More than just appearance: Saheefa Jabbar speaks out against beauty norms affecting men

Actor took to IG to criticise media’s obsession with fellow actor Khaqab Shahnawaz’s looks

Known for her thoughtful takes on various social issues, Pakistani model and actor Saheefa Jabbar Khattak recently shared her two cents on how beauty standards harm both men and women. The celebrity took to IG Stories to express her issue with an article lauding fellow actor Khaqan Shahnawaz for his ‘perfect complexion and blue eyes’.

“Living in a society that values conventional looks, I once watched an interview where a strikingly handsome guy spoke about the challenges he faced as an actor,” wrote Saheefa in the overlaying text. “He expressed frustration that people often attributed his success to his looks rather than acknowledging his acting skills, learning journey or personal growth.”

Coming to Khaqan’s defence against such narratives, she furthered on, “Similarly, my colleague, despite his good looks and privileged background, is more than just his appearance. Media outlets should be mindful of how they frame narratives and consider the multifaceted identities of individuals.”

Saheefa went on to share an IG reel about a man who underwent an expensive limb-lengthening procedure after giving in social preferences for tallness and ended up facing critical side effects. “Conventional beauty norms and unrealistic body expectations,” the actor wrote in an accompanying message. “It is very, very important to call out these standards for what they are - harmful and unhealthy.”

Saheefa’s post aligns with a growing trend among celebrities to use their influence for positive change. Mental health advocates, body positivity influencers and social activists are increasingly leveraging social media to address important issues and create meaningful conversations.

Earlier, the celeb called out influencers and celebrities who post online content with little regard for their impressionable audience. Saheefa, who regularly makes awareness posts about mental health, underlined how famous couples feign perfection to indulge their fans.

The Beti actor shared a carousel post with a long note debunking myths of a perfect life. “Why are we presenting our audience with false images of perfect lives and setting unachievable standards and goals? It's a request to all celebrities and influencer couples: sit in front of the camera and at least let your younger audience know what our parents didn't teach us,” the model penned.

Saheefa continued to stress the importance of influential media figures divulging the struggles and efforts that made their success possible. “When you choose to announce your wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, honeymoon, or vacation, please share with your audience how challenging it has been to achieve what you have accomplished so far as a couple and as individuals.”

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