WEB DESK: Actress Kubra Khan has recently spoken out against the limited and often harmful beauty ideals prevalent in Pakistan’s entertainment scene. In an honest interview, she shared her experiences of being judged more for her looks than her talent, highlighting the pressure to conform to an unrealistic beauty mold.
Kubra recalled the criticism she faced after being cast opposite Shuja Asad in *Doctor Bahu*. Many viewers questioned her suitability as a leading lady, suggesting she didn’t match the traditional image of beauty expected in the industry. She confesses, “There’s a very small mold in our industry and culture — so small that not everyone can fit into it. And unfortunately, I am one of those who cannot.”
She emphasized that societal standards often equate beauty with fairness, slimness, and tall stature. “A girl is expected to be thin, tall, and have perfect hair. If you don’t fit into that ideal, then you’re deemed not good enough,” she explained.
Kubra also shared her perspective on the impact of such judgments, revealing that she initially tried to justify the criticism but eventually chose to ignore it. “At the end of the day, it’s just your opinion. I was affected by it, but I decided not to respond because that’s like talking to a wall,” she said.
The actress faced increased scrutiny after her on-screen pairing with Shuja Asad, with some social media users commenting that she appeared older and larger than her co-star. “People don’t just criticize; they follow trends of belittling and bullying. Even posts defending me often turned into discussions about my appearance,” she added.
Despite societal pressures, Kubra stressed the importance of health over conforming to beauty standards. “I want to be healthy and look after myself. I’d love to be a size eight, but not a size zero. I don’t want to fit into that mold — I want to be the best version of myself,” she said. “Being healthy is what truly matters, and that’s what I advocate.”
She reflected on her journey, sharing that she once fit into the industry’s preferred beauty standards but gradually gained weight over time. “When I started, I conformed to those standards, but as I grew older, I realized that change is natural. There will be different phases in life, and that’s okay,” she explained.
Kubra also contrasted Pakistan’s entertainment industry with Western productions, noting that Western media tends to prioritize talent over appearance. “In the West, looks are less important. If your acting is good and you serve the role well, that’s what counts,” she said. “In our part of the world, appearance can often overshadow talent, especially if your voice or skills aren’t considered enough.”
The actress pointed out that beauty standards are not limited to women. Male actors are also expected to fit a certain image, such as having a particular look or beard, citing her husband, actor Gohar Rasheed, as an example.
Turning to her role in *Doctor Bahu*, Kubra highlighted that the show addresses issues beyond medicine — specifically societal pressures on women to abandon their careers after marriage. “Becoming a doctor isn’t a joke; it starts from childhood. Imagine being told that all your hard work is gone because you’re now a daughter-in-law,” she expressed. “My heart goes out to women who face this reality, and many do.”
Kubra Khan’s candid conversation sheds light on the deep-rooted standards that need change, advocating for a more inclusive and talent-driven entertainment industry.
