Irshad Bhatti Issues Clarification Over Podcast Controversy with Actress Meera
Lahore: Journalist Irshad Bhatti has issued a detailed clarification following social media controversy surrounding his recent podcast episode featuring actress Meera.
The controversy began after a clip from the podcast went viral in which Bhatti asked Meera questions related to her personal life, including references to Captain Naveed. In the video, Meera appeared uncomfortable and eventually left the program midway, sparking widespread debate online.
Responding to criticism, Irshad Bhatti stated that the podcast was a paid production and that he had arranged it through an agency. He added that paying guests is a standard practice and that it is within their rights to receive compensation.
He further explained that the questions asked during the interview were not new, as the topics had been previously discussed in media coverage and court proceedings. According to him, these were not unexpected or surprise questions for the guest.
Bhatti also said that a prior meeting had taken place with Meera before the recording, during which the format and topics were discussed. He claimed that there was no indication at that stage that she would be uncomfortable with the questions.
He added that by the end of the podcast, Meera had agreed in a light-hearted manner to participate in a future episode, suggesting she had no initial objection to the discussion format.
ویسے تو مجھ سے “محبت” کرنے والے ایسے مستقل مزاج ہیں کہ میں چاہے جو بھی کر لوں اِن “محبت”کرنے والوں نے مجھ سے “محبت”ہی کرنا ہوتی ہے مگر کچھ دوستوں کو فلم سٹار میرا صاحبہ کے میرے پوڈکاسٹ پر یک طرفہ بات کرتے دیکھا تو سوچا کہ اصل بات بتا دوں تو سنئیے۔۔
پہلی بات۔۔یہ پوڈکاسٹ Paid…— Irshad Bhatti (@IrshadBhatti336) April 20, 2026
Concluding his statement, Bhatti said he respects public criticism and feedback, adding that he may further elaborate on the matter in a future vlog.
