There are a variety of issues that contribute to rape and harassment, and the sufferer’s conduct shouldn’t be one in every of them, mentioned Mahira Khan as she gears up for the discharge of her upcoming film Verna.
The actor was chatting with BBC World Information whereas selling the movie, wherein she performs a rape survivor.
Sexual misconduct and office harassment are matters which might be largely misunderstood in Pakistan, and Mahira used her interview as a chance to disclose some truths about these behaviours.
1) If a lady has prevented harassment, it isn’t as a result of she’s ‘higher’ than her friends. Possibly it was simply luck
Mahira mentioned she hasn’t come throughout any cases of harassment, se**xual or in any other case, in her total performing profession.
Whereas some actors would possibly attribute this to their very own ‘modest’ behaviour or dressing (as per widespread perceptions of what causes harassment in Pakistan), Mahira made certain to make clear that her actions don’t have anything to do with this.
“I’ve been fortunate with the those that I’ve labored with ─ and I’ve labored with only a few folks,” she mentioned.
2) Dressing a sure method does not trigger harassment. Harassers trigger harassment.
When requested how younger actresses getting into the trade can keep protected, Mahira mentioned no one is permitted to harass somebody due to their conduct or how they gown.
“It does not matter how I conduct myself or what I put on or how I communicate or the place I sit or what I do. That doesn’t permit anyone to harass me,” Mahira mentioned.
“So I’m not gonna say I had a ‘good conduct’ or a ‘sure conduct’, and that is the rationale I wasn’t harassed. No, that may be the improper reply,” she added.
3) Abusers usually are inclined to prey on folks they understand to be much less highly effective
Mahira identified that she began performing at a comparatively older age than her friends, after she grew to become a mom. So maybe she wasn’t as susceptible as she might have been as a youngster.
Predators go after ladies which might be a lot youthful and extra susceptible, Mahira mentioned. “They is probably not ready to talk up or communicate out.”
“There a variety of issues which might be part of this and conduct shouldn’t be one in every of them,” Mahira mentioned.
Verna stars Mahira Khan as a rape survivor, whereas Haroon Shahid performs her husband. It’s directed by Shoaib Mansoor.
Verna will launch on November 17.