Celebrities are upset over the trivialization of harassment. Ayeza Khan is playing social media celebrity in the new drama ‘Laapata’. That role has disappointed many people for its problematic portrayal of harassment.
‘Absolutely disgusting said singer Meesha Shafi while sharing a screenshot of Laapata’s first episode. “Pushing this sick narrative is highly irresponsible and problematic.”
Ayeza had been sharing different looks including the looks of Madam Noor Jahan, Madhuri, and Mahira Khan.
Laapata premiered on Wednesday on Hum TV. Her new character’s name is Geeti Princess. Many people expressed disappointment over the way Geeti misuses her social media account and power for personal gains.
The scene shows that Geeti goes to a shop and instead of paying her previous bills, she scares the shopkeeper away by taking out her mobile phone and saying all the wrong things to the shopkeeper. She lies that he is harassing her. She is showing him ‘ the power of social media.
Some people believe that the portrayal of women like this isn’t suitable as there are a lot of genuine cases where a woman takes out her phone and records a misdeed. Some believe it creates a hostile atmosphere for women who choose to speak out against harassment, especially through social media. In my point of view, art is supposed to show every aspect of human life and the human mind. It doesn’t ever say that killing or rape is right in any way but it shows that aspect of society because art is supposed to show it all. It is supposed to be universal. By criticizing what is being shown, we criticize art and basic human ideas. No one in history ever said that false accusations are right and nobody ever will say that. But showing such an aspect is a duty of art. This happened, or this can also happen is a part of that. By criticizing and pointing out everything about it, we limit the art to one thing. A portrayal of a man killing a man never says that you go out and do the same but it says that, this also happens in society. So pointing out every little thing in art beforehand, before going to the conclusion of the drama or a film is stupidity and a useless thing to do. Let’s start appreciating our art and artists so that the world does the same. We look at the other industries, we watch their movies without pointing out why they are showing such stuff because we know the result will be good. We remain patient with all other industries and we also like their movies even after they are showing violence and nudity. Why don’t we support our own culture and drama industry? Why don’t we support our content? Whenever a director wants to grow and show something different, we come out against it and limit it. As long as this drama is concerned, it is just one episode that shows the ugly side of a media user, which is a reality for some. Let’s wait and see the rest of the drama and then come to the conclusion. Jumping to conclusions helps no one.
