Renowned Pakistani actor and model Zhalay Sarhadi has spoken out candidly about the persistent misogyny and exploitation faced by women in the country’s entertainment industry.
During a recent appearance on the talk show Excuse Me with Ahmed Ali Butt, Sarhadi addressed deeply rooted gender biases and her personal encounters with the casting couch culture in showbiz.
The conversation took a serious turn when the host mentioned a commonly held belief in Pakistan — that “aurat ki kamayi mein barkat nahi hoti” (a woman’s income lacks blessings). Sarhadi firmly rejected the notion, stating, “I’ve funded my own education, my own wedding, and bought my own car. So I don’t see how my earnings are any less abundant than a man’s.”
Her remarks reflected not only financial independence but also the resilience required to survive and thrive in an industry where power dynamics often tilt against women. When asked if she had proposed to her husband, Sarhadi laughed and said, “No, I made sure my husband proposed to me. My personality is very intimidating. What can I say?” She admitted that this strong persona may have been an unconscious shield in a vulnerable work environment.
Sarhadi revealed that she was approached with inappropriate offers early in her career. “I had to give a shut-up call to a couple of people,” she recalled. One such encounter involved being told she’d only get a desirable role if she “played along” — a veiled reference to sleeping with someone, as others had. “I lost it, which is normal,” she said. “I told them that I’m just doing this to fund my education, and if anyone approaches me like that, I would slap them.”
She added a scathing remark about the director involved, who had earlier rejected her for being “too tall,” despite being significantly shorter himself and having no valid reason to comment on her height. “MashaAllah, yes,” she said sarcastically when asked if he was still active in the industry.
Zhalay’s revelations highlight the ongoing struggle against harassment and gender discrimination in Pakistani entertainment. Her voice joins those of other courageous women, like Alizeh Shah, who are beginning to call out toxic practices — from media bullying to non-payment of dues and harassment by senior colleagues.
With each voice that speaks out, the call for a safer, more respectful, and professional entertainment industry grows louder.
