Stage performer and theater siren Sonia Idress a.k.a Deedar recently posted a video on her Facebook page where the actress offered some harsh criticism for Wajahat Rauf’s digital talk-show, Voice Over Man. The show has featured pretty much the entire spectrum of Pakistan’s film and television stars, including leading celebrities like Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan and Mehwish Hayat. Wajahat even featured the show’s character in his film Chhalawa and the web-series Enaaya.

Questionable humor?

The particular brand of humor used aplenty in the show apparently rubbed Deedar the wrong way. She expressed strong opinions about it, confessing that being part of the Lahore theatre scene, she has often been at the receiving end of harsh criticism and vitriol from various quarters. The theater performer was even banned in 2010 and 2011 by the city-district government along with other theater dancers for violating the prescribed code of conduct and allegedly performing vulgar dance moves.

Elaborating her concerns, she said: “A show is currently running and I have major concerns regarding it, I am not sure if people feel the same.” She added: “I have been a part of a field which has always been under scrutiny, be it from television (electronic media), newspapers or the general public.”

Deedar’s verdict

She raised the question of what according to her was differential treatment, was related to classism. “So is it the case that by speaking English, all mistakes are overlooked?,” she opined, pointing the finger at the audience. Here it is worth mentioning that the talk show is primarily in Urdu.

The dance performer, who has also starred in films, then specifically explained her stance in relation to certain phrases/words being used in the show. “Such words have been used on the show which have never been used in the history of theater. In theater double meaning dialogues are used which can be interpreted in two different capacities but the way actors are treated on the show, it doesn’t happen in theater.”

What apparently Deedar did not mention is that such ‘double meaning dialogues’ in theater productions are usually thinly disguised, if at all. The shows have been accused of using abusive language, and at times have put on display particular form of dancing and attire that leaves little to the imagination.

Questions the audience

She questioned the audience’s and celebrities’ acceptance of the brand of humor, stating “Is it because the host of the show is a director and will give them work in the future?” Offering her own verdict, she emphatically said: “It is not funny, this is character assassination.”

It should be mentioned here that besides his online show’s risky brand of humor, which touches upon adult themes, Wajahat has never featured explicit swear language.

Deedar concluded by suggesting that the team of the show edit the explicit words used. She also played clips from the show with Wajahat’s character interacting with stars like Moamar Rana, Mehwish Hayat and Zara Noor Abbas, saying stuff which no one in normal life would otherwise consider.

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