Nadia Jamil has a message for women who are taught that love is sacrifice

Actor opened up on new role, perils of social media, support from fans

Seasoned actor Nadia Jamil recently engaged in a poignant and enlightening interview with BBC Urdu, where she dove into a myriad of profound experiences and shared insightful perspectives. In a candid conversation with journalist Buraq Shabbir, the discourse not only traversed the realms of her illustrious career but also explored her encounters with the ever-evolving landscape of social media. 

Jamil opened up about the challenges she navigated during health crises, offering a deeply personal glimpse into the resilience that defined those moments. Moreover, the interview provided a platform for her to articulate her nuanced perspectives on the societal expectations imposed on women, shedding light on the complexities and pressures faced by women in various spheres of life. 

In an era where our lives are becoming progressively enmeshed with digital platforms, Jamil candidly spoke about the multifaceted landscape of social media. Revealing a profound connection with her online community, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support that emanated from her followers during a particularly arduous chapter marked by hospitalization. 

At the epicentre of adversity, Jamil found herself tethered to a ventilator, traversing the delicate terrain of a coma. It was during these trying moments that the power of social media emerged as a potent force, acting as a conduit for solace and encouragement. In a testament to the resilience of human connection in the virtual realm, her fans emerged as beacons of hope and virtual sunshine, rallying around her like a digital lifeline in a time of unprecedented vulnerability.

She candidly recalled, "At that time, when I would raise my hand once gaining consciousness, I was so weak, and there was no WiFi there. Only Instagram was working. I would share a post and people who are strangers to me would send in so much love and prayers that my tears of happiness and gratitude would stream down and fall on my pillow. These people kept me uplifted. I am here because of their prayers."

However, she also did not hesitate to dive into the darker side of the digital realm, shedding light on the trolling and harsh comments she encountered. Despite facing online negativity, Jamil acknowledged the positive impact of social media connections that transcend physical boundaries. The star shared a deeply personal aspect of her life, recounting a childhood incident where her right arm fractured. 

She bravely discussed her struggle with epilepsy, revealing that during a seizure, she falls on her weaker side, affecting her ability to form proper morsels through her right hand. This medical condition led to criticism and trolling when she ate with her left hand on social media. Despite her children's advice to avoid eating on camera due to online backlash, Jamil highlighted the importance of raising awareness about her health challenges.

Jamil shared, "Social media is a beautiful place. But everything has a limit. When I was about four or five years old, my right arm broke," explained Nadia. "I also have epilepsy, and I suffer from episodes on the same side. This side is a little frozen and I can't make morsels of food using it. I can hold a spoon, but it's quite contorted. If I do an interview where I am eating, I eat with my left hand. I get so many abuses. My sons ask me not to eat on social media."

The veteran actor also shed light on societal expectations imposed on women, offering insightful reflections on the deeply ingrained belief that love equates to sacrifice. She acknowledged the partial truth in this perspective but cautioned against sacrificing one's self-respect and sense of being. "Women are taught that love is sacrifice. I believe this is true to an extent. Because if you sacrifice yourself, your self-respect and your sense of being, you teach the same to your children. You will have nothing left to give," stated the star. 

When queried about her return to the screen in a full-fledged role as Dr Adeela, Jamil expressed her enthusiasm, stating that she is "loving it." Opening up about her health journey, she shared, "They say the effects of chemotherapy last two years. This is my third year. I'm healthier. My energy is back. Oftentimes, one learns from their characters. Adeela has taught me a lot - patience, and a sense of dignity. She's my complete opposite."

Discussing her portrayal of Dr. Adeela, Jamil explained her motivation, stating, "There are many women and men stuck in such relationships where they are not respected. I hope this drama gives that perspective to those people. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. You can leave such situations." 

Jamil's journey, marked by resilience, self-discovery, and a commitment to authenticity, serves as an inspiring narrative in the realms of both personal struggles and societal expectations. Her candid revelations contribute to important conversations about the multifaceted nature of social media, the importance of health awareness, and the evolving dynamics of gender roles.

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