Shaista Jabeen says Firdous Jamal’s criticism of senior artists ‘crossed a line’ | The Express Tribune

Senior actor Shaista Jabeen appeared on a morning show with Nadia Khan and Zohaib Hassan where she addressed veteran actor Firdous Jamal’s recent controversial remarks about senior artists and also shared her thoughts on professionalism within the entertainment industry.

Veteran actor Firdous Jamal recently came under criticism after making remarks about several legendary artists during a podcast interview. He reportedly dismissed Talat Hussain’s productions as “rarely inspiring” and labeled Abid Ali a selfish “type actor,” among other comments that sparked backlash across the industry.

Speaking on the morning show, Jabeen said, “Your nature and well-being for others can destroy you. These things bring you up and make you a good person through God.” She added, “I do not work with him. Never, will I. I never got along with him”.

The actor explained that while Jamal is undoubtedly a talented performer, “being a good person and a good actor are two separate things.”

When speaking about her personal experience, she recalled, “When I last worked with him, I had said my goodbyes”.

Jabeen also spoke about comments he allegedly made about women in her presence. “His tongue has no filter. I do not know if he is the type to respect a woman. It is just his thing. He has not personally said something to me, but he has spoken about other women in front of me, and that bothered me a lot,” she said.

She clarified, “I cannot withstand hearing awful things about other women.”

Defending the senior artists criticised by Jamal, Jabeen said that every veteran actor has earned their reputation through years of hard work and dedication. “The senior artists he has talked about, that is coming from his own superior complex, but he can’t take away their fame,” she remarked.

Referring specifically to Talat Hussain, she stated, “The legacy of Talat Hussain can’t be reborn.” She also praised Abid Ali, saying, “I have worked in private productions with Abid Ali saab, and he was a down-to-earth person.”

Speaking further about Ali, she recalled, “We worked in Gwadar for six months and I never once saw him do anything disrespectful. I have worked with him since PTV.”

“Even if I complained about another person, he would say, ‘Shaista, these things happen, do not stress.’”

Jabeen also emphasised that she prefers focusing on her work and personal life instead of getting involved in industry controversies. “I have never gone too deep into keeping relations with artists in the industry. I just focus on my work, my family, and my life,” she said.

Apart from the controversy, she highlighted other pressing issues within the entertainment industry, including repetitive drama scripts and delayed payments to actors.

“At times, we literally have to beg for our salaries — ‘Please, please, it would be appreciated if you could send me my salary,’” she said while laughing about the situation.

She also criticised the attitude of some younger actors on set, stressing the importance of learning from seniors. “I have seen some artists who take guidance from seniors. If I do not like something, I teach them from my experience. Sometimes, that ruins their mood. Personally, I always used to ask my seniors for advice, even today.”