Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi has spoken out against online trolling targeting newcomers in the entertainment industry, urging audiences to focus on acting performances rather than mocking actors’ physical appearance or personal traits.
The veteran star shared his views during a promotional interview for his upcoming film Mango Jutt, which also features actress Hareem Farooq. He stressed that while criticism is an important part of an actor’s professional journey, personal attacks cross the line between fair feedback and unnecessary humiliation.
Quraishi encouraged people to evaluate an actor’s work without making insulting comments about their face, clothing or personality. According to the actor, constructive criticism can help performers improve, but ridicule directed at someone’s appearance serves little purpose.
“Kisi ke kaam ko criticise karein lekin kisi ki shakal ka mazaaq na urayein,” he said, emphasising that criticism should remain focused on professional performance.
His comments have drawn attention amid ongoing online discussions about young actors entering Pakistan’s entertainment industry and facing public scrutiny over their acting abilities and family connections.
The actor also questioned why some social media users feel comfortable sharing clips of newcomers simply to make fun of them. He pointed out that repeatedly circulating videos for the purpose of ridicule can turn personal humiliation into a form of online entertainment.
Quraishi acknowledged that actors should expect their performances to be evaluated by audiences. Acting involves public exposure, and viewers naturally have different opinions about scripts, dialogue delivery, character portrayals and on-screen chemistry.
However, he made a distinction between reviewing someone’s performance and attacking the individual behind it. While negative feedback about acting may be part of professional growth, insults about a person’s appearance or personality can cause unnecessary emotional distress.
Faysal Quraishi’s Remarks Follow Criticism of Shahvir Kadwani
Quraishi’s comments come after public criticism directed at Shahvir Kadwani, the son of television producer Abdullah Kadwani. Shahvir has faced online discussions about nepotism and his acting performances.
Nepotism remains a recurring subject of debate in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, where family connections and established professional networks can influence opportunities for newcomers. Some viewers argue that actors with industry connections may receive easier access to projects, while others focus on whether emerging performers can demonstrate their abilities on screen.
The debate often becomes particularly intense on social media, where short video clips and individual scenes can quickly attract widespread attention. Reactions may range from detailed assessments of an actor’s performance to harsh personal comments.
Quraishi’s remarks highlight the importance of keeping these discussions focused on professional standards. Audiences can question casting decisions, assess acting skills and express disappointment with a performance without resorting to personal insults.
His position does not suggest that young actors should be exempt from criticism. Instead, it underlines the difference between holding performers accountable for their work and using online platforms to ridicule them personally.
Online Trolling and Its Impact on Emerging Actors
Social media has become an important platform for promoting television dramas, films and new talent in Pakistan. It allows performers to connect with audiences directly, but it also exposes them to immediate public reactions that can spread rapidly.
For newcomers, public scrutiny can be particularly challenging as they work to establish their identities and develop their acting skills. A scene that receives negative reactions may be shared widely, sometimes without the broader context of the character, storyline or production.
Constructive feedback can help actors understand audience expectations and identify areas for improvement. Personal attacks, however, can shift attention away from the quality of the work and towards an individual’s appearance or private life.
Quraishi’s message encourages viewers to approach entertainment criticism more responsibly. It recognises the audience’s right to express opinions while calling for greater consideration in how those opinions are communicated.
As discussions about emerging talent continue, the actor’s comments add to a wider conversation about professionalism, accountability and respectful behaviour in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
His central message is straightforward: performances can be criticised, but personal humiliation should not become entertainment. For young actors navigating an increasingly digital entertainment landscape, that distinction remains an important part of the conversation.
