Anoushey Ashraf responds to backlash over unwillingness to work with Khalilur Rehman Qamar

VJ called out disrespectful behaviour, ‘abuse’ directed towards her by his fans

VJ and actor Anoushey Ashraf recently took to Instagram to address the backlash directed towards her after she claimed she would not like to work with writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar. Speaking about how the writer’s fans have been “slandering” her,  Anoushey emphasised that she was simply being true to herself, adding that the disrespect she has faced has been “disheartening”. 

Anoushey made the comments on Tabish Hashmi’s talk show TBH, stating that she has no interest in working with KRQ, even if she is offered extravagant sums of money. Responding to the criticism following her comments, Anoushey wrote on Instagram, “All I said was what I felt was right. That I don’t agree with his vision and ethos, and that’s my right. It’s an opinion and I put it out respectfully.”

She continued, highlighting how she did not take aim at KRQ unprovoked, emphasising how even Hashmi echoed her sentiments on the matter, “I was asked this question, so I [had] an answer in return. Respectfully and earnestly. But [KRQ’s] followers have been slandering me, abusing me and talking about my worth.” 

Calling out the disrespect, she added, “If you can’t respect another person’s opinion without shaming them, then it’s time to reflect. Also, [watch] the whole show and see Tabish Hashmi’s response too. He said he wouldn’t do the project either. Just being true to his values. Simple. Disrespect, however, is a pattern I see in all his followers and it’s extremely disheartening.” 

KRQ is no stranger to controversy, particularly when it comes to his views about women and their place in society. On top of this, the Meray Paas Tum Ho scriptwriter has been known to display rude behaviour on talk shows, often getting into arguments with anchors and guests. 

Ashraf, who has been criticised for misjudging feminism in her early days, is now a staunch supporter of the female liberation movement and gender parity. She shared in a 2021 interview with The Express Tribune, “If you’re not affected by a problem, you’re part of the problem. And if you see oppression, have with yourself a space to condemn it, and if you don’t, you’re in the wrong.”