Pakistani film star Meera has recently found herself at the center of intense public discussion following her appearances on podcasts hosted by Irshad Bhatti and Rehan Tariq. Clips from these interviews have gone viral across social media platforms, drawing criticism for what many viewers described as inappropriate, controversial, and at times demeaning lines of questioning directed at the actress.
Despite the nature of the questions, Meera maintained composure throughout the interviews. Rather than engaging in any controversy, she consistently steered the conversation toward promoting her upcoming film Psycho. Her calm and restrained response has earned her widespread support from fans, members of the media, and fellow artists, many of whom have praised her professionalism under pressure.
The controversy has now taken a broader turn with senior actor Shaan Shahid publicly addressing the issue during his appearance on Rise and Shine hosted by Nadia Khan. Speaking candidly, Shaan criticized the growing trend of aggressive questioning in entertainment interviews, particularly when conducted by journalists primarily associated with political reporting.
He emphasized the need to distinguish between investigative and entertainment journalism, arguing that the two fields operate under entirely different principles. According to Shaan, many interviews with artists today resemble interrogations rather than conversations, creating an environment where celebrities are treated as if they are being held accountable in a courtroom rather than being invited to discuss their work.
Shaan further expressed disappointment over what he described as unrealistic expectations placed on public figures. He questioned why artists are often expected to meet idealized moral standards, stating that human imperfection should not become grounds for public scrutiny in entertainment platforms. He also pointed out that respected media personalities, who are seen as opinion leaders, risk damaging their credibility when they blur professional boundaries.
In his remarks, Shaan advised artists to become more cautious and better prepared when appearing on podcasts. He suggested that celebrities should conduct thorough research about hosts and the format of shows beforehand, particularly when discussions might veer into personal territory.
