Actor Fahad Sheikh denied disrespecting veteran actor Syed Mohammed Ahmed after a video of the couple on the set of a drama went viral on Wednesday, saying the incident had been taken out of context.
The video gained attention after Mohammed Ahmed, in a recent podcast, recounted an incident in which, he said, a lead actor much younger than him allegedly ridiculed him on set.
Ahmed said the actor reminded others that he had once evaluated his acting skills before telling a producer that he was “fine.” He also described an incident in which the actor took a portable fan from another cast member and pretended to comb his hair while calling others to watch.
Ahmed said he decided not to react at the time because he did not want the incident to be shared on social media without context.
After the interview, several actors including Faysal Quraishi, Shamoon Abbasi and others urged the unnamed actor to apologize.
Responding to criticism on Instagram after a video from the set went viral, actor Fahad Sheikh said: “Half-stories are always dangerous because they are used to establish a narrative. On the set, we don’t work as co-actors, we come together like a family who laughs together, eats with each other and shares their grievances.”
“What looks like a ‘thug’ wasn’t one to begin with,” he wrote in a series of Instagram stories.
“This was not my first project with Ahmed Sahab; I have worked with him on many projects and we shared a bond where we would laugh and have a good time on set,” Fahad wrote.
“I don’t know at what point the prank that he himself started made him feel like we were harassing him, because that was never anyone’s intention,” he said.
Fahad also said that he had apologized to Ahmed before the controversy arose. “He is my eldest, I am not ashamed to apologize publicly,” he said.
“And if Ahmed Sahab feels that my personal apology was not enough for him, then I also apologize to him on this platform. I hope you don’t hold a grudge against me because you would.” [never] I think about insulting my elders anyway,” the actor wrote.
The actor said legal action was being taken against those who “circulated video material out of context to deliberately mislead the public.”
Meanwhile, Mohammed Ahmed took to his Instagram and thanked the entertainment fraternity for their love and support on the issue.
“I am truly overwhelmed and touched by all the messages, calls and voice notes I have received from all my colleagues in the industry. Thank you to each and every one of you. It has been truly heartwarming to see how everyone has reached out and advocated for me.”
