Pakistani Oprah or Montel?

From Muslimah Media Watch:

The sophisticated and flirtatious Begum Nawazish Ali has been on Pakistani airwaves for a few years now. With people tuning in to watch her grill, joke around, and shamelessly flirt with her guests who include celebrities and politicians, her talk shows have been huge hits. (This shameless flirting demonstrated as she asks Bollywood star John Abraham to father her future children.) Her invasive questions, political interest, and classy style have made her a sensation on Pakistani television. Not to mention her beautiful saris, and flawless make-up.

And there is one important thing that makes her a pioneer in South Asian television. She is actually a he.

One would easily think that such a personality would not be tolerated on television in a Muslim country. One may even think that people have made life hard for him. The Western media certainly seem to think so with their articles overflowing with shock. The New York Times "When She Speaks, He’s Breaking All of Islam’s Taboos " provides one example.


But reality is quite the opposite. He has never received any threats of any kind and is free to express himself on Pakistani television screens. As pointed out in this Los Angeles Times article "...in a country where extremists are at war with such cosmopolitan heresies, Saleem has never received a single threat over his open lifestyle."


Even religious leaders have not had any issues with the Begum. The Los Angeles Times tells us:

He gleefully recounted taking a domestic flight on which most of the passengers were religious leaders. He was collecting his bags from the overhead compartment upon landing, when one of the mullahs put a hand on his shoulder. He froze."He told me he liked the show," recalled Saleem, clearly thrilled to tell the story. "But he did remind me to be sure to pray every day."