Mehar Bano slams the dark side of showbiz

Express Tribune

a day ago

Is there a dark side plaguing the showbiz industry in Pakistan? Taxali Gate actor Mehar Bano is convinced there is, and did not mince her words when delivering her scathing verdict on the subject during a recent appearance on Hasna Mana Hai.
"There is a dark side in every industry, and even more so here because there are so many beautiful faces involved," began the actor as she mused over the obstacles strewn across her chosen career path. "You also get electric, larger than life personalities, and celebrities want to meet with them, mingle with them."
In Bano's experience, the downside of these beautiful, electrifying people all mingling with each other all points to the biggest red flag in the world of showbiz: harassment.
"There are lots of people – men and women – who face harassment, be it on set or off set," she stressed. "Then there is also the fact that when someone offers you work, often they expect something back in return. There is an exchange of favours."
Although Bano did not explicitly state what that 'something' would be, or what these 'favours' were, her words hinted at the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry where all paid word comes with strings attached.
"Yes, this happens even in 2025," she stated firmly. "It is not the only thing that happens, but I would say that it happens as well. And it happens a lot, I won't lie."
Bano did not elaborate on whether or not she personally has experienced harassment throughout the course of her career. No stranger to controversy, however, the actor – known for her performances in Churails and Mere Paas Tum Ho – faced backlash from fans last year after posting dance videos on her Instagram account.
The actor's words on wide scale harassment unconsciously echo those of screenwriter Bee Gul's, who appeared on Rafay Mahmood's podcast last year and gave an almost identical account of the entertainment industry in Pakistan by noting that sexual exploitation has become a hallmark of showbiz.
"It is so common that any girl who enters the industry considers it normal," declared Bee in a matter-of-fact tone, ripping to shreds the misguided notion that the industry could ever be "paak saaf". "It happens everywhere I know. Women are mentally prepared for it. They know that at some point, they will have to trade off their body or beauty."
Bee was adamant that granting sexual favours is such an entrenched part of climbing the ladder to success that often if women are to progress, they have no choice but to give in. "For so many, it is their only way to the top, no matter how good an actor they are otherwise," she lamented.