Sahar Hashmi has spoken about the criticism she faced for on-screen hugging scenes in television dramas, saying the backlash left her hurt, confused and emotionally distressed.

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In a recent interview, the actor rejected comparisons with Indian actor Emraan Hashmi, describing the nickname “Pakistan’s Emraan Hashmi” as unfair and unnecessary.

Social media users gave her the label after her performances in Zanjeerain and Shaidai, which featured hugging scenes. Sahar said she was neither the first nor the last actor to perform such scenes, adding that they formed part of the script and served the story. She said directors only filmed those scenes after ensuring she felt comfortable with them.

‘Actors Should Not Be Blamed’

Sahar argued that hugging members of the opposite gender reflects reality in many parts of Pakistan, even if some people disagree with it. She said audiences should not blame actors for performing scenes required by a script.

When asked why she faced stronger criticism than male actors, she joked that the reaction stemmed from the “Hashmi-Hashmi connection.” However, she admitted the experience has made her more cautious about accepting similar scenes in future projects.

She added that actors should respect audience preferences but urged people to express criticism politely rather than resorting to personal attacks.

Backlash Took an Emotional Toll

The actor revealed that online abuse had a serious emotional impact. She said she often cried herself to sleep after reading negative comments and struggled to cope with the criticism.

Sahar credited fellow actors Shehzad Sheikh, Nawal Saeed, Feroze Khan and her director for supporting and encouraging her during that difficult period.

Role Reminded Her of Personal Loss

Discussing her career, Sahar said she accepted Zanjeerain mainly because it gave her the opportunity to work alongside Sajal Aly, whom she greatly admires. She described the experience as memorable despite sharing only a few scenes with the senior actor.

Sahar also revealed that she initially declined the role because her character’s death reminded her of losing her mother. She said her mother’s passing triggered panic attacks and left her struggling to find purpose in life.

She eventually joined the project after producer Momina Duraid personally encouraged her to accept the role.