Actress Tuba Anwar has spoken out against the rising culture of online trolling and harsh criticism targeting celebrities, calling on social media users to exercise empathy and responsibility in their comments.
Currently starring alongside Aagha Ali in Geo Entertainment’s popular drama Mohra, the on-screen duo has earned praise from viewers. In an interview, the pair discussed mental health, the pressures of social media, societal attitudes, and their drama’s storyline.
Addressing the impact of online comments on a public figure’s mental well-being, Anwar said:
“When you have hundreds of thousands of followers, a lot of people are watching you. People write all sorts of things — some so inappropriate that no one would ever want to read them about themselves.”
Rejecting the notion that celebrities remain unaffected by criticism, she added: “If something is said about you personally, it does affect you. It hurts.” Anwar recalled reading deeply upsetting remarks about herself and questioned the entitlement of those who feel free to post such content: “Being a public figure doesn’t give others the right to say whatever they want. How can you write such things about anyone?”
On whether celebrities should respond to such negativity, she highlighted the double standards they face: “If we respond to toxic comments, we’re immediately labelled as rude or arrogant.”
Having faced trolling and scrutiny over her private life, Anwar stressed the need to change this harmful culture: “It’s sad that people think they can type whatever they like on Instagram without consequences. But it does have consequences — and that sin is on you.”
Echoing her views, co-star Aagha Ali warned trolls to reflect on their actions: “People who troll others should remember — one day, you’ll have to face Hell and answer to Allah. Watch your words.”
