Sajal Ali backs ‘Zanjeerain’ co-star Anayah Shahid amid backlash over fictional character | The Express Tribune

Actor Sajal Ali came out in support of her Zanjeerain co-star Anayah Shahid, reminding audiences to separate fictional characters from the actors who portray them.

Sajal shared an Instagram story originally posted by Anayah, in which the actor addressed the backlash she had been receiving over her character, Shireen’s actions in the drama.

Anayah urged viewers to stop directing abuse at her personally, stressing that television dramas are works of fiction and that actors simply bring scripted characters to life. “To all the people cursing me, dragging me, and writing passionate essays about my morals based on a fictional character’s decisions, thank you for your concern,” she wrote.

Screengrab: anayaaaah_/Instagram

The actor continued, “If my character’s choices have ruined your day, raised your blood pressure, or inspired a strongly worded comment about my upbringing, then perhaps the performance worked a little too well.” She signed off her comments with, “Kind regards, the employee of the script.”

Reposting Anayah’s message, Sajal endorsed her co-star’s stance, highlighting that strong emotional reactions from viewers are often a testament to an actor’s convincing performance rather than a reflection of their actual personality. “Such a nuanced and powerful expression,” she said.

Screengrab: sajalaly/Instagram

Fans also rallied behind Anayah, praising her portrayal of Shireen. Many agreed that the criticism directed at her only demonstrated how effectively she embodied the role.

Anayah has continued to earn widespread recognition for her breakthrough performance in Zanjeerain. Her nuanced portrayal has sparked intense emotional reactions from audiences, establishing her as one of the drama’s standout performers.