Actress Sehar Khan has issued an apology for her controversial remarks about Priyanka Chopra’s character in Barfi.
The Fairy Tale star found herself in hot waters after an interview snippet went viral. In the interview, she expressed her desire to play a character similar to Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s role in the film ‘Barfi,’ using terminology such as “abnormal,” “crazy,” and “psychopath” to describe the character.
The comment drew sharp criticism from some sections of the internet for its inappropriate use of terminology.
On Twitter, a user gently corrected Sehar, highlighting that the character in question, Jhilmil from Barfi, was not a psychopath but was portrayed as autistic. The user stressed the importance of using correct terminology, especially when discussing disabilities or psychological disorders.
I know this might not be intentional but this may have a significant negative effect on young people's thinking. But again, mistakes are inevitable and what really counts is that we learn from them. (3/3)@iamseharkhan @aamnaisani
— Ann❄️ (@mukhtalifff_) September 13, 2023
Sehar Khan promptly responded to the controversy with an official statement on Twitter. She acknowledged her mistake, clarifying that she had intended to express her desire to play a role of a differently-abled person but had misspoken during the interview. She stated,
In a recent interview, I meant to say I want to do a role of a differently abled person, but due to a slip of the tongue, I mistakenly said something else. I should have gathered my thoughts before answering the question to express myself better.
Recognizing the significance of discussing mental disabilities and special needs, Sehar offered a heartfelt apology, saying, “Mental disabilities and special needs are a very important matter, and I have immense respect for people dealing with them; hence I apologize if I unintentionally hurt anyone.”
She concluded her message on a positive note, expressing her love and gratitude to her fans while thanking them for their understanding and respect.
The incident sparked a wide range of reactions on social media. Some users emphasized the need for careful language use, particularly in discussions related to sensitive topics like disabilities. They stressed the role of influential figures like Sehar Khan in shaping societal perceptions and attitudes toward disabilities.
However, others came to Sehar’s defense, acknowledging her mistake as a genuine slip of the tongue and emphasizing the importance of offering constructive criticism and education rather than harsh condemnation. They cited her age and the potential for personal growth and learning from such experiences.
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I can expect such remarks from any khan, it’s in their culture.