NATIONAL ( The cow news digital ) Senior Pakistani journalist and anchor Irshad Bhatti has responded to criticism following controversy surrounding his recent interview with actress Meera regarding her upcoming film “Psycho.” Clips from the interview circulating on social media have sparked debate, with several actors and public figures questioning the tone and nature of the questions asked.
In the viral segments, Irshad Bhatti can be seen questioning Meera about aspects of her personal life and past controversies, which triggered strong reactions from parts of the entertainment industry. Several celebrities described the line of questioning as inappropriate, arguing that the focus should have remained on her film rather than personal matters.
Actor Zara Noor Abbas was among those who publicly criticized the interview, stating that Meera was placed in an uncomfortable position despite only intending to promote her film. She further questioned whether such questioning would be acceptable if directed at male celebrities, highlighting concerns about double standards.
Other actors and social media personalities also expressed similar views, calling for more respectful interview practices in media interactions with artists.
In response to the backlash, Irshad Bhatti defended his approach, stating that the questions raised during the podcast were not new and had previously been discussed in other interviews and public forums. He added that some of the matters referenced have also been part of court proceedings in the past.
The journalist further explained that securing the interview was difficult, as Meera had postponed multiple scheduled sessions before eventually participating. He also clarified that the interview was a paid engagement, emphasizing that this is standard practice and within the rights of the artist involved.
According to Bhatti, the interview was not solely for film promotion but rather a broader conversation, and therefore included a mix of professional and personal topics. He argued that the controversy has largely been driven by short clips circulating online, which do not reflect the full context of the discussion.
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He urged viewers to watch the complete podcast before forming conclusions, stating that partial clips can often lead to misinterpretation and unnecessary criticism.
The debate continues to gain traction on social media, reflecting ongoing discussions about media ethics, celebrity privacy, and responsible journalism in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
