A seemingly lighthearted comment from senior actress Parveen Akbar about the talented Sanam Saeed has become the latest flashpoint on social media, sparking a heated debate about a fine line between praise and body-shaming.
During a recent television program, Akbar praised Saeed's acting prowess but added a comment that has since gone viral: she described Saeed as a "tomboy," saying she sometimes looks more like a boy than a girl.
The remark, which was likely meant as an off-the-cuff observation, was quickly clipped and shared across various social media platforms, leading to a wave of reactions.
On one side, many fans of Sanam Saeed expressed outrage, calling the comment disrespectful and inappropriate. One user on social media commented, "What is this woman saying? This is very disrespectful. The senior actress should get her eyes checked." Another user pointed out, "senior actors should not talk like this. What do they get from body-shaming others on live television?"
On the other side of the debate, a small but vocal group of users defended Parveen Akbar, arguing that her words were a simple, affectionate observation, and were misunderstood.
They suggested that the term "tomboy" was not meant to be derogatory but was instead a compliment to Sanam Saeed's versatile and confident persona, a quality that sets her apart from more traditional female roles.
The incident is particularly noteworthy given the professional history of both actresses. Parveen Akbar, a veteran of the industry since 1980, is known for her strong roles in classic shows like Yeh Zindagi Hai and Humsafar.
Sanam Saeed, who debuted in 2010, has become a household name with a string of critically acclaimed performances in hit dramas such as Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Mera Naseeb. Both actresses have built reputations on their talent, making the public focus on a personal remark rather than their professional work a point of contention for many.
