Pakistani actor and singer Ali Zafar has spoken against the online body-shaming faced by his Mere Brother Ki Dulhan co-star Katrina Kaif. Reacting to social media posts discussing Katrina’s appearance after pregnancy, Ali urged people, particularly men, to reconsider the beauty standards they place on women and to approach such conversations with greater compassion.
Ali Zafar Calls For More Understanding
In a video that has been widely shared online, Ali said he had seen social media posts comparing Katrina’s appearance before and after pregnancy. He noted that he has spoken against online trolling for several years, including when Pakistani actors such as Mahira Khan and others faced similar criticism.
Ali said that people should first examine their own behaviour before judging others. Speaking specifically from a male perspective, he highlighted what he described as the privilege men can assume when forming opinions about women’s bodies, choices and lifestyles.
He acknowledged that everyone makes mistakes but said recognising those mistakes and making an effort to change is important. According to Ali, women are often criticised when they do not conform to beauty standards created by society.
‘We Should Be Kind To People’
Ali also addressed the unrealistic expectations surrounding physical appearance. He pointed out that beauty ideals have changed significantly over different periods, noting that perceptions of women’s bodies during the Renaissance were different from later expectations surrounding extremely slim figures.
He also extended the point to men, saying that expectations around six-pack abs can be unrealistic and unhealthy. Ali stressed that constantly judging people based on their appearance is not a healthy approach.
He urged people to remember that everyone has their own personal struggles, which may not always be visible to others. His message centred on kindness, compassion, acceptance and understanding.
Ali further said that he would feel ashamed if he ever criticised someone solely because of their appearance. He encouraged men to reflect on their own behaviour and allow women to live their lives without being judged for their past, present or future.
Katrina Kaif Faces Online Comments After Public Appearance
Katrina Kaif, who welcomed her son Vihaan with husband Vicky Kaushal in November last year, recently made a rare public appearance with him at Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s Ganpati celebration.
Following the appearance, social media users circulated photographs comparing Katrina’s appearance before and after pregnancy, with several comments focusing on her looks.
The actor had also faced body-shaming after being spotted at filmmaker Kuku Kohli’s prayer meet in August. Actor Shivaleeka Oberoi supported Katrina at the time, responding to comments about her appearance by highlighting the changes associated with motherhood.
Ali Zafar’s Bollywood Journey
Ali Zafar entered Bollywood with Tere Bin Laden in 2010. He subsequently appeared in films including Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, London, Paris, New York and Chashme Baddoor.
Alongside acting, Ali has also worked as a singer-songwriter and contributed songs to several Hindi films, including Ullu Da Pattha, Madhubala and Nahi Re Nahi.
His Bollywood career was later affected by tensions in India-Pakistan relations. After the 2016 Uri attack, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena called for Pakistani artistes working in India to be banned.