Gohar Rasheed criticises celebrity culture

Actors Gohar Rasheed and Khaqan Shahnawaz recently shared their views on Pakistan’s entertainment industry, discussing everything from celebrity culture and political awareness to the Aurat March and the treatment of artists behind the scenes.

During the interview, Gohar Rasheed expressed concern over what he sees as a growing lack of awareness among many celebrities. According to him, several actors and public figures avoid discussing political or social issues, choosing instead to remain neutral in order to protect their public image.

Rasheed said that many stars are reluctant to speak not only about Pakistan’s political matters but also about important international events. In his opinion, this tendency to remain silent reflects a broader lack of general knowledge within the entertainment industry. He argued that many personalities are more focused on maintaining popularity than engaging with issues that affect society.

He also criticized the industry’s increasing obsession with social media success, saying that likes, followers and online engagement have become more important than artistic excellence. Rasheed noted that many people in showbiz are competing for digital numbers instead of concentrating on improving their craft. He believes this shift has weakened the creative standards of the industry and distracted performers from meaningful storytelling.

The discussion later moved to the Aurat March, Pakistan’s annual movement advocating for women’s rights. Rasheed clarified that he supports the overall goals of the campaign, particularly its efforts to promote equality and highlight issues affecting women. However, he said that he disagrees with some of the slogans displayed during the marches, arguing that a few of them can be interpreted as disrespectful or controversial.

Using item songs as an example, Rasheed explained that he opposes anything that objectifies women and believes campaigns for women’s rights should communicate their message in a way that appeals to a wider audience. He suggested that activists can continue advocating for equal rights while choosing language that is less likely to divide public opinion or shift attention away from the movement’s main objectives.

Khaqan Shahnawaz offered a different perspective, defending the Aurat March against criticism. He argued that many people focus only on a small number of controversial slogans while ignoring the movement’s broader mission. According to Shahnawaz, the campaign raises awareness about serious issues including acid attacks, gender-based violence, femicide and the denial of basic rights to women across Pakistan.

He said the Aurat March is one of the few public platforms that consistently highlights these problems and demands meaningful reforms. Shahnawaz added that criticizing the wording of a few slogans overlooks the larger struggle for justice and equality. He also emphasized that the frustration expressed by many participants reflects the realities faced by women who experience discrimination and violence.

Shahnawaz further argued that the language used during protests should not overshadow the importance of the causes being raised. In his view, people should pay greater attention to the issues themselves rather than attempting to dictate how protesters express their emotions. He also said that participation in the Aurat March should not automatically define a celebrity’s responsibilities as a public figure.

Beyond social issues, Rasheed highlighted long-standing problems within Pakistan’s entertainment industry. He called for fairer treatment of actors, writers, directors and technical crew members, stressing that many professionals continue to face delayed payments and inadequate financial recognition for their work.

He also urged producers and production houses to ensure timely compensation and a fair distribution of royalties, saying that everyone involved in creating television and film projects deserves respect and proper remuneration. Rasheed warned against exploiting creative professionals, adding that those who mistreat workers may eventually be held accountable for their actions.

On the professional front, Gohar Rasheed is preparing for several upcoming television projects, including Fanaa, Ae Dil, Hasrat and Jindo. Meanwhile, Khaqan Shahnawaz continues to build his acting career with performances in dramas such as Hadsa, Sukoon and My Dear Cinderella, while also maintaining a strong presence as a digital content creator.