Pakistani film and television star Meera has finally spoken about the controversy that erupted following her appearance on Irshad Bhatti and Rehan Tariq’s podcast and her response was as measured and gracious as many of her fans might have expected.
Meera is no stranger to the spotlight.
One of Pakistan’s most recognisable and enduring entertainment figures, she is currently generating considerable buzz ahead of her upcoming film Psycho, which is slated for release on Eid-ul-Adha 2026. The film has kept her name firmly in the headlines, but it was her appearance on Irshad Bhatti’s podcast that recently sent social media into overdrive and not entirely for the right reasons.
During that now-infamous podcast episode, Bhatti and co-host Rehan Tariq subjected Meera to a line of questioning that many viewers described as aggressive and demeaning. The backlash was swift and fierce, with audiences and fellow industry figures alike criticising the podcasters for their conduct toward the actress. Bhatti subsequently issued a public apology to Meera for his behaviour during the interview.
Now, Meera has addressed the episode herself, albeit diplomatically during a recent appearance on Abdul Hayee Siddiqui’s podcast. When asked directly whether the original podcast appearance had been a paid arrangement, Meera declined to be drawn into controversy.
“I was his guest, and he promoted my film so well,” she said, choosing to focus on the positives rather than relitigate what had clearly been an uncomfortable experience. “Please invite him to your show and ask him your questions about the podcast. I can’t say anything about what happened on his podcast.”
She made it clear that with her film’s release on the horizon, stirring up further conflict was the last thing on her mind. “My film is about to be released, so I have no complaints against him,” she said. “Why would I say anything? I just want everyone to watch my film on Eid-ul-Adha and share their feedback with me. I don’t need anything else.”
It was a carefully worded response, one that neither dismissed the controversy nor poured fuel on the fire. By redirecting the conversation toward Psycho and her excitement about its release, Meera effectively drew a line under the matter while keeping the focus squarely where she wants it: on her work.
Whether audiences will be as forgiving of Bhatti’s conduct remains to be seen. His apology was acknowledged publicly, but the debate around how female guests are treated on Pakistani podcasts has not gone away and Meera’s graceful deflection may only keep that conversation alive a little longer.
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