ISLAMABAD – Pakistani actress Alizeh Shah has voiced strong criticism against ARY Digital’s reality show Tamasha, calling it a platform that promotes bullying, humiliation, and psychological torment. Shah’s comments have reignited public debate over the ethical boundaries of reality TV in Pakistan.
In a viral social media post, Alizeh Shah referred to the Tamasha house as a “torture house,” condemning the show for glorifying bullying and degrading contestants on national television. “I’m seriously questioning the contestants. Self-respect for signing up for something so degrading…” she added, expressing concern for participants’ mental well-being.
Shah also highlighted the story of Humaira Asghar, a former contestant and actor, who reportedly faced isolation and bullying during her time on the show. “No one even cared to ask what she went through mentally after that show. Here we are again… degrading, tormenting, and starving people of their dignity… And we call this entertainment?” Shah wrote in her Instagram story.
This is not the first time Tamasha has come under fire. Earlier, actresses Saheefa Jabbar Khattak and Romaisa Khan had raised similar concerns, questioning the ethics of putting contestants under constant pressure and pitting them against each other for drama. Romaisa called the show’s concept “completely stupid.”
Tamasha features contestants living together under 24/7 surveillance, performing tasks while their actions are broadcast nationwide. Critics argue that as ratings rise, the show increasingly compromises participants’ dignity and mental health for entertainment value.
Despite the backlash, Tamasha remains widely viewed, drawing inspiration from international reality formats like Bigg Boss and Big Brother. However, public figures like Alizeh Shah continue to call for accountability and ethical reforms in how reality shows operate in Pakistan.
The ongoing criticism highlights a growing concern about the psychological impact of reality TV on contestants and challenges producers to balance entertainment with responsibility.
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