‘We must listen without judgement’: Nadia Afgan shares an important message for Suicide Prevention Month
Afgan's post is a reminder to stay vigilant and supportive of the people around you.
TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF SUICIDE
Humsafar, the TV sensation that aired between 2011 and 2012, was a defining moment for many members of its star-studded cast. One such actor, Navin Waqar, was on a talkshow recently when a member of the audience brought up her character from 14 years ago.
In conversation with Tabish Hashmi on his show Hasna Mana Hai, Waqar was asked about Sara, who harmed herself in the show after being rejected by the protagonist, Ashar (Fawad Khan). Sara ended up taking her own life towards the end of the series, which prompted the question, “What if you found out someone took inspiration from that character of your and tried to commit suicide, what would your message be for them?”
Waqar appreciated the question and told the audience member they had discussed the character recently and she believed Sara‘s fate should’ve been different. “Back in those days, some 13 to 15 years ago, people wouldn’t talk about these things as much,” she said. “I had my problems with that scene where she commits suicide and harms herself. She should’ve gotten help.”
The actor said her character could’ve been sent abroad or somewhere away from the trouble along with her mother, but accepted that the narrative might not have allowed for such a change in the plot. She said she believed they “shouldn’t have done that to Sara”.
Coming to the audience members’ question, Waqar said her message today would be that, “If, God forbid, you have any thoughts telling you ‘if I do this, everything will be alright’, that is not true.” Life, she said, “ is an important gift God has given to you,” urging people not to “waste it over someone”.
She advised people to “live for yourself, focus on people who love you and never, never let anyone tell you you’re worthless.“
For people who may know someone going through a rough patch, Waqar said, “Red flags are there around us, we can see them.” She said all we needed to do at times was listen to what others are trying to say.
If you or anyone around you is struggling with mental health, here are some places to reach out to for help:
The government has also launched Humraaz, a mental health application, along with an integrated helpline of 1166.