Rasheed proposes ban for 'real problems'

Actor wants people to focus on unemployment, inflation

The imposition of censorship across the media landscape is best understood by artists themselves, and 40-year-old experienced actor Gohar Rasheed is no exception.

On August 8, Rasheed updated his Instagram Stories with a written sentiment. "Since we are on a 'ban' spree, how about we also ban," he said, before listing ten common issues that prevail upon the socioeconomic climate of any nation.

The list included the following in numerical order: unemployment, inflation, intolerance, debits, double standards/hypocrisy, overpriced utility bills/taxes, cancel culture, hopeless future, no accountability, and injustice. "Let's focus on the real problems," read the final line of Rasheed's post.

Although there are no explicit mentions in the Jannat Se Aagay actor's Story, the post succeeds the controversy surrounding fantasy drama series Barzakh, which is being subjected to public disapproval for its depiction of queer content and other contentious creative choices.

In the past, Rasheed has gone on record to accuse the showbiz industry of colourism. As a guest on Yasir Hussain's The Pick and Drop Show in February, Rasheed had stated that the only way to make it big in the game is to get expensive skin-lightening injections.

"You can rest assured whether you can act or not. The production house knows you can do it, you don't know it, but they know you can act because you are fair," he remarked with a laugh. Rasheed also called out mainstream television's knack for 'toxic masculinity', tying it with wider practices of exclusion. He contended, "Unfortunately, we are a racist country. Let's just admit the fact. We want everything fair and light like milk."

Within the entertainment industry, Rasheed also noted whilst he had enjoyed the tutelage of senior actors, in his experience, not everyone was as keen to foster growth.

"I have been generally blessed in that regard that I found good seniors initially like Humayun Bhai," he shared, referencing his interactions with screen veteran Humayun Saeed early on. "He taught me a lot but I will say this openly, the majority of seniors are not welcoming…They don't give you the space,"

The actor divulged how he actively tries to offer his juniors honest and heartfelt guidance. "I won't misguide them. I will not manipulate them. I will not be negative with them." However, Rasheed maintained that he keeps a distance from juniors who refuse to learn from and acknowledge senior actors and their work. "They think they have learnt everything," he said.