Babar Zaheer, a renowned makeup artist, has strongly condemned the online hate directed at actor Mahira Khan during the press tour for Neelofar. The controversy stemmed from alleged botox claims about Mahira Khan’s appearance.
Zaheer appeared on Muhammad Fahad Abid’s podcast to discuss dermatological treatments, online bullying, and the aforementioned controversy. He reflected on his journey in the beauty industry, noting that working with accomplished women has been both rewarding and challenging due to increased visibility and scrutiny.
Addressing online bullying, Zaheer explained that the controversial look was created during a film music launch event for Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan’s film, Neelofar. He clarified that the look was designed to give Mahira a “snatched” appearance using common techniques internationally, not botox or fillers.
He expressed concern over the level of hate he faced post-incident, including messages telling him to die or accusing him of ruining someone’s face. The backlash affected his mental health significantly, as he had recently stopped taking antidepressants.
Despite the negativity, Zaheer emphasized the value of working with strong women like Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir, who have inspired and taught him valuable lessons about beauty standards and life. He believes that true beauty is not a complaint but encompasses all forms of imperfection and individuality.
Zaheer criticized the growing podcast culture in Pakistan, arguing that many content creators prioritize sensationalism over substance. He urged for meaningful conversations focusing on life, emotions, and experiences rather than just appearances.
He concluded by highlighting the achievements of younger generations, such as Pakistan’s Miss Universe representing at the Cannes Festival, emphasizing growth, empathy, and perspective in the face of controversies and criticism.