The internet was buzzing. Social media timelines flooded with heated debates, opinions, and memes after the release of Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor's 'Nadaaniyan'. At the center of it all was Ibrahim—Saif Ali Khan’s son—making his much-anticipated debut. While some viewers found his performance promising, others criticized his acting, calling it stiff and unconvincing. But then, as always, the conversation took a sharp, unnecessary turn.
A Pakistani film critic Tamur Iqbal went viral for his harsh words—not for critiquing Ibrahim’s craft, but for targeting his looks and taking a jibe at his nose job. A simple film review had devolved into body-shaming, exposing an ugly truth about the entertainment industry and, by extension, society itself.
This wasn’t an isolated case. The pattern was all too familiar.
Neha Kakkar, despite her immense success, constantly faces ridicule for her voice and weight. Lizzo, a powerhouse of talent, is often reduced to debates about her weight rather than her music. Politicians like Donald Trump are mocked for their hair and skin tone, while actors like Khushi Kapoor are scrutinized for not fitting traditional beauty standards. The list is endless. Talent, skill, and hard work become secondary when personal attacks are the low-hanging fruit.
But The Real Issue Runs Deeper...
When we mock a celebrity’s nose, body shape, height, or skin, we aren’t just laughing at them. We’re reinforcing the idea that certain features are unacceptable—that beauty comes with conditions. Every time a comment ridiculing Ibrahim’s nose trends, someone with a similar nose internalizes that shame. Every cruel joke about Lizzo’s size makes another plus-sized person feel unworthy. Public shaming creates real-world consequences, fueling insecurities, eating disorders, and mental health struggles for countless individuals.
Keyboard warriors hiding behind screens, dishing out unsolicited opinions, would never hold themselves to the scrutiny they impose on others. But for celebrities—whose lives are lived in the spotlight—there’s no escape. Every Instagram post, every red-carpet appearance, every film role is met with microscopic examination.
While it is not wrong to critique a public figure’s work. That’s the nature of being in the public eye. Ibrahim’s acting in Nadaaniyan was open for discussion—whether you found it compelling or lacking, those opinions were valid. But dragging his looks into it? That’s just lazy criticism, devoid of any real value.
Maybe it’s time we shift the conversation. Instead of tearing people down for their genetics, how about focusing on their craft? Instead of shaming, how about offering constructive feedback?
