Pakistani actor Kubra Khan has spoken about the body-shaming she faced after appearing opposite Shuja Asad in the drama Doctor Bahu.
During a recent interview, Kubra said Pakistan’s entertainment industry often values appearance more than acting ability. She argued that rigid beauty standards prevent many talented performers from receiving fair recognition.
Kubra Khan Challenges Industry Beauty Standards
“The problem in our industry and culture is that there is a mould, which is so small that everyone can’t fit into it, and unfortunately, I am one of those people who can’t,” she said.
According to Kubra, society often expects actresses to remain fair, thin and tall. These expectations create an unrealistic image that many women cannot or do not want to follow.
“I’m not a size zero. There is this perception that, in order to be seen as beautiful, a girl has to be thin, tall, and have nice hair. If you do not fit into that mould, you are not good enough,” she said.
Criticism intensified after viewers saw her pairing with Shuja Asad. Some social media users claimed that she looked older and bigger than her co-star.
Kubra eventually stopped defending herself against such comments.
“I’ve been through that for a while, and I stopped justifying it. At the end of the day, it is your opinion,” she said.
Although the criticism hurt her, she chose not to argue with online users.
“Naturally, I’ve been affected by it quite a lot, but I decided not to respond because that would be like talking to a wall.”
She also criticised people who joined online trends built around mocking her appearance.
“I would see pictures and videos of people not just being rude but hopping on the trend of others belittling or bullying,” she said.
Health Matters More Than Size Zero
Instead of chasing unrealistic standards, Kubra now focuses on health and personal well-being.
“I need to know that I am healthy. I am not saying that I do not want to be fit or look after myself. Of course, I do. I would want to be a size eight, but not a size zero. I do not want to fit into that mould. I just want to be the best version of myself,” she said.
Her message, she added, centres on self-improvement rather than forced conformity.
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“I want to advocate that being healthy is important, but being the best version of yourself is just as important.”
Kubra said her body naturally changed as she grew older.
“Earlier in my career, I would fit into that mould. At the end of the day, I am human, and I will grow. I will change. There will be different seasons in my life, and that’s okay,” she said.
Doctor Bahu Highlights Women’s Career Struggles
Kubra also compared entertainment standards in Pakistan with those in Western industries.
“The problem in the East is that the way you look can hinder your talent. However, if your talent is your voice, your appearance should not matter,” she said.
“When you look at the West, your appearance is irrelevant. If you are acting well and serving the purpose of the character, that’s great.”
Male performers also face visual expectations, she said, while referring to her husband, actor Gohar Rasheed.
“If you do not have that same face, beard, or filmy look, then you do not fit the image of a hero,” she said.
Turning to Doctor Bahu, Kubra said the drama explores pressure on women to leave their professions after marriage.
“Being a doctor is not a joke. Your training starts from childhood. If, at one stage in your life, someone tells you that all of your life’s work is gone because you are to become a daughter-in-law, how would that feel?” she said.
Expressing sympathy for women facing such pressure, she added, “Honestly, my heart goes out to everyone who goes through that, and a lot of people do.”
