Renowned actor Adeel Hashmi has spoken publicly for the first time about a traumatic experience from his childhood, highlighting the importance of addressing abuse and creating safe spaces for children.
Hashmi revealed that he was sexually abused by older students while in the seventh grade, and the abuse continued for several years.
At the time, he said he felt unable to confide in anyone, lacking guidance on how to address such experiences.
Reflecting on his past, Hashmi explained that although his father provided for him, he was not taught how to discuss sensitive topics such as harassment or abuse, leaving the memories unspoken for many years.
The actor said becoming a father changed his perspective. When his son began attending school, Hashmi made it a point to create an environment where his child could speak openly about any inappropriate behaviour.
He encouraged his son to report any incidents immediately, stressing the importance of communication and reassurance.
Hashmi emphasised that teaching children to speak up is vital not only in response to incidents but also in giving them the confidence that someone will listen. According to him, this support reduces feelings of isolation and strengthens children’s sense of security.
Looking back, Hashmi said he is grateful that the difficult period of his childhood has passed. Although the memories remain challenging, he considers the experience a closed chapter in his life.
