Mehwish launches UK-based production company to promote 'authentic' Pakistani, Muslim representation

Actor shared that Pink Llama Films is already working with some award-winning storytellers

It seems like actor Mehwish Hayat did not take the opportunity to star in Disney’s Ms Marvel series for granted. She took inspiration from its positive impact on Pakistani and Muslim representation and decided to take it to the next level.

The Teri Meri Kahaniyaan actor has announced a production company that will promote authentic representation of Muslims and Pakistanis in Western media.

In a heartfelt note shared on Instagram, Hayat expressed her passion for bringing about change. She acknowledged that speaking up alone was not enough; action was required to reshape the narrative. Thus, she revealed the birth of Pink Llama Films, a production company based in the United Kingdom, dedicated to telling stories that challenge stereotypes and foster greater understanding and acceptance.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mehwish Hayat (@mehwishhayatofficial)

“I've spoken a great deal about the representation of Muslims and Pakistanis in Western media. Over time It's become increasingly clear to me that just talking is not enough, and we cannot wait for mainstream to change. If we want to change these perceptions, we must take matters into our own hands,” she wrote.

The catalyst for Hayat’s journey had been her recent involvement in the Ms Marvel series, where she experienced firsthand the impact of representation. “[My Ms. Marvel] experience strengthened my belief on how important representation really is. At Pink Llama Films, my partners and I are committed to producing content that's authentic, thought-provoking, and entertaining. I hope that by doing this we can break down stereotypes and promote greater understanding and acceptance in the world,” read her note.

Hayat also shed light on how she saw her character resonating with audiences and the power of showcasing diverse perspectives on screen.

Mehwish, along with her partners, believes that by sharing narratives rooted in truth and celebrating the richness of Muslim and Pakistani cultures, they could break down barriers and bridge gaps of understanding.

With a glimmer of excitement, Hayat spoke of the remarkable slate of projects they had already developed in collaboration with “award-winning partners.”

“Each story was carefully crafted to challenge stereotypes, dispel misconceptions, and showcase the myriad dimensions of Muslim and Pakistani identities,” she said. As the announcement concluded, Hayat encouraged others to join her on this transformative journey. She invited aspiring storytellers to share their narratives through Pink Llama Films' website.

The response to Mehwish's new venture was resounding. Fellow fraternity members like Zara Noor Abbas, Nabeel Qureshi, Ushna Shah, Wajahat Rauf, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and others wished her luck and sent her love for her new initiative.

Hayat’s dream of true representation shall soon come to fruition. She hopes that the future of Pink Llama Films  is “truly pink—a vibrant tapestry of diverse voices, narratives, and possibilities.”

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