Singer and actress Rabi Pirzada on Thursday released a video statement reaffirming her commitment to quit the entertainment industry in order to focus on fulfilling her religious obligations.
In the video statement, the first since an explicit video of her went viral on the internet a few weeks ago, Pirzada appeared clad in a solemn black dress and headscarf, and apologized to her fans for her past behaviour.
Pirzada quoted religious texts extensively in her message, and informed those watching the video, released privately to the media across the nation, that she had found her true calling.
“My mistakes are between myself and my Creator, the One who knows what is in the hearts of the people. He is the All-Forgiving and the Most Merciful,” she stressed,
Pirzada revealed that when her video was leaked, a lot of people started approaching her for films, television commercials, concerts and other private events, apparently in reaction to the negative content.
“A lot of women also offered to support and protect me, assuring me that no one would be able to raise a finger against me. These included the #MeToo and #MeraJismMeriMarzi,” she elaborated.
However, Pirzada said that she does not believe that her body is subject only to her wishes, but that she is also a slave to the Almighty Creator. She added that it was fate that she should be rightly guided.
Pirzada detailed how people had ridiculed her after her video was leaked, accusing her of seeking cheap popularity and making lewd comments, “Some said it was a punishment for speaking against Modi, or Imran.”
“I understand, had it been someone else in my place, they would have sought asylum from Muslims like you,” she said, apparently emotional over the treatment meted out to her after the scandal.
“But I realize that even after I run away from the world, I cannot run away from my Lord,” she maintained. That is when I realized that whenever a woman is dragged into the public debate, so many things go wrong.
Pirzada broke down into sobs more than once during the video, and after collecting herself, said that she believed that may Muslims in Pakistan were actually hypocrites.
“Harsh comments made by some of you may discourage many people from following the right path,” she remarked. She added that those who were sharing the leaked material would be apprehended.
Pirzada shared she had also met people who had selflessly helped her, and they were like angles sent to help her. “I think I have been given a new life, and the meaning of my life is now only religion,” she stated.
