Senior journalist Irshad Bhatti has responded in detail to the criticism surrounding his controversial interview with actress Meera, giving a new direction to the ongoing debate on social media.
Bhatti stated that the questions he asked during the interview were the same ones that had already been widely discussed in the media.
According to him, his intention was not to humiliate anyone but to fulfill his role as a journalist by asking relevant questions. He also clarified that Meera was invited to the podcast through a media company and was paid, as she usually does not give interviews for free.
It is worth noting that Meera appeared on the podcast to promote her upcoming film “Psycho.” However, when the conversation shifted toward her personal life, past controversies, and sensitive topics, she repeatedly tried to steer it back to her film. When the questioning continued, she chose to leave the interview midway, which sparked strong criticism of Bhatti on social media.
In his vlog, Bhatti said that if anyone is offended by his questions, he is willing to apologize. However, he maintained that there was no rudeness or personal attack in the interview. He also expressed disappointment that even some of his close associates criticized him.
In an emotional tone, he questioned whether men in society also have dignity and can feel harassment, and why every issue is framed through a gender lens. He added that many people formed opinions without watching the full podcast, which he считает unfair.
Bhatti concluded by saying that he respects Meera, and if she felt hurt by his questions, he would not hesitate to apologize to her.
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