Durefishan Saleem Finally Speaks Out on Sleeveless Dress Controversy

Actress Durefishan Saleem has spoken out in support of Zariab, her character in the drama Dar-e-Najat, amid the ongoing debate over clothing choices and women’s freedom. She believes every woman should have equal freedom to choose what she wears. Some women feel comfortable in revealing clothes, while others prefer modest clothing. No woman should be questioned publicly for her personal choice.

The debate began on social media after a recent episode of Dar-e-Najat was aired. In the episode, Zariab refuses to wear a sleeveless outfit at a family event. She says she no longer feels comfortable wearing such clothes. Some viewers supported her decision, while others questioned this change in the storyline.

Durefishan Saleem, who plays Zariab, has now made her position clear. She shared a photo of herself wearing a sleeveless outfit on Instagram. She also explained Zariab’s decision through several slides. The actress made it clear that Zariab’s decision was not forced on her by her husband, Abu Bakar. It was also not a statement about how other women should dress. Rather, it was part of Zariab’s personal change.

Speaking about her beliefs and religious understanding, Durefishan wrote, “I have always believed that true faith begins with inner change. It is about how we change ourselves, how we see the world, how we treat others, which values we feel responsible for, and the relationship we build with Allah.”

According to the actress, religious faith is not only about outward practices. It is also about making changes within ourselves. Sometimes, these inner changes are reflected in a person’s lifestyle and clothing choices.

Speaking about her own clothing choices, Durefishan said she wears sleeveless outfits and feels comfortable in them. However, she personally does not feel comfortable wearing short clothes or certain other types of outfits.

“This is my personal understanding of modesty. Someone else’s understanding may be completely different. But that does not give me the right to question or judge their choices,” she said.

She also said, “What I wear, what makes me comfortable, and what changes I may make in the future are all part of my personal journey and my relationship with Allah. This does not make someone else’s choice wrong, nor does it prove that my choice is right.”

Durefishan believes there is no need to see Zariab’s decision as an example or instruction for other women. A character’s beliefs, priorities and personal understanding may change. This decision simply reflects her own feelings.

Criticising society’s double standards on women’s clothing choices, the actress said, “We talk a lot about a woman’s right to choose what she wears. But this freedom must apply equally in every direction. A woman who wants to dress freely has that right. Similarly, a woman who feels comfortable not wearing sleeveless clothes has the same right. No woman should have to explain her decision to another woman.”

According to Durefishan, the problem is not whether a woman chooses to wear whatever she likes or prefers modest clothing. The problem begins when others question, examine or judge her decision.

The actress also recognised that viewers have the right to their own opinions. Some people may not like Zariab’s decision, while others may question the timing of this change in the story. However, expressing an opinion should not be confused with trying to control someone’s personal choices.

She also advised people to avoid turning every fictional character’s personal decision on social media into a national debate or a final judgement.

In Durefishan’s words, “You do not have to agree with Zariab or relate to her experience. You do not need to make her personal journey your own. We do not have to find a lesson for ourselves in every story. Sometimes, it is simply someone else’s story.”

In the drama Dar-e-Najat, Durefishan Saleem plays the character Zariab Habib. She is paired opposite Sheheryar Munawar, who plays Abu Bakar. Written by Umera Ahmed, the drama is directed by Shakib Khan. It presents Zariab’s emotional and spiritual journey through faith, relationships and personal change.

The recent controversy has once again brought public attention to different views on women’s freedom to choose their clothing. Durefishan’s message is that people can respect Zariab’s personal choice even if they do not agree with it. No woman needs everyone’s approval for her clothing choices or personal changes.

Source: Tribute