Pakistani actress and social media influencer Sahar Hashmi has addressed comparisons with Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi, saying the criticism surrounding her recent on-screen romantic scenes is unfair and that she only performed what was required by the script.
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Sahar, who gained recognition through dramas such as Man Mast Malang, Zanjeerein and Shedai, recently faced criticism on social media after appearing in hugging scenes with co-stars. Some users compared her to Emraan Hashmi, who is widely known for performing romantic scenes in Bollywood films.
Responding to the criticism, Sehar described the comparison as amusing and stressed that an actor’s responsibility is to portray a character according to the script and the director’s creative vision. She said she was not the only actress to perform such scenes and questioned why she alone had become the focus of public criticism.
The actress acknowledged that audience opinions matter and said she would be more careful when selecting future projects. She added that if viewers are uncomfortable with certain scenes, she would take their concerns into consideration while making professional decisions.
At the same time, Sehar urged critics to avoid singling her out, noting that similar performances have been common in the entertainment industry for many years. She maintained that actors should be evaluated fairly and within the context of the roles they portray rather than being judged on isolated scenes.
Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users supported her stance, arguing that actors should not be blamed for following scripts approved by producers and directors. Others maintained that performers should exercise greater discretion over the scenes they choose to film and should accept responsibility for their on-screen choices.
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The debate has once again highlighted the ongoing discussion surrounding artistic freedom, audience expectations and cultural sensitivities within Pakistan’s television industry, with opinions remaining divided over where the balance should be drawn.