Actress Durefishan Saleem has candidly shared her views on body image, self-confidence, and the pressures of conforming to beauty standards in the entertainment industry. In a recent interview with Something Haute, she emphasized that being fit doesn’t mean being thin. She said she is happy with her natural body shape and has never considered changing herself to meet industry expectations.

Known for her healthy and fuller physique, Durefishan revealed that she has often faced criticism from fellow actors. Reflecting on her journey, she admitted, “It hasn’t been easy to work in this industry with a heavier body, but I’ve always been sure that I won’t change who I am.”

She explained that real fitness is about being healthy, not necessarily being skinny. Her natural body structure is broad, and she intends to embrace it fully, as she does not want to go through constant weight changes.

Durefishan also noted that many women in Pakistan share a similar body type, and she wants audiences to relate to her characters for who they are, not how they look. “Women often tell me, ‘You don’t look like a typical actress — you look like us.’ That, for me, is success. When people see themselves in me, I know I’ve done something right,” she said.

She questioned the common stereotypes in television dramas, which often claim that love can happen with anyone regardless of background or appearance, yet actors are still expected to look a certain way. “Why does the hero always have to be tall, and the heroine slim?” she asked.

Durefishan credited her supportive home environment for her confidence, saying her family never criticized her for her body or her clothing choices.

She also acknowledged that the entertainment industry often promotes a narrow standard of beauty — expecting actresses to be delicate, slim, and traditionally attractive. However, she added, “Despite those standards, I never faced any obstacles in my career because of my body.”

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