Popular film and TV actress Mawra Hocanes’ remarks that she does not mind harassment on Lahore streets have left Pakistani social media users red faced.
In a short video clip, which appears to have been recorded some time ago, TV show host Nida Yasir asks Mawra, “Did someone ever tease you?”
In response, Mawra says, “I think it’s a fun thing in Lahore that boys are teasing and playing loud music in cars. I think that is the feel of a Lahori Eid. So we don’t mind. It’s okay. Keep looking at us.”
Nida asks, “So you won’t mind even if someone teases you today?”
And Mawra responds, “Yes. Absolutely! No problem.”
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Several Twitter users, especially women, have reacted angrily to Mawra’s remarks.
Rameesha Syed says, “Does she realise she’s indirectly calling harassment an expected norm and a cultural trait?”
Kainat Kamal says Mawra’s remarks are “irresponsible”.
https://twitter.com/kainatkamalkhan/status/1286600769563746305
Tayyaba says Mawra’s remarks about Lahore and Lahoris in general are “very disappointing” and she must apologise.
Zara Khalid Khan finds Mawra’s remarks “atrocious”.
Shazeb reminds people that Mawra is a “barrister-at-law”.
Nashrah Baqi says, “Mawra passed the Law exam with ‘flying colours’ and we should collectively thank her for not practising it.”
Mawra, who also has many modelling projects to her credit, holds a degree in Law from the University of London. Before joining ARY Musik as a VJ, she performed as a theatre artist. She has worked in Pakistani TV serials like Aahista Aahista, Ik Tamanna Lahasil Si and Nikhar Gaye Gulab Sare. She made her film debut in India with Sanam Teri Kasam, a romantic movie, opposite Harshvardhan Rane. Later, she debuted in the Pakistani film industry with the movie Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2.
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She narrated and appeared in the period drama Aangan on Hum TV. She portrayed the role of Sunehri in Daasi and Anaya in Sabaat.
In June 2019, she launched her clothing line in collaboration with her sister Urwa Hocane.
In the past, her tweets about the Indian film Phantom, which was banned in Pakistan, earned her wrath from the social media.