Zhalay Sarhadi exposes harassment in showbiz

Zhalay Sarhadi Speaks Out on Misogyny and Exploitation in Entertainment Industry

Zhalay Sarhadi Opens Up About Shocking Experience in Early Career

In a recent podcast appearance, Pakistani actress Zhalay Sarhadi shared a disturbing memory from the start of her acting career. She revealed that someone once suggested she would need to do what “other women sleep with someone for” in order to land a role she wanted.

Zhalay didn’t stay silent. She responded strongly:
“I lost it, which is normal. I told them I’m doing this to fund my education, and if anyone approaches me like that again, I’ll slap them.”

She explained that from the very beginning, she had to stand her ground and deal with inappropriate behavior.
“I had to give a shut-up call to a couple of people early on. I faced it,” she said.

Although the offer wasn’t made in an aggressive way, Zhalay made it clear that it was wrong—and that such situations are more common than people think.

Challenging Cultural Beliefs

Zhalay also spoke about the unfair cultural mindset around women earning their own money. She addressed the common saying “aurat ki kamayi mein barkat nahi hoti” (there’s no blessing in a woman’s income) and pushed back strongly.

“I’ve funded my own education, paid for my wedding, and bought my own car. So I don’t see how my earnings are any less blessed than a man’s,” she said.

She believes this belief is part of a bigger system that holds women back—both in the entertainment industry and in society as a whole.

“I Had to Be Intimidating”

When asked whether her bold personality was a defense mechanism, Zhalay responded honestly:
“Possibly. I’m intimidating. I had to be.”

She also recalled an incident where a director rejected her for being “too tall,” even though it had nothing to do with the role.
“He was the director, but my height had nothing to do with him,” she said, highlighting how women are often judged unfairly on their looks.

When asked if that director is still working in the industry, she replied with sharp sarcasm:
“MashaAllah, yes. Such people remain a part of the industry.”

Mehar Bano Adds Her Voice

Actress Mehar Bano also joined the discussion in a separate interview on the show Hansna Mana Hai. She confirmed that harassment exists across the entertainment world, affecting both men and women.

“People with power often offer roles in return for favors. It happens more than people think,” she said.

According to Mehar, the glamorous image of showbiz hides a darker truth.
“It’s a world full of beautiful faces, but also full of manipulation and pressure,” she added.

In a lighter moment, Mehar joked about a past co-actor with strong body odor, saying,
“I didn’t say anything. I stayed professional.”

Zhalay Sarhadi and Mehar Bano’s honest revelations shine a light on the hidden struggles faced by women—and men—in the entertainment industry. Their courage to speak out not only breaks the silence but also encourages others to stand up against injustice and unfair treatment.