For the past few weeks, actor Durefishan Saleem has faced criticism online over her English accent in the drama Dar-e-Nijaat, with viewers questioning whether it suits the character she portrays.
Actor Sanam Saeed has now defended Saleem, describing the backlash as “unsettling” and criticising what she called excessive focus on an actor’s accent.
In an Instagram story on Monday, Saeed said it was “very lame” to see people become so preoccupied with an actor’s accent. She also described the criticism directed at Saleem as “downright mean and inconsiderate” of her feelings.
In Dar-e-Nijaat, Saleem plays Zaryab, the younger daughter of an affluent family. Her character, who has studied at elite institutions and is considering pursuing higher education in the United States, is shown speaking English frequently with her sister, friends and boyfriend Zamil, played by Nameer Khan.
Viewers have particularly questioned Saleem’s accent, arguing that it does not align with the character’s background and portrayal.
While audiences are entitled to critique performances and aspects of a drama that they find unconvincing, Saeed’s comments highlight concerns over the extent to which criticism of Saleem’s accent has escalated online.
