In response to the tragic death of actor Humaira Asghar Ali, Pakistani celebrities have launched a new initiative to support mental health in the entertainment industry.
Actors Zhalay Sarhadi and Yashma Gill have started a WhatsApp group called ‘Connectivity One-on-One’ to help artists regularly check in on each other and discuss their emotional well-being.
Speaking to Geo Digital, Zhalay Sarhadi highlighted how isolating the entertainment industry can feel, despite its glamorous image.
“Even when you’re surrounded by people, artists can feel completely alone,” Sarhadi said. “We need to stop only expressing shock after tragedies and instead take action. That’s why we created this group.”
Through ‘Connectivity One-on-One’, members will share their feelings weekly, talk about life struggles, and even send their locations if needed. The goal is to provide a safe space for emotional support and open conversations about mental health.
Sarhadi emphasized the importance of normalizing mental health discussions in Pakistan, where such topics are often considered taboo.
“Everyone faces mental health challenges at some point. The problem is, people hesitate to ask for help because of societal pressures,” she explained. “As public figures, it’s our responsibility to speak openly so others will listen.”
Actor Umar Alam, who worked with Humaira Asghar on a reality show, also spoke about the added pressures newcomers face in the industry.
“New actors not only struggle with mental health but also financial insecurity,” he said. “They worry about how to survive, how to pay bills, and how to settle in new cities. It’s a lot to handle.”
Alam warned aspiring actors about the harsh realities of the industry, noting that popularity on social media often overshadows talent when it comes to getting roles.
“If things don’t change, we’ll keep seeing tragedies like this,” he said.
The Pakistani entertainment industry has been shaken by back-to-back incidents this year. On June 19, actress Ayesha Khan was found dead in Karachi, and less than a month later, Humaira Asghar’s body was discovered after being undiscovered for nearly nine months.
The creation of ‘Connectivity One-on-One’ aims to break the silence around mental health struggles and prevent further tragedies by offering regular emotional check-ins and support among artists.
