Celebrities condemn Nasir Adeeb for spreading unverified claims about Reema Khan’s background..
Pakistani scriptwriter Nasir Adeeb has formally apologised to actor Reema Khan after facing backlash over controversial claims he made about her aleged association with Lahore’s red-light district, Heeramandi.
Nasir Adeeb had earlier alleged that he and director Yunus Malik had once scouted talent in the red-light district for a small film project. He claimed that they met a young girl during their visit, whom he rejected, but she later became a superstar.
Nasir Adeeb identified the girl as Reema Khan, but stated that he rejected her because she appeared “made of plastic” and lacked emotive eyes, a characteristic he believed was crucial for an actor.
These remarks were met with severe backlash from the entertainment community, with many celebrities condemning Nasir Adeeb’s comments.
Following the public outcry, Nasir appeared on the podcast again to issue an apology. He explained that he had spread the information without confirming the facts and acknowledged that he had made a mistake.
“For God’s sake, forgive me, and may Reema pardon me. Allah has also instructed that one should not believe in hearsay,” Adeeb during a recent appearance on a podcast.
Addressing the controversy, about his statements about Reema’s background, he mentioned that he had sought help from a friend to search for Reema on Google, although he already knew that she came from a Pashtun family and had grown up in poverty.
Adeeb revealed that Reema’s real name is Samina and that she has four siblings.
He added that due to financial struggles, Reema’s family couldn’t afford her school fees, which led to her being removed from school.
“I apologise to Reema for spreading this information without ascertaining the facts,” Nasir stated.
Reema Khan herself had took to Instagram to indirectly address the controversy. In a philosophical post, she referenced a verse by poet Jaun Elia, speaking about the flaws of human nature and how people often misuse the power of respect and dishonour. Reema Khan also prayed for guidance for those who seek to undermine others.
Yesterday in a Jumma Mubarak message on her social media page, Reema wrote, “A man can be the best creation of Allah only if others are safe from his wickedness.”
Celebrities rally behind Reema Khan amid controversy
The controversy also sparked strong reactions from other celebrities. Actor Fahad Mustafa took to his Instagram to condemn Adeeb’s statement, calling out the harmful impact of such podcasts.
Fahad Mustafa emphasised the importance of respecting others, especially seniors in the industry. “These podcasts tarnish people’s respect and whoever says whatever their heart desires. Serious action must be taken,” he wrote.
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