The only actor to constantly advocate for women’s rights, human rights, and issues plaguing the Pakistani society; in general, Osman Khalid Butt has never shied away from speaking his mind; this time too, his fiery opinions no different.
In an interview with Mira Sethi on her show, Hello! Mira Sethi, the Diyar-e-Dil actor addressed the awaam; perplexed by their constant hate and criticism of one another; as well as a perpetual disgust for feminism and all things they categorize as ‘liberal’ according to their own convenience.
“No one has ever able to define to me what Pakistani culture really is,” said Osman. “I remember being young and doing folk dances — Sindhi, Balochi. I used to take part in all my annual school functions. No one ever said you’re distorting our cultural and moral fabric.”
The star also said that it was unfortunate that religion used as a tool to manipulate; instead of a tool of enlightenment, of love, of peace, progression, and coexistence.
“There was a woman exercising on national television; it is a national embarrassment, that both your news reporters and politicians questioned; To what extent will we bear this vulgarity in the name of liberalism and westernization?”
“The problem is that our audience doesn’t even know what liberal is. Its used as a cuss word now. ‘You are pseudo-liberal, you are a western puppet. If you know such cool terminologies, then look at what philosophy feminism is. You think it is that women want to vulgar?!” Osman said.
“It’s so strange to me because now the entire world is in your palms. Any information you want is on your phone. So this means that you don’t want to study. It’s a conscious decision. Had this happening in 1980, I would’ve understood that oh, we don’t have the means to educate ourselves. But now? What’s your excuse now?”
Osman speak up on women’s behalf
Speaking on the desire to speak up on women’s behalf, Butt admitted it wasn’t a calculated move.
“It’s just my upbringing, and the injustices I’ve witnessed in my own childhood which made me very sensitive to the plight of women specifically,” he said; admitting that it was a quote by an American feminist, recommended by a friend, that has stuck with him like a mantra.
“‘The social is the political’. Your personal problems are related to the socio-political society you find yourself in. The solutions to it will also come through social change then,” the Balu Mahi actor said.
“Artists are mostly responsible for this because art is very socially relevant. It teaches you empathy,” he added, revealing that he is aware of how many celebrities with huge fan followings often say something problematic without realizing there are many who are influenced by them.
“And it’s not just that I’m saying things online. Two years into my career, I decided I won’t speak any problematic lines in a script, especially if my character is being presented on the screen like a moral compass.”