Pakistani social media commentator Dr Ejaz Waris has taken a dig at singer Ali Zafar after the latter spoke out against the body-shaming of Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif.
The latest development comes in an online debate over Katrina’s appearance following motherhood. Recent videos of the actress sparked comparisons with her older photographs, with some social media users commenting on changes in her weight and appearance.
Dr Ejaz Waris had also come under criticism over his remarks about Katrina’s changed look. His comments drew a strong reaction online, with many users accusing him of body-shaming the actress.
Ali Zafar later addressed the wider issue in a video shared on Instagram. Without naming Katrina or the person whose remarks he was referring to, Ali spoke about the way women are judged over their appearance and said people should think about their own behavior before criticizing others.
Ali, who worked with Katrina in the 2011 Bollywood film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, said he had come across posts comparing a former co-star’s appearance from the past with how she looks now.
The singer questioned why men feel they have the right to decide how a woman should look, behave or live her life. He also urged people to be more understanding, saying no one knows what another person may be dealing with privately.
Ali further spoke about changing beauty standards and the pressure placed on both women and men to meet unrealistic expectations. He stressed that people make mistakes but should be willing to recognize them and change their behavior.
Soon after Ali’s remarks, Dr Ejaz Waris appeared to respond through an Instagram story, taking a direct swipe at the singer.
The story read: “Katrina Kaif ko Yaad bhi nahi hoga ke she ever worked with you in a movie معذرت کے ساتھ.”
The message means that Katrina Kaif may not even remember that she once worked with Ali Zafar in a film. The remark appears to mock Ali’s reference to his past professional connection with the actress.
Ali and Katrina worked together in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, which also featured Imran Khan. The 2011 film was one of Ali’s Bollywood projects before he went on to appear in several other Indian productions.