Pakistani superstar Faysal Quraishi has launched a staunch defense of his drama “Raaja Rani” and his decision to star alongside newcomer Hina Afridi. The show initially faced significant backlash and trolling from audiences and industry figures alike, who criticized the noticeable age gap between the established actor and his much younger co-star. Quraishi, who plays a middle-aged tycoon grappling with mental illness, is now hitting back at what he calls premature and hypocritical criticism.
In a recent interview with The Current, Quraishi did not mince words when addressing his detractors. He asserted that the narrative of “Raaja Rani” justified the casting and that those who watched the show would understand the context. He expressed frustration that people judged the project without seeing its content, leading to a wave of unwarranted age-shaming and online trolling directed at him and the production.
Quraishi condemned the pervasive culture of bullying within the industry, pointing out the hypocrisy of those who preach against such behavior. In a particularly sharp critique, he labeled these critics as “lurkay hue lotay”—a Urdu phrase meaning “torn kites”—suggesting they are directionless, unprincipled, and quick to jump on any bandwagon of criticism without substance. This comments follow his earlier appearance on Nadia Khan’s talk show, where he first opened up about the personal impact of the age-shaming.
Despite the rocky start, Quraishi stands by his performance and the show’s storyline, believing the work ultimately speaks for itself. His strong rebuttal has sparked a broader conversation about knee-jerk reactions on social media, the scrutiny faced by actors regarding their age, and the ethical responsibilities of critics and colleagues within the Pakistani entertainment industry.
