Lots of people like Nargis go through abuse: Resham

In a sombre video on her Instagram handle, film and television actor Resham posted a message in solidarity with friend and colleague Nargis, whose disturbing photographs depicting domestic violence have sent shockwaves in the showbiz industry.

"My heart is broken. The photos you have seen are nothing compared to what I have seen when I visited Nargis," began the Muthi Bhar Chahat actor.

In recent days, a video clip circulating on social media has shown film and stage actor Nargis covered in multiple bruises, allegedly at the hands of her husband. Nargis, who has appeared in over 100 films, has filed an FIR against her husband, accusing him of hitting her in the face with the butt of a pistol after she refused to transfer her property to his name.

Clad in an all-black outfit to reflect the serious nature of her video, Resham illustrated that Nargis had given up her dreams and ambitions to avoid her husband's displeasure, but to no avail. "She is my colleague, friend and sister, and to protect her home, this woman left theatre and film. She left behind everything that her husband didn't like," noted Resham. "She wore an abaya and hijab. She has been going on Hajj and Umrah for many years now, but she couldn't save her home."

Resham's depiction of a devoted, subservient wife who remained unable to escape the tentacles of domestic violence is a harsh reminder of the grim reality faced by many women at the hands of an abuser. Resham's message is clear: the problem lies not with the actions of the woman, but with the patriarchal mindset of a man whose violent nature is allowed to go unchecked. As Resham went on to highlight, "In pursuit of a happy marriage, I can swear that this woman did everything to please her husband. She never did anything except humbly agree to everything he said, but to no avail. My heart is broken. I can't bear to look at what she is going through."

The actor went on to give a shocking description of Nargis's injuries and acknowledged the silently abused women who have been unable to take a stand for themselves despite undergoing a similar trauma. "There are lots of people like Nargis who go through abuse like this," stated Resham. "Men who raise their hand against a woman should have their hand chopped off. You are not a real man if this is how low you can sink."

Resham's words serve to underscore the plight of women who give up everything dear to them for the sake of maintaining a peaceful marriage. "Nargis sacrificed everything," lamented Resham. Her husband didn't like her meeting her friends, so she couldn't even share everything with me. Today, seeing her like this, my heart is broken."

The actor concluded her message with a vow of solidarity and a plea for justice. "Nargis - the entire film industry is standing behind you," said Resham. "And to the government of Pakistan - I implore you for justice."

As the case continues, it remains to be seen whether Resham's haunting plea bears any fruit. Nargis, who starred in over 100 films in a career spanning from 1993 to 2018, was once the highest-paid stage artist in the country. Film buffs will remember her for her supporting role in the musical romance Choorian (1998), which ranks amongst the highest-grossing domestic films in the country. Regardless of her glittering showbiz CV, the former actor has still fallen prey to domestic violence, highlighting a harrowing truth: a thriving career is no guarantee that a woman will be safe in her marriage.