Mehwish Hayat is not just an actress, she is more. She’s not just the girl who danced on the controversial item number Billi (and braved the backlash) OR the girl who received a Tamgha-e-Imtiaz – one of the top civilian awards conferred by the government of Pakistan, she is more. Mehwish is not only a Pakistani actress (and singer) who has marked her place in a hugely male-dominated industry, she is MORE! Mehwish is the young woman who is all of the above and much, much more!
Mehwish uses her star power to address social causes and throw light on issues that we all need to think about as a nation. With a Twitter following of 996K plus and growing, Mehwish tweets her mind with a truth and courage that beguiles many. Social media power is in the hands of a few, but not all choose to exercise it to its fullest. A true influencer is socially responsible and aware. He/she must think and read between the lines, engage her audience, yet, do so without employing click-bait content, but rather, with an honesty and genuineness that endears her to her fans. Mehwish is all that and more!
The talented actress that gave us Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Load Wedding and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani amongst others, is set to make a difference in the world. And we’re rooting for her all the way. Here are 6 reasons you need to follow Mehwish Hayat on Twitter, if you aren’t already!
1. She seeks to inspire with her Tamgha-e-Imtiaz
Mehwish challenged those who rejected her right to be awarded this civilian honour with a pointed remark to all her trolls:
“The size of your mentality and your mind matters. Your mind should be big enough to fit both my Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and the song Billi.” – Mehwish Hayat
2. She championed the cause of Pakistan in Oslo
She used the world stage in Oslo to defend Pakistan, and advise Bollywood and Hollywood to steer clear of creating stereotypes.
“Be patriotic, nobody is stopping you – just don’t do it at the expense of vilifying us.” – Mehwish Hayat
When she delivered her memorable speech in Oslo, Norway highlighting issues of the film industry and how we need to look at the bigger picture and not just the screen, she addressed an issue that no Pakistani actor had yet addressed on a world stage – of painting all Muslims and all Pakistanis with the same brush of terrorism.
.Wake up and smell the coffee, she implied. Her address was both thought provoking and patriotic. Even her staunchest opponents agreed (and tweeted), that she wowed her way into their hearts!
3. Mehwish is not afraid to take sides and speak up for the wronged on a world stage.
“Remember that when you light a candle, you also cast a shadow. Let’s not leave the Kashmiri people behind.” – Mehwish Hayat on celebrating Diwali in 2019
What’s in it for us? Many would say. Others might even think about the support they garner across the border and stay silent on burning issues. Not Mehwish Hayat, and she will do so by raising her voice in a dignified manner, so as to command respect and not further fan the flames of hatred. She reminded us all that our actions have repercussions and we need not forget the people of Kashmir in the midst of festivities.
4. She’s working for a cause and the future of our youth
“I will be raising funds to build 5 schools in Sukkur. Please join me in this quest.” – Mehwish in the UK
When she announced that she is now an ambassador of the global charity Penny Appeal in order to raise funds for schools in Pakistan.
5. She’s attempting to revive Hockey in Pakistan
Mehwish used her star power to throw light on the once glorious, and now dilapidated, condition of Pakistan Hockey. She paid a surprise visit to the Edhi Hockey stadium to support the players and pledged to revive hockey in Pakistan.
“Like the arts, sports also represents the nation internationally. We need the government and sponsors to step up and support the hockey federation and players. With credible committed people surely we can get to where we once were …” – Mehwish Hayat
6. She’s not proud of being named on the Sexiest Asians list
A beauty with brains, and a conscience as well. Mehwish strives to remind people that it’s time to ‘wake up’!
“Times have changed and these sort of lists should be confined to history.” – Mehwish Hayat.
She was brave enough to speak up against how people should be judged on their merit, talent, wit, intellect among others, and not on their physical attributes.
Mehwish has taken on the role of a true influencer. In a hugely male-dominated industry, Mehwish has marked her territory with a wow-factor that inspires! If you’re not following her yet, maybe it’s time to dust that Twitter list in 2020.
Mehwish continues to challenge stereotypes and address issues that many might not have the courage to speak about, but everyone wants to hear. Does she define the Qaum Ki Awaaz for many?
While that remains to be seen, for now, keep on tweeting Mehwish, with a courage that defies the odds – We’re listening!
