A public spat between two well-known Pakistani actors has now ended with apologies on live television and social media.
Actor Fahad Mustafa has apologised to veteran star Atiqa Odho after his remarks about her appearance sparked backlash online.
The issue began when the 58-year-old actress appeared on Hasna means hain and offered light-hearted advice to Mustafa.
When asked what advice she would give him, she said, “I think now is the time to start working with the elders of your life.”
Her comment, suggesting he work with actresses closer to his age, did not go down well and hurt the ego of the said actor.
During his Ramazan game show Jeeto Pakistan, the 42-year-old responded with sarcasm, which many felt was sexist and age-shaming.
“Atiqa Apa, ab aap hi reh gayi hai hamari heroine bus… Aap zara do chaar aur achi surgeryiyan karayen hum ayenge,” he said, in what many viewers saw as a clear jab at her appearance.
The remarks triggered criticism from social media users and fellow actors including Urwa Hocane and Zhalay Sarhadi.
The Humsafar actor later tried to calm the situation by posting on her Instagram.
She wrote, “Fahad is a talented and hardworking professional… Let’s forgive and forget. We are only human and to err is human,” adding that public figures often face harsh reactions over small comments.
Later, on Tuesday, the actor-producer also addressed her directly on his show.
He said, “Atiqa Apa, you are our senior, we all love you and there is no doubt that you are the most beautiful woman of Pakistan… I love you, God bless you and I apologise.”
He added in Urdu, “Wo rishta hi kya jismain ana hi rahay… It is beautiful when apology comes in.”
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