Actress Ayesha Khan, who gained significant attention after her appearance in Bigg Boss and her recent work in the spy thriller 'Dhurandhar', has made several startling revelations regarding her personal and professional struggles. Speaking at a summit organized by Mojo Story, the actress detailed her experiences with body shaming, online sexualization, and the constant barrage of rape threats she receives on social media. According to Khan, the transition from a normal individual to a public figure has brought about a disturbing level of scrutiny and harassment that affects her daily life. She expressed shock at how normal confessions are often turned into meme material online.
Constant Sexualization and Online Trolling
During her conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt, Ayesha Khan expressed her frustration over being sexualized for her physical appearance on Instagram. She stated that regardless of her choice of attire—be it a simple top or a skirt—she's frequently targeted by trolls. The actress revealed that she often hesitates before posting any content online, fearing how it might be perceived or misused by others. According to her, the fact that a woman has to overthink her clothing choices due to the fear of being sexualized is a reflection of a deeply problematic societal mindset. She highlighted that this constant monitoring of her own actions is mentally exhausting.
Disclosure of Rape Threats and Personal Trauma
When questioned about the severity of online abuse, Ayesha Khan confirmed that she receives rape threats on a daily basis, while she stated that she could open her phone at any moment and show numerous such messages, describing it as a 'normal' occurrence in her life now. The actress became emotional while discussing a past incident of attempted rape, which she had mentioned in a previous interview. She noted that certain discussions trigger those traumatic memories, reopening wounds that she would rather not revisit, while according to Khan, the presence of such individuals in society who feel empowered to issue such threats is a terrifying reality.
Harassment by a Spot Boy on Film Set
Ayesha Khan also recounted a disturbing incident that occurred on a film set involving a member of the production crew. She shared that while she was shooting for a project, her father was present on the set. During a break, she checked her Instagram and noticed a series of direct messages and voice notes that she had been receiving for some time, while upon further investigation, she realized that these messages were being sent by one of the spot boys working on the same set. This incident raised significant concerns regarding the safety and professional environment provided to female actors during production.
Professional Rejection Due to Body Shaming
The actress further revealed how body shaming affected her career during her early years. She recalled an incident from when she was in the 12th grade and had been selected as the second lead for a T-Series music video. According to Khan, she was abruptly dropped from the project just one night before the scheduled shoot. The reason provided for her removal was her physical appearance, as the organizers deemed her 'too fat' for the role. This early experience of rejection based on body weight was a significant setback for her, highlighting the rigid and often harsh beauty standards prevalent in the entertainment industry.