Mehwish Hayat Makes For A Far Better UN Ambassador Than Priyanka And Here’s Why [Video]

The Pakistani actress calls out Bollywood and Hollywood over reinforcing stereotypes.

mehwish hayat

To borrow a phrase from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Mehwish Hayat has turned doubters into believers.

We all remember how she was criticized for being awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz right? Most of us thought Ms. Hayat not worthy of the prestigious award. But her recent speech in Oslo has given her doubters a lot of food for thought.


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Mehwish Hayat Takes Hollywood and Bollywood to Task

Addressing an award ceremony in Norway, where she was awarded the Pride of Performance award by Prime Minister Erna Solberg, the actress slammed Bollywood and Hollywood for portraying a negative image of Pakistan.

Mehwish Hayat talked about how cinema can play an important role in developing positive attitude towards certain things that are considered bad or negative in the society.

“We in the film industry, carry a tremendous responsibility. Cinema is a very powerful tool and it has the ability to change people’s minds, behaviors and attitudes.”

She went on to add that Hollywood’s negative portrayal of Pakistan has greatly influenced people’s minds in the West.

“I sincerely believe that Hollywood films and programmes, vilifying my country and portraying us as backward terrorists, has had a profound effect on the psyche of the west. It has greatly influenced what people think of Pakistan,” she said.

The Punjab Nahi Jaungi actress named TV shows which has contributed to a rise in Islamophobia.

“Homeland, Zero Dark Thirty and The Brink, they have built an image of my country that I certainly don’t recognise these films, combined with others have fueled the rise of Islamophobia,” Mehwish Hayat said.

‘Bollywood Spreads Hatred’

Mehwish Hayat lashed out at Bollywood for spreading hatred instead of using their big industry to bring people together.

“Our neighbors have one of the largest film industries in the world and in a time where they could’ve used the power they yield to bring us together, what do they do? They make countless films showing Pakistanis as villains,” she added.

Mehwish also urged Bollywood to use their platform for spreading peace, and think beyond what’s good for business.

“I understand given our history, upbringing and politics of the region, it can be difficult to remain neutral and in being so, can be seen as unpatriotic. They really need to decide which is more important – nationalistic fervor or a peaceful future.”

Knowing the damage war brings in its wake, Pakistani celebrities have acted as the ambassadors of peace, which is something many Indian celebrities don’t possess the grace to do so. Indian celebrities often use their patriotism as a tool to drive the success of their movies.


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