Mehwish Hayat defends item song performance, calls it ’empowering’

Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat responded to critics for slamming her item song ‘Gangster Guriya’ on Friday, stating that to dance was her choice and she found her work empowering.

Mehwish is arguably Pakistan’s most prolific actress at the moment. A few months ago, the actress was subjected to harsh criticism when she was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for her work in the drama and film industry.

A lot of people called her out for doing item songs, claiming that it was not part of Pakistani culture or cinema.

Hence, another extreme reaction on social media was witnessed when the actress shared another item song she had done for the movie ‘Baji’ starring Meera, Osman Khalid Butt and Amna Ilyas in leading roles. Mehwish did an item song for the movie titled ‘Gangster Guriya’.

The actress was accused of copying Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif. Kaif has appeared in numerous Bollywood flicks throughout her stint in the film industry and many of them featured item songs.

“To do these dance numbers has been my choice. As an actress and performer it is my job. As a woman I find my work empowering. Dance to me is aesthetically the purest form of art,” she tweeted.

To do these dance numbers has been my choice. As an actress and performer it is my job. As a woman I find my work empowering. Dance to me is aesthetically the purest form of art. https://t.co/KzGNoXJXhU
Incase you’ve missed it here’s the link ☝?

— Mehwish Hayat TI (@MehwishHayat) June 21, 2019

Osman Khalid Butt, who choreographed the song, stood by Mehwish when a Twitter troll heaped abuse at her.

“Please. It’s not too much to ask that you be civil in your criticism. No one is taking away your freedom of speech or your right to call out something you feel strongly against. But that doesn’t give you the right to tag someone and hurl obscenities & vicious abuse their way,” he tweeted.