The Weight of Beauty: A Shocking Reality in Pakistan's Entertainment Industry

A stunning expose by Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui has exposed the harsh realities faced by individuals working in Pakistan's entertainment industry. Over the period, she shares her personal experience of struggling with body dysmorphia, societal pressures to conform to traditional beauty standards, and the painful consequences of being invisible when out of shape.

The 5'4" journalist, who entered the field at just $18_, experienced weight changes throughout her career. At one time, she was labeled as "skinny", while at others, she was told she had "gained weight". Her struggles began when co-colleagues would mock her eating habits and make jokes about her love handles.

Siddiqui reveals that during the Covid-19 lockdown, she suffered rapid weight gain due to poor eating habits, only to get criticism from acquaintances who now thought she was "attractive". She shares a tale in which an actor told her that despite falling seriously ill with Covid, "you've lost weight".

The entertainment industry has a long history of pressuring stars to conform to certain beauty standards. From cosmetic procedures to invasive medical regimens and extreme dieting regiments, the stakes are high for those who want to succeed.

Siddiqui's courageous expose raises crucial questions about beauty standards in society. Do we admire and celebrate unique beauty, or do we turn a blind eye when faced with anything that falls outside of our narrow perceptions?

The global outcry over pretty privilege has sparked widespread discussion about the blurring of lines between physical appearance and career success. But what does this knowledge make us want to do? Do we become sympathetic towards those who choose drastic measures to conform to traditional beauty standards, or do we realize that hardening one's shell is necessary in this field?

While it might be that others have better boundaries and have learned to let things roll off, there may indeed be a grave issue at play - the rigid definition of what is beautiful and accepted. This societal expectation can lead individuals to undergo extreme physical changes or suffer serious consequences.

Siddiqui's expose also raises concerns about Pakistan's entertainment industry being more concerned with looks over talent.