Yasir Nawaz, a renowned actor and filmmaker, recently appeared on Faisal Qureshi’s podcast, where he candidly shared his thoughts on social media trolling, its impact on mental health, and the challenges posed by online criticism. His reflections provide valuable insights into the struggles faced by public figures in the age of digital media.
Trolling and Depression: A Personal Journey
In the podcast, Yasir Nawaz revealed that there was a time when social media trolling deeply affected him. He used to take negative comments and criticism to heart, leading to bouts of depression. However, over time, he has developed a thick skin and no longer lets online negativity affect his peace of mind.
He also shared how his wife, Nida Yasir, experienced severe depression when her infamous ‘Formula Car’ clip went viral. The viral video became a source of relentless trolling, affecting her mental health. To lift her spirits, Yasir made a humorous video of himself mimicking the clip, complete with a dupatta, which helped Nida overcome her worries.
The Changing Perspective on Criticism
Yasir noted that many of the people running social media pages and spreading viral content are acquaintances. In the past, he would personally request them to delete negative posts or clips, but he no longer bothers with such efforts. “It doesn’t matter to us anymore,” he said, indicating a shift in how he and his family deal with online criticism.
He also touched upon the evolving dynamics of social media, where reviews and opinions about dramas and films have become a norm. Reflecting on his brother Danish Nawaz’s experience, Yasir recounted a conversation where Danish brushed off negative comments about his play, saying, “It doesn’t matter anymore; people will say what they want to say, and we’ll keep doing our work.”
The Impact of Negative Reviews on Films and Dramas
Yasir expressed concerns about how negative reviews, especially those made immediately after a film’s release, can hurt its box office earnings. He urged reviewers to hold off on commenting about new films for at least a week to allow them to perform without undue influence.
Interestingly, he observed that negative reviews seem to have the opposite effect on dramas. “People tend to watch dramas more when their reviews are bad,” he remarked. Yasir jokingly added that he suspects some reviewers are incentivized to write negative comments, suggesting they might even be treated to tea and refreshments for their efforts.
Humor as a Coping Mechanism
One of the highlights of Yasir’s podcast appearance was his humorous take on dealing with negativity. He believes humor is a powerful tool to diffuse tension and lift spirits. His lighthearted approach to addressing his wife’s depression over the ‘Formula Car’ controversy is a testament to his belief in the healing power of laughter.
A Call for Responsible Reviewing
Yasir’s comments also included a plea for responsible reviewing practices. While he acknowledged the importance of criticism, he emphasized the need for reviewers to be mindful of the impact their words can have on filmmakers and actors. He believes that delaying reviews for new films by a week could strike a balance between fair critique and protecting the creators’ hard work.
The Broader Message: Resilience in the Face of Negativity
Yasir Nawaz’s journey from being deeply affected by online trolling to developing resilience serves as an inspiring example for others in the entertainment industry. His insights shed light on the mental health challenges faced by public figures and underscore the importance of finding healthy ways to cope with criticism.
Moreover, his humorous take on the situation, coupled with his call for responsible reviewing, highlights the need for a more constructive digital environment. Whether it’s his wife’s viral moment or his own experiences with criticism, Yasir’s story is a reminder that resilience and humor can help navigate even the toughest challenges.
Rising Above the Noise
Yasir Nawaz’s candid discussion on Faisal Qureshi’s podcast offers a glimpse into the realities of life in the public eye. From dealing with trolling and depression to addressing the impact of negative reviews, Yasir’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and a positive outlook.
As social media continues to shape public opinion, his message serves as a valuable reminder to approach criticism with a balanced perspective and to use humor and resilience to rise above the noise.
