Actors Maya Ali and Hania Aamir have spoken in support of Yumna Zaidi after Javeria Saud’s remarks on a television show led to a public exchange.
Saud shared a childhood photograph during her show, stating that it was of Zaidi and remarking that some actors had been working “since the stone ages” before gaining recognition.
Zaidi responded on social media, slamming the use of unverified material on television. “This is not my childhood picture. It’s an identity based disinformation. Any data or information should be rectified before airing on national television. Thanks,” she wrote.
Following Zaidi’s response, Maya Ali addressed the situation in an Instagram story, calling for accountability within the industry. “When will we start respecting our own talent, our actors, our stars?” she wrote. “People dedicate their lives to their craft day and night, and the saddest part is, it’s not outsiders pulling them down. it’s often voices from within our own industry doing it publicly on big platforms.”
She added, “ALLAH has written everyone’s destiny and their time. Na waqt se pehle, na waqt ke baad….. Let’s stop pulling each other down. Let’s stand for one another!! Aaj koi aur hai, kal app bhi ho sakte hain.” Maya also urged media platforms to act with responsibility, stating, “And a humble request to the channels, please verify before airing anything about anyone. Use your platform responsibly.”
Hania Aamir later reshared Maya Ali’s statement on her Instagram Story, adding, “What she said,” indicating her support for Zaidi.
Javeria Saud subsequently issued a clarification, stating that the image had been taken from social media without verification. “Due to some online confusion and misinformation, our team came across this picture on social media and used it without proper verification. I truly regret this and sincerely apologize,” she said.
Addressing Zaidi directly, Saud added, “Yumna, you have always been very close to my heart. I have immense love and respect for you and your work.”
She also responded to the age-related remark, stating, “As for the age related comment, it has unfortunately been misunderstood. I was referring to a different context about a time period of work, not about anyone’s age. It was a general remark and was never intended for anyone in particular.”
