Karachi ( The COW News Digital)Prominent Pakistani actress Zhalay Sarhadi has made a bold revelation regarding her early days in the entertainment industry, claiming that she was once offered a role in exchange for inappropriate favors by a well-known director who is still active in the business.
The actress opened up during a recent podcast interview where she candidly discussed her experiences in Pakistan’s showbiz industry, particularly addressing the dark reality of casting couch practices.
When asked by the host whether she had ever encountered casting couch scenarios, Sarhadi responded affirmatively, stating that “casting couch is real in this industry” and she, too, had to face it during the initial phase of her career.
According to Zhalay, she was approached for a project and given an inappropriate offer by a director who initially rejected her based on her height, claiming she was “too tall” for the role. However, the same director later contacted her again and offered a significant role, but with indecent conditions attached.
Although she clarified that the offer was not overtly aggressive, she emphasized that it was nonetheless inappropriate and clearly linked to securing a role in his project. “The same director who dismissed me once later made an indecent proposal for a character he claimed was written just for me,” she revealed.
Zhalay said that despite the offer, she chose to walk away from the opportunity, maintaining her dignity and principles. She added that she has confronted and shut down such behavior several times throughout her career.
“I entered showbiz only to fund my education, and I never intended to compromise my values,” said the actress, adding that she has called out many individuals attempting to exploit power dynamics in the industry.
Her candid admission has reignited discussions about harassment, exploitation, and the need for reform in the Pakistani entertainment industry. While she refrained from naming the director, her revelation has triggered concern and support from fans and colleagues alike.
The issue of casting couch and abuse of power has long plagued the entertainment sectors globally, and Zhalay’s revelation adds another voice to the growing calls for transparency, accountability, and a safe working environment for artists, especially women.
