Get off social media and television: Ushna Shah voices opinion on actors being deemed ‘vulgar’

Pakistani drama serials have been time and again questioned for their content, mostly based on moral or ethical concerns. Actors, directors, and writers are often criticised for putting out characters that do not fit Pakistani society’s stereotypical standards. Actor Ushna Shah, known for unapologetically voicing her opinions about several different matters, took to Twitter to address the people censuring her profession, as well as the media industry.

The Bashar Momin actor believes that anyone of the opinion that acting as a profession is below them or believe that actors promote “vulgarity” should not follow drama serials or the associated actors’ social media accounts.

Channelling the rage, the 31-year-old actor tweeted, “Every Pakistani with morals and ethics who finds acting and actors inferior, who thinks we spread ‘fahashi’ (vulgarity) should promptly get rid of their TV (or any channel that shows content that isn’t preaching Islam) and get off social media immediately!”

She further called out those who feel the need to constantly school everyone, asking them to be more respectful and mindful about their comments. “Show your gherat (self-respect) please,” wrote Ushna.

While some understood where she was coming from, the actor was also subjected to hate for her stance, with critics highlighting that she works for a media industry that exists in an Islamic country. However, some people took the middle ground, stating that, while they agree with Ushna’s point, the Parizaad actor took a rather “extreme” approach instead of a balanced one.

One Twitter user expressed their disappointment on the micro-blogging site, writing, “You went to the other extreme. Unfortunately, we don't have people with a balanced, moderate, and reasonable approach.”

Another Twitter user thought that Ushna’s advice of not watching tv serials altogether is nothing but a “blanket solution.” She tweeted, “Wanting to stop the normalisation of misogyny, extramarital affairs, abuse, women only in the binary of homewrecker or doormat etc doesn't mean we should stop watching TV altogether. It means we want better content. Try to engage intelligently without these blanket solutions.”

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