Fahad Sheikh apologizes to senior actor over on-set joke
KARACHI: Pakistani actor Fahad Sheikh has publicly apologized to veteran actor Syed Mohammad Ahmed after facing criticism over a video in which he appeared to mock the senior actor’s baldness during a television shoot.
The controversy began after Syed Mohammad Ahmed shared a video on social media in which, without naming anyone, he spoke about being ridiculed on set because of his appearance.
The video quickly went viral, prompting fellow actors and social media users to call on the individual involved to issue a public apology.
After online users identified Fahad Sheikh through a circulating behind-the-scenes video, the actor addressed the issue in an Instagram Story.
He said incomplete stories often create misleading narratives and insisted there had been no intention to insult the veteran actor.
Fahad said he had worked with Syed Mohammad Ahmed on previous projects and that they had always shared a friendly relationship.
He added that the atmosphere on set was like that of a family, where lighthearted banter was common, and said he did not realize the remarks had caused offense.
The actor said he had already apologized to Syed Mohammad Ahmed privately and had no hesitation in apologizing publicly, describing the veteran performer as his senior and someone he deeply respects.
Actress Zainab Raza criticizes Fahad Sheikh over conduct
Actress Zainab Raza has criticized actor Fahad Sheikh, sharing her own experience of working with him after veteran actor Syed Mohammad Ahmed alleged he was mocked on a television drama set.
In a social media comment that has circulated online, Raza said she worked with Fahad Sheikh on a drama project and claimed his behavior often made fellow actors uncomfortable.
She alleged that he frequently made remarks or engaged in conduct under the guise of humor that left others uneasy.
Commenting on the recent controversy involving Syed Mohammad Ahmed, Raza described the alleged treatment of the veteran actor as “regrettable” and “shameful.”
She said she could not imagine anyone behaving in such a manner toward someone of her parents’ age, particularly a respected artist known for his humility and professionalism.
The controversy began after Syed Mohammad Ahmed revealed during a podcast that a younger lead actor had mocked his appearance, baldness and acting during a shoot. Although he did not identify the actor by name, a video later circulated on social media, prompting speculation that Fahad Sheikh was involved.
Several actors, including Syed Jibran, Faisal Quraishi, Shamoon Abbasi and Umair Rana, publicly expressed support for Syed Mohammad Ahmed and called on the junior actor to apologize. Fahad Sheikh later issued a public apology on social media, saying he had not intended to offend the veteran actor and had also apologized to him privately.