Actor Kubra Khan has spoken candidly about the unrealistic beauty standards facing women in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, saying actresses are often judged more on looks than talent.
In a recent interview, she reflected on the criticism she received after being cast opposite Shuja Asad in the drama “Doctor Bahu,” where many viewers felt she didn’t match the typical image of a leading actress. She said the industry and culture operate within a narrow mould that not everyone can fit into, and she is one of the people who doesn’t.
Kubra explained that women are often expected to be fair-skinned, thin, and tall to be seen as beautiful, and that falling outside those expectations often means being seen as not good enough. She said she has stopped trying to justify her appearance to critics, choosing instead to focus on her work, since responding to constant criticism felt pointless.
She noted that backlash grew louder after her on-screen pairing with Shuja Asad, with some social media users saying she looked older and heavier than her co-star. Even posts meant to defend her, she said, often ended up drawing more attention to comments about her body.
Kubra emphasized that being healthy matters more to her than fitting an unrealistic size, and that she’d rather be the best version of herself than conform to narrow standards. She also pointed out that male actors face similar appearance-based pressures in the industry.
On the show itself, she said “Doctor Bahu” reflects a real issue many women face: giving up hard-earned careers due to family or marital expectations.
