Shaan Shahid Speaks Out on Meera–Irshad Bhatti Controversy, Questions Media Boundaries

Lahore: Renowned Pakistani actor Shaan Shahid has broken his silence on the recent controversy involving actress Meera and journalist Irshad Bhatti, raising concerns over the boundaries between political and entertainment journalism.
The controversy emerged after Meera appeared on podcasts hosted by Irshad Bhatti and Rehan Tariq, where she was asked questions that many on social media described as controversial and inappropriate. Despite the nature of the questions, Meera avoided engaging in any disputes and instead focused on promoting her upcoming film Psycho.
Her response drew widespread support from fans, media personalities, and members of the entertainment industry.
Speaking on a private TV morning show, Shaan Shahid criticized the approach taken by some journalists, questioning why political journalism often crosses into the domain of entertainment.
“I fail to understand why investigative journalism and entertainment journalism are being mixed. In Pakistan, political journalism seems to overstep its limits and enter the entertainment sphere,” he said.
He added that such interviews often resemble interrogations rather than conversations, making it seem as though artists are being questioned in a courtroom or accountability bureau rather than participating in a media appearance.
Shaan emphasized the need for professionalism, stating that entertainment journalism should focus on an artist’s craft and achievements rather than adopting an investigative tone.
He also expressed disappointment over the expectations placed on artists, saying, “People expect artists to be perfect and morally flawless, but they are human and can make mistakes. Why demand perfection in a podcast setting?”
The actor further noted that such conduct by media figures can damage their own credibility, despite their popularity and influence.
Advising fellow artists, Shaan suggested that they should thoroughly research podcast hosts before appearing on their shows, including understanding their style and personal background, to avoid uncomfortable situations.