumped out in Bollywood... That might be less lucrative or effortless than the alternative, but it is what humanity needs to see -- on screen, and on the streets."

"It is something I would love to work with my Indian colleagues on -- including Priyanka Chopra."

Comments

AXH Aug 16, 2019 05:47pm
Very well put Ms. Mehwish.
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AXH Aug 16, 2019 06:15pm
A very well written op-ed by Mehwish. It shows that she was rightly recognized by the government with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.
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Patriot Aug 16, 2019 06:20pm
Way to go girl!
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Sane One Aug 16, 2019 06:29pm
She has brains and a heart. Deserves more respect.
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cris Dan Aug 16, 2019 06:40pm
Bravo,lady!!!
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Sarfaraz Khan Aug 16, 2019 06:48pm
So it seems Mehwish Hayat is much more than just an actress and certainly deserved that Tamgha e Imtiaz. I am surprised how articulate she is. She should definitely write more columns.
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Dragons Aug 16, 2019 07:15pm
Kudos girl!
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Zara Aug 16, 2019 07:34pm
Well written Op-ed! MH is portraying a positive and peaceful image of Pakistan.
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Alih Aug 16, 2019 07:45pm
After a long time someone spoke so boldly. More respect.
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ahmed Aug 16, 2019 08:00pm
PC, please promote peace as a goodwill ambassador and a good human being. You too will diminish with time but your actions will survive. Mehwish I admire you.
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Faiza GR Bhatt Aug 16, 2019 08:48pm
she is a star, turning into a superstar for humanity.
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Abdulrashid awan Aug 16, 2019 11:11pm
Ayesha Malik was right.
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Jawad Asif Aug 17, 2019 12:27am
Brilliant!!
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Sakaniga Aug 17, 2019 12:30am
Proud of you mehwish!!
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Truth speaker Aug 17, 2019 12:40am
Mehwish Hayat super women
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Pakistani Aug 17, 2019 01:03am
Very clear thinking and equally eloquently conveyed. Thank you.
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Jimmy Aug 17, 2019 01:07am
Mehwish jee you are awesome.
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Zarak Aug 17, 2019 02:38am
kudos to you sister
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The Truth Spy Aug 17, 2019 03:13am
Who is chopra??
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AZAM AKBAR Aug 17, 2019 04:24am
Ms. Mehwish Hayat, You are a courageous person and speak about the humanity and human beings.
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farooq Aug 17, 2019 07:05am
I like the balanced and justified points made by Mehwish hayat. This is the way for people of fame and celebrities to follow. I also highly appreciate the work of Shahzad roy which he is doing selflessly for Pakistan and its people. Keep doing good work folks. Bravo
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Gautam Aug 17, 2019 07:20am
Who is she? Priyanka hasn't heard about her.
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Moin Aug 17, 2019 08:52am
Read the article on CNN, bravo!
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Yasser Aug 17, 2019 09:20am
You say it girl!
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Khurram Aug 17, 2019 09:34am
Excellent Mehwish Hayat, in fact Miss Mehwish Hayat... Your respect has reached at the top seeing your remarks, grt.....
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Somin Aug 17, 2019 09:03pm
More respect to you. Beauty with brain and heart! Proud of you!
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Mushraf Ahmed Khan Aug 21, 2019 02:29pm
Good work Mehwish ! Your recent efforts almost match the award conferred recently
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