When you’re famous, people shame you: Mathira

VJ got candid about her past, initial struggles, feminism and spiritual connection

Starting out as a VJ and struggling her way up, Mathira has always been on the hot seat, due to her bold nature. Known for her witty sense of humour, on multiple occasions, the star has stirred some serious controversies and but held her own like no other, no matter who said what about her.

In a recent episode of To Be Honest with Tabish Hashmi, Mathira openly accepted this, having been asked about her sex symbol status. “Every single person does what they prohibit others from doing and then criticise if they indulge in that certain activity,” she said. “If it weren’t for sex, none of us would be present in the world. Why overly exaggerate and categorise things as vulgar? Our people have a problem: their eyes dart towards something else while speaking about a very serious matter.”

Mathira also pointed out how her clothing has been talked about more than what she might have said.

Search for serenity

“There’s always a way to be at peace. For me, it’s not the given options of money, family, health and wellness,” she replied, when asked about what keeps her sane. “It has always been God and will be. If God’s will is with you, believe me, the world is below your feet. People will keep on talking but if you have a spiritual connection, that will bring you nothing less than peace. You know, I have seen multiple people get direct with God. They don’t put humanity first and when you do, that’s when God will acknowledge your goodwill.”

The idea of family planning

Interesting enough, host Hashmi asked Mathira for her stance on birth control. “I think we fail to understand that contraception is not only to exempt one from parental duties but also for a woman to look after her health first and foremost, and for a man to find financial stability,” she explained. “Why is planning for a child a collective decision made on the behalf of a couple? I mean, two people get married so growing into a family is up-to them. Set goals, decide for yourselves!”

Social media: A gift or a curse?

“I think everything needs to be in balance,” said the actor. “The issue is this that social media is that one thing you need to get a hold of for a sustainable lifestyle but our public…we are extremists. Everything we do reaches a new height, and anything extreme has negative connotations, and that’s problematic.”

She continued, “I think the trolls on social media play a huge role when it comes to negativity. I was upset when people started to troll Shahroz Sabzwari and Sadaf Kanwal when they tied the knot because it was someone’s happy moment, and it proved that our people, out of habit, poke their nose everywhere. I have learnt that a limited circle filled with your loved ones is the world for you. The universe is not as it is or the way you perceive it as. The less people you have in your life, the better.”

The career journey
Mathira also recalled her early days in the industry. “I started from a platform that was unknown. I earned my fame when a caller randomly started to insult me and that slur itself made me famous,” she admitted.

Yet, people remembered her as Mathira, the fearless VJ. “Competition makes one jealous so I don’t believe in it. I believe in going with the flow because if you start thinking of the future, you might ruin your present,” she stated.

Additionally, Mathira also touched upon the criteria set for female actors versus male ones. “We judge a person by their looks. There’s always an issue with women wearing revealing clothes in our country. Immediately, she is labelled as a slut. If she gets a film, she must’ve earned it via casting couch.”

She concluded, “It’s a common practice and sometimes, I wonder why. A man can appear on your screens shirtless and there will be no issue; nobody will question his worth. Why is it always women?”