In a recent interview with Fuschia Magazine, Qudsia Ali, a star of the Pakistani drama series “Betiyan,” shared some of the challenges she has faced in the entertainment industry.
One of the most significant obstacles she encountered was the pressure to lose weight to conform to mainstream beauty standards.
Ali revealed that when she would attend auditions, she was frequently told that she needed to lose weight if she wanted to have a successful career in acting.
This attitude left her feeling disappointed and disheartened, as she realized that her talent and skills as an actor were being overlooked in favour of her physical appearance.
Despite this pressure, Ali decided to lose weight on her terms. She acknowledged that her weight was not healthy and that shedding some pounds would improve her overall well-being.
However, she stressed that her weight loss was a personal choice, not a response to the criticism she had received from others in the industry.
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Ali also addressed another aspect of her appearance that had come under scrutiny: her curly hair. People had suggested that she get a keratin treatment to straighten her hair, as they believed that her curls made her look overweight.
However, Ali refused to give in to this pressure and instead embraced her natural hair, demonstrating her commitment to being true to herself and celebrating her individuality.
Ali also commented on the international media’s approach to evaluating an actor’s talent. She noted that weight, skin colour, and other physical characteristics are not the sole indicators of someone’s calibre as an actor. Rather, it is their skills and abilities that should be considered when assessing their talent.
In sharing her story, Ali has highlighted the pervasive nature of beauty standards in the entertainment industry and the pressure that actors face to conform to these standards.
However, her refusal to be defined by her appearance and her commitment to her health and well-being are powerful examples of how actors can resist these pressures and stay true to themselves.
Actors Like Qudisa Ali Have Opened Up About the Discrimination
In recent years, several actors in the Pakistani entertainment industry have come forward to speak out about the discrimination they have faced due to their weight or skin colour.
This issue has been a long-standing problem in the entertainment industry, not just in Pakistan but globally. However, the candid revelations from these actors have brought the issue to the forefront, sparking important conversations about the need for greater inclusivity and diversity in the industry.
Some of the most prominent actors to speak out about discrimination based on physical appearance aside Qudsia Ali, include Sanam Jung, Amna Ilyas, Azekah Daniel, and more.
This attitude, which prioritizes a particular body type over talent and ability, has left many actors feeling disheartened and undervalued.
Similarly, actress Hania Aamir, who has starred in several hit dramas and films, has spoken out about the discrimination she has faced due to her skin colour. Aamir, who has been vocal about the issue on social media, has shared how she has been called “dark” and “unattractive” by people in the industry. Such comments are not just hurtful but can also damage an actor’s self-esteem and confidence.
These actors’ experiences highlight the importance of creating a more inclusive industry that values talent and ability above physical appearance. The entertainment industry has the power to shape public perceptions and plays a crucial role in setting societal norms. Thus, it must embrace diversity and inclusivity to reflect the society it serves.
Fortunately, there has been some progress towards greater inclusivity in the Pakistani entertainment industry. Recently, more actors of different body types and skin colours have been cast in leading roles. Moreover, several production houses have taken steps to ensure that casting is based on talent and ability rather than physical appearance.
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