Hurtful, not helpful

In an industry where looks are often placed on a pedestal, actor and model Amna Ilyas is no stranger to the endless commentary on physical appearance. However, she's had enough of the uninvited critiques, which she calls out on The MM Show with Masarrat Misbah.

"When a guest walks into your house, the first thing they say after greeting them is 'Oh, you've become so healthy,' or 'you're looking so weak,'" Amna pointed out. These remarks, seemingly innocuous, are often delivered with a smile, but the impact they have can be far from lighthearted.

She continued, "'You've ruined your complexion,' or 'your hair has become so thin!' Why do people do this?" It's a question many of us have asked ourselves in the aftermath of such comments, often after a pang of self-consciousness hits.

For the Baaji actor, the answer is clear: "I've realised over time that they just want to give themselves that ego boost. They have a shallow ego, and they feel better by putting others down and making them feel conscious," she added, leaving no room for ambiguity. Amna is calling it as she sees it, exposing the toxic undercurrent behind what many consider harmless remarks. In a culture that often dismisses such behaviour as just being "honest" or "helpful," her perspective is a necessary wake-up call.

"People who want what's best for you will never say these things as soon as you walk into a room," she explained. "They'll tell you later in a loving way. Like I do with my friends," she said, emphasising the importance of intention—how words, when delivered with love and concern, can build up rather than tear down.