Journalist Irshad Bhatti’s response to the criticism regarding actress Meera’s interview has come to light.
It should be remembered that actress Meera had participated in Irshad Bhatti’s podcast to promote her upcoming film “Psycho”, where the host started asking questions about her personal life, old news and various controversies.
These questions included issues like alleged relationships, marriage rumors, and financial details of a hospital project, on which Meera repeatedly tried to divert the conversation to her film.
During the interview, Meera made it clear that she wanted to talk about her film and would not discuss personal matters, but when the series of questions continued, she quietly left the interview.
After this incident on social media, Irshad Bhatti was severely criticized by various personalities, but now he has responded to the criticism against himself.
Irshad Bhatti said in his vlog that when he decided to invite Meera for the podcast, it turned out that she does not give interviews for free, then I contacted a media company that arranges paid podcast interviews of film stars and actors. When we spoke to Meera through the company, she agreed to appear in the podcast for a fee.
Irshad Bhatti said that Meera was asked the same questions that have been repeatedly discussed in the media regarding her previous personal and professional life. According to him, his intention was not a personal attack.
Irshad Bhatti said that asking questions is part of journalism and if anyone has any objection, he is ready to apologize for it, however, he maintains that no kind of rudeness or personal attack was made in the interview.
Irshad Bhatti said that after Meera’s interview, I was also criticized by those people whom I consider my friends and well-wishers. If they think that I did something wrong, I apologize to them and if Meera’s wife also says so, I will apologize to them.
He said that Meera’s scandals have been discussed a lot in the media before, but the way I was criticized, it felt as if I had committed a huge excess. She left my interview even though I had padded her.
Irshad Bhatti said emotionally, “Do men have no respect in this society? Don’t men feel harassed, is asking questions a crime? Why do we fit every question into the box of a woman and a man? Were you not supposed to ask me this question?”
Irshad Bhatti said that those people who have been disrespecting women in the past also criticized me. People have not watched the entire podcast and have started issuing fatwas. For me, I am respected and I respect them. If my wife feels bad about my questions, I will apologize to her.