Renowned Pakistani actress and model Sarwat Gilani has said that showing women smoking in films or web series should not be mistaken as a symbol of freedom or empowerment, as such scenes merely reflect the character’s depth and story requirements.
In a recent interview, Gilani opened up about her new project and shared her personal journey of overcoming postpartum depression after childbirth.
She emphasized that an on-screen smoking scene is purely a creative necessity, not a social statement. “A woman smoking on screen doesn’t represent freedom or power, it’s part of the character’s reality and the story being told,” she said.
Comparing the work dynamics between TV dramas and web series, Sarwat noted that digital productions move at a much faster pace. “In television, an actor may get 15 seconds to express emotions, but in web series, you often get only four or five seconds,” she explained.
The actress added that some women in society genuinely smoke, and web platforms simply aim to portray such characters realistically. “Linking such scenes with ideas of liberation is a complete misunderstanding,” she said.
Sarwat Gilani concluded that through her roles, she aims to highlight real issues faced by women and challenge social attitudes to foster awareness and understanding.
