‘It’s awkward and bewildering’: Runa Khan on online misuse of her videos

While the misuse of intellectual property and videos to illegally promote products is not new on social media, Runa Khan is perhaps the most targeted victim, due to her inspiring weight-loss journey. Fraudulent products are now being marketed on Facebook, where the actress is seen claiming that said product is behind her weight loss. Of course, these videos have been doctored completely. 

 "I've noticed for a long time that many fake pages are using my photos and video interviews, claiming I lost weight by using their products," said Runa. "But what can I even say to them? I've shared my real journey so many times—it's been more than four years now. And when I see my own colleagues involved in such activities, using these products, or even going through surgeries, I honestly have nothing more to say."

She also shared that despite receiving several tempting monetary offers, she had previously turned them all down. 

"I've always been firmly against using or promoting slimming products or undergoing aesthetic or weight-loss surgeries. I've spoken out about this time and again, and I stand by it."

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Runa Khan reborn

In 2022, during an interview with this reporter, the actress opened up about her weight-loss journey in a feature titled "Runa Khan Reborn".

"After that interview, I was approached by a reputable newspaper for another story that focused solely on my weight loss journey — and at that time, I wanted to share it with a happy heart!" she recalled. "Soon after, I received many offers for fashion modelling. However, I got frustrated because I noticed that newspapers kept mentioning my weight loss journey repeatedly — as if my popularity came only after I lost weight!"

She added, "From the beginning of my career, I've worked simultaneously in theatre, television, and modelling. Later, I also worked in films and OTT projects. I prefer doing the kind of work that makes me comfortable and happy. After my weight loss, I got different offers, which I took on because I liked doing that, not because I wanted to become viral! I actually laugh it out when people say that I want to become viral! Who are these people benefiting from making viral content? Newspapers, YouTubers, and content creators are all earning from such coverage — but I don't get a share of any of it! People even comment on the way I dress — and sadly, most of them are my own colleagues."

The problem she identifies people's harsh reactions as rejection. 

"See, I have declined offers from many renowned slimming product companies, aesthetic beauty surgery agencies and these people react 'haha' on the negative posts made against me. I have nothing to say to them, I just hope they understand someday that not everyone has to think alike, but we can respect each other and learn to accept rejections."

Poster of the film "Balurghori"

Two of Runa's films, shot in 2006 ("Balughori") and 2008 ("Unadittya"), were recently announced for release. "These films were shot nearly 2 decades ago, and I was told that the hard copy of both of the films was stolen. Initially, when doing these films, as an artiste, I was informed that they were being made for festivals, and "Balughori" had its international premiere at the Second South Asian Film Festival in 2007. I am glad that the audience can finally watch them!"

Poster of the film "Unadittya"