Pakistani activist Kanwal Cheema is addressing the persistent comparisons made between her and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, emphasizing that this dialogue is superficial and overlooks the depth of women's identities.
Recently, Cheema attended an event where she was asked to comment on her resemblance to Bachchan. Disheartened by this recurring comparison, she urged the media to shift its focus towards her efforts to combat poverty rather than her physical resemblance to the actress.
In a recent video shared on her official Instagram account, Cheema, who is also the CEO of My Impact Meter, a leading technology platform dedicated to digitizing charity and promoting transparency and equity, set the record straight. She stressed that her identity as a woman should not be reduced to being a "doppelganger."
Cheema acknowledged Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as a unique and accomplished individual, asserting that it is unfair to compare her to anyone. She highlighted her own contributions, explaining that she introduced a charity app to Pakistan that ensures transparency and eliminates collusion. This, she emphasized, is what she wishes to be recognized for—her unique achievements, not as a copy of someone else.
She made it clear that she values being the best version of herself over emulating another person, stating, "I'd rather be the best version of myself than be a copy of somebody else."
Cheema emphasized the need to recognize that a woman's worth goes beyond her appearance, and she encouraged a broader appreciation of individual uniqueness and identity. She urged everyone to move beyond this superficial conversation, emphasizing the importance of celebrating each person's distinct qualities.
