By Sumavaya Iqbal 
Pakistani actress Zhalay Sarhadi once again entertained her fans with her candid personality and unfiltered charm. Taking to Instagram, the Guru star shared a lighthearted video where she highlighted her mood swings with a touch of humor and music.
In the video, the actress appeared melancholic at first, only to switch gears moments later and dance to an upbeat Bollywood track. Captioning her post, she humorously admitted that hormones were behind her quick change of moods, writing, “It’s just how it is with raging hormones.”
Fans enjoyed the playful side of the actress, but Zhalay has also been in the spotlight recently for addressing deeper issues within Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Appearing on the podcast Excuse Me with Ahmed Ali Butt, she openly discussed the misogynistic attitudes still prevalent in society and the industry’s ongoing struggles with casting couch practices.
She shed light on the mindset that devalues women’s earnings, often dismissed with the phrase “aurat ki kamayi mein barkat nahi hoti” (a woman’s income lacks blessing). Challenging this belief, Zhalay firmly stated, “I’ve funded my own education, my own wedding, and bought my own car. So I don’t see how my earnings are any less abundant than a man’s.”
The actress also recalled a shocking incident from the early days of her career. She revealed that she was once told she would need to compromise her integrity to secure a role of her choice. Standing her ground, she responded with defiance, warning that she would not tolerate such inappropriate advances.
Zhalay explained that she had to push back against this culture from the very beginning, noting that she gave “a shut-up call” to people who tried to exploit her. Her resilience not only shaped her career but also established her as a voice for women in Pakistan’s entertainment landscape.
From entertaining videos to courageous statements, Zhalay continues to show that she is more than just a performer — she is a bold and authentic figure unafraid to speak her truth.