Unscripted chaos: Celeb feuds rock Pakistani showbiz
Unfiltered words, public feuds, and industry clashes: when 'showbiz stars’ verbal battles spark controversy and divide fans

Sibte Hassan
Correspondent, Karachi Pakistan
Syed Sibte Hassan Rizvi is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 12 years of experience. He has worked as a news correspondent, covering various beats for Pakistan's leading news channels.

The Kya Drama Hai team
- Atiqa Odho and Nadia Khan publicly criticize co-stars, igniting heated debates on professionalism and boundaries
- Babrik Shah’s blunt takedown of Fahad Mustafa, Fawad Khan, and Imran Abbas sparks social media backlash
- Bushra Ansari clashes with Javed Akhtar while battling ageist remarks at home, fueling cross-border controversy
In the glittering world of Pakistani showbiz, the drama doesn’t always stay confined to scripts. These days, it’s the unscripted moments—raw, impulsive soundbites from celebrities—that dominate headlines, bruise egos, and reshape careers.
The epidemic of unfiltered remarks—what some call “verbal diarrhea”—is spiraling. Harsh words go viral, scandals erupt overnight, and industry stars are left picking up the pieces.
Babrik ShahInstagram
Babrik Shah roasts Pakistan’s most prominent stars
Former film and TV actor Babrik Shah grabbed headlines with his unfiltered critique of some of Pakistan’s most beloved stars.
- Imran Abbas? “Not film material” and “doesn’t even look like a man.”
- Fawad Khan? “Overrated” and “not that capable.”
- Fahad Mustafa? Compared unfavorably to Tariq Aziz, dismissed as having “limited” acting range.
In Shah’s view, only Hamza Ali Abbasi fits the silver screen—while others, from Ahsan Khan to Faysal Quraishi, belong strictly on TV.
His words triggered instant backlash, with fans accusing him of jealousy and industry insiders calling his comments toxic.
Bushra AnsariInstagram
Bushra Ansari: Fighting Javed Akhtar & facing ageism
Bushra Ansari waded into controversy after criticizing Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar for linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack. In a video message, she mocked his struggles finding housing in Mumbai and said:
“Our writer, he needs an excuse. He didn’t get any house on rent in Bombay. For his relevance, he can speak anything he wants... What are you saying? Have shame. You have a few hours to live, and on top of that, such nonsense you are saying.”
Her remarks drew a sharp response from Akhtar and reignited cross-border tensions. At home, she also faced ageist comments from actress Ruby Anum, who suggested Bushra should retire due to age. Many fans and stars, however, rushed to defend Bushra, praising her legacy and condemning ageism in showbiz.
Atiqa Odho’s wax advice: When critique crosses the line
It began innocently—a panel, a question, a little too much honesty. Veteran actress Atiqa Odho’s on-air rant about Ali Raza’s chest hair lit up social media:
“Wear disco jackets if you must, but please do not have undone buttons all the way down so you can show off your chest hair… You can wax it off! I can take you to a salon!”
Her remarks, intended as light advice, left Ali Raza embarrassed and defensive. Body shaming isn’t new—but when it comes from a legend, the impact multiplies. Memes spread, hashtags trended, and the debate over professionalism versus personal attacks raged on.
The 'Kya Drana Hai' teamInstagram
Nadia Khan’s verbal barrage: Morning show or Mouthpiece?
If Atiqa set the bar, Nadia Khan has made it her trademark. The morning show queen has aimed at everyone from Yasir Hussain and Sarwat Gilani to rising stars Hania Aamir and Ali Raza—sometimes for fashion choices, other times for “unprofessionalism.”
Her blunt style regularly sparks backlash. Most recently, Nadia warned Ali Raza about his “lack of commitment,” a remark that prompted actress Zarnish Khan to accuse her of creating “unnecessary drama” and spreading disrespect within the industry.
Khalil ur Rehman Qamar: The perennial Provocateur
No list of verbal controversies is complete without Khalil ur Rehman Qamar. Known for incendiary remarks about women and peers, his infamous live TV clash with activist Marvi Sirmed became a viral moment—and a symbol of how damaging unchecked speech can be.
Qamar’s unfiltered style guarantees headlines but leaves lasting fallout, polarizing audiences and complicating collaborations.
The fallout: When words hurt more than scripts
From body shaming and name-calling to public feuds, these controversies show one thing: words have power. Stars are mocked in memes, dragged through endless comment threads, and left battling anxiety long after the cameras switch off.
Industry veterans warn that unchecked “verbal diarrhea” is breeding insecurity, dividing camps, and creating a toxic trend for newcomers.
If Pakistani showbiz doesn’t find its filter, the real drama may play out off-screen—where reputations are ruined, egos bruised, and careers scarred by words said in haste.
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