One of the most bankable actresses in the country, Mehwish Hayat was honoured with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2019, for her contribution to Pakistani cinema. However, the actress has been receiving backslash ever since it was announced that she’ll be one of the recipients of the honour.
After penning a heartfelt letter recently, the actress took to social media and responded to online trolls who have been questioning her morals and character in the past couple of days.
“Though I didn’t want to, I feel that I must address the nonsense that some people are spewing about my award. Debate all you like whether you think I deserve it or not - we live in a democracy and everyone is entitled to their opinions. I respect that,” Mehwish Hayat wrote on her official Instagram handle. “However, I do draw the line when my character is being questioned in the most filthy way. I never wanted to make this a gender thing but it is unfortunate that others seem to be.”
The actress, who is also a singer, went on to add that her character is being questioned and that she has been called so many names that it doesn’t affect her anymore. “However, to suggest that I slept my way to this award is an abhorrent slur on all the hard working women in our country. We may be part of an industry that is seen to be glamorous - but it doesn’t mean that we have forsaken our morals. What gives anybody the right to drag my name into the gutter with crude insinuations. You don’t know me!”
In the end, Mehwish Hayat thanked all her supporters and said that the backlash - received from haters - has only made her stronger. “The last couple of weeks have been quite an eye-opener for me.”
