People who share videos about me with strange thumbnails only reflect their own mindset: Mehar Bano

Actor feels what trolls choose to pick on is a representation of our society's values

Pakistani actor Mehar Bano recently sat down for a candid interview where she shared her thoughts on the trolls that frequently target her and other known figures. The celebrity articulated her remarks in response to an audience member’s query regarding peculiar thumbnails associated with her name on the internet and why she doesn’t intervene.

“I can’t control what people say,” the Churails actor began, recognising her limits in regulating how public conversations about her proceed. While the impossibility of silencing all criticism is not a novelty, online spaces shield trolls with a layer of anonymity and distance, further encouraging them.

On her critics who spew unfiltered vitriol, Mehar had only one statement to make. “If people share such videos about me on YouTube with strange comments, strange thumbnails and captions, then I think I’ll let all that stay there,” the actor noted forthrightly.

Nodding at the character assassination such content about her dabbles in, Mehar firmly stated, “By trolling, the society only reflects its own values. Whoever is doing this [cyberbullying] reveals what kind of character they possess.”

The Darling actor further distanced herself from disparaging remarks and asserted, “It only reflects badly on them, it doesn’t reflect badly on me. This is what I believe in and it is with this belief that I let them [trolls] stay there where the whole world can see them.”

Starting her artistic journey at National College of Arts (NCA) days,  Mehar has gained acclaim for her contributions to television dramas and film projects. Notably, she portrayed Umama in 2012 drama series Daagh, bagging a Best Television Actress nomination at the 13th Lux Style Awards. Her roles extended to Miss Fire, Uff Yeh Mohabbat and Bunty I Love You.

Mehar’s diverse portfolio also includes significant roles in productions like Mor Mahal, Lashkara and Balaa. Venturing into film in 2018, she marked her debut with Motorcycle Girl before she teamed up with director Saim Sadiq to play the role of Shabbo in his short film Darling. The actor was also appreciated for her performance in 2020 web series Churails.

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