Being one of the most sought after actress in Pakistan, Mehwish Hayat, who was honoured with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in March, in a recent interview with BBC Asian Network opened up about how she handles haters/trolls and her reasons for not working in Bollywood - among other things.
Talking about receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Mehwish Hayat shared that it feels great to be in the same name list of legends and heroes who have received it.
About the severe backlash she faced after receiving the honour, she said, “Being a public figure I am used to trolling and criticism and its 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…I had to stand up and fight... No one can question my credibility and character, they don’t even know me.”
The actress went on to say, “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.”
As far as movies are concerned, Mehwish revealed she doesn’t regret the choices she has made professionally. However, she admitted that the one mistake she did make was 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 said, adding that body shaming is something she wants to work on.
The actress, who believes that she should use her voice for causes she believes in, also revealed that it was a conscious decision to not work in Bollywood movies. “I want to stay here in my country and work for my Pakistani cinema.”
