Ayesha Khan Speaks Out on Online Sexualisation and Daily Rape Threats

Actor Ayesha Khan has opened up about the relentless online abuse she faces, revealing that she is frequently sexualised on social media and receives rape threats on a near-daily basis. The actor, who gained attention for her appearance in the song Shararat from the film Dhurandhar, said the constant scrutiny of her body and appearance has taken a psychological toll.

Speaking at a public event, Khan described how social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have become spaces where her posts are met with objectifying comments and explicit threats. She said that regardless of what she chooses to wear — whether modest outfits or glamorous attire — sections of users focus solely on her physical appearance. The actor admitted that the fear of triggering another wave of abuse often makes her reconsider sharing pictures or videos online.

Khan termed the experience of receiving rape threats “terrifying,” stressing that such messages are not anonymous abstractions but are sent by real individuals. She expressed concern over the normalisation of such language and questioned the broader culture that enables such hostility toward women in public life. According to her, the harassment becomes especially overwhelming on days when she is already dealing with personal insecurities.

Reflecting on her early years, Khan recalled being removed from a music video project while she was in Class XII because she was deemed “fat” just before filming was scheduled to begin. The incident, she said, left a lasting impact and highlighted the harsh beauty standards prevalent in the entertainment industry. She noted that building self-confidence has been a long and ongoing journey.

The actor also addressed the backlash she faced after revealing that she shot Shararat while on her period. What she considered a normal and honest statement was turned into fodder for ridicule online. She criticised the mocking responses, saying they reflect the stigma and lack of awareness surrounding basic biological realities.