Kubra Khan opens up about body-shaming after 'Doctor Bahu'

Says actresses are judged by their appearance, urging the industry to value talent over looks

Actor Kubra Khan has opened up about the entertainment industry's narrow beauty standards, saying actresses are often judged by their appearance rather than their talent and are expected to conform to an unrealistic ideal of beauty.

Speaking in a recent interview, she reflected on the criticism she received after being cast opposite Shuja Asad in the drama Doctor Bahu, saying many viewers believed she did not fit the conventional image of a leading actress.

"The problem in our industry and culture is that there is a mould, which is so small that everyone can't fit into it, and unfortunately, I am one of those people who can't," she said.

Kubra argued that women are often expected to be fair, thin and tall to be considered beautiful. "I'm not a size zero. There is this perception that, in order to be seen as beautiful, a girl has to be thin, tall, and have nice hair. If you do not fit into that mould, you are not good enough," she said.

Reflecting on the criticism, she said she had stopped trying to justify herself and instead chose to focus on her work.

"I've been through that for a while, and I stopped justifying it. At the end of the day, it is your opinion," she said. "Naturally, I've been affected by it quite a lot, but I decided not to respond because that would be like talking to a wall."

She revealed that the criticism intensified following her on-screen pairing with Shuja Asad, with some social media users commenting that she looked older and bigger than her co-star.

"I would see pictures and videos of people not just being rude but hopping on the trend of others belittling or bullying," she said, adding that even posts appearing to defend her often fuelled engagement by centring the discussion on her appearance.

Despite the scrutiny, Kubra said maintaining good health mattered more than conforming to unrealistic expectations.

"I need to know that I am healthy. I am not saying that I do not want to be fit or look after myself. Of course, I do. I would want to be a size eight, but not a size zero. I do not want to fit into that mould. I just want to be the best version of myself," she said.

"I want to advocate that being healthy is important, but being the best version of yourself is just as important."

Kubra revealed that she initially fit the industry's preferred beauty standards when she entered showbiz but naturally gained weight over time.

"Earlier in my career, I would fit into that mould. At the end of the day, I am human, and I will grow. I will change. There will be different seasons in my life, and that's okay," she said.

She added that while she once tried to conform to those expectations again, she ultimately realised prioritising her own well-being made her happier and allowed her to perform her roles more authentically.

Comparing Pakistan's entertainment industry with the West, Kubra argued that Western productions generally place greater emphasis on talent than appearance.

"The problem in the East is that the way you look can hinder your talent. However, if your talent is your voice, your appearance should not matter," she said.

"When you look at the West, your appearance is irrelevant. If you are acting well and serving the purpose of the character, that's great."

She also pointed out that appearance-related expectations are not limited to women, saying male actors are similarly expected to fit a particular image.

"If you do not have that same face, beard, or filmy look, then you do not fit the image of a hero," she said, referring to her husband, actor Gohar Rasheed.

Turning to Doctor Bahu, Kubra said the serial is about much more than medicine, highlighting the societal pressure many women face to give up their careers after marriage.

"Being a doctor is not a joke. Your training starts from childhood. If, at one stage in your life, someone tells you that all of your life's work is gone because you are to become a daughter-in-law, how would that feel?" she said, adding, "Honestly, my heart goes out to everyone who goes through that, and a lot of people do."