Veteran Pakistani actor and writer Syed Mohammed Ahmed has shared his thoughts on the growing trend of online criticism and controversy-driven content, saying that many people now gain popularity by criticising others instead of creating meaningful work.
Speaking in a video message, Mohammed Ahmed sarcastically remarked that acting and writing no longer seem to be considered difficult professions by many social media users. He said that the easiest way to attract attention today is to criticise others and create controversy, since such content quickly gains likes and engagement online.
“I thought I’d talk about a few things, since I don’t have any work right now. I’m neither writing nor acting, nothing much, so let’s just talk,” Ahmed said sarcastically in the begining of the video.
He continued, “If you’re the most useless person, if you’ve failed in life, failed in your own work, and can’t do anything, just start bad-mouthing people. Pick on your colleagues, criticise them, spread poisonous criticism, say whatever comes to your mind about them. At least you’ll get likes. Even if there’s no money in it, at least your heart will feel satisfied, because you got likes.”
He added, “I insulted others, said a lot of nonsense about them, and see, I got likes, my video went viral. So I thought, let me do the same thing too. I thought, where should I start, whom should I criticise personally.”
Mimicking the tone of such critics, he said, “The actor who stands for five minutes acting in front of a heater in the middle of harsh summer heat for you, let’s criticise him too. That’ll be fun, won’t it? We’ll get likes, right? Similarly, that poor director who starts shouting for you from nine in the morning until midnight, shouting so much that his voice gives out, watching over every single thing, the actor’s dialogue delivery, the clothes, the set, everything, let’s criticise him too. What do you think? We’ll get likes, right?”
He concluded, “Because I am useless, I don’t do anything, nobody asks about me anymore. But at least I can do this. How easy is this job? Just badmouth anyone, do it wholeheartedly, say whatever comes to mind, you’ll get likes. What do you think, should I start?”
Although Mohammed Ahmed did not name anyone, his remarks sparked discussion on social media, with many users interpreting them as an indirect criticism of personalities who remain in the spotlight through controversy rather than their professional work.
His remarks received support from several well-known figures in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Host Maya Khan, producer Shazia Wajahat, director Mehreen Jabbar, actress Rabya Kulsoom and actor Adeel Husain reacted with supportive comments, praising both his message and his sense of humour.
Dr Ejaz Waris, who regularly reviews dramas and is known for blunt views about directors, actors and other social media personalities, commented, “Yeh 100 % main nahi hon This is 100 percent not me).”
Social media users pushed back on his comment. One user wrote, “Chor ki darhi mein tinka. “
Another wrote, “Aap number 1 hain is mein. Ya shayad Younus Butt aap se aagay hain bas (You’re number one at this, or maybe only Younus Butt is ahead of you).” A third user wrote, “Aap jaise fasadi phoppo ke liye hi hai (This message is meant exactly for troublemakers like you).”
Several fans also appreciated the respectful way he expressed his views, with one user writing that criticism delivered with grace and good manners has become rare in today’s entertainment industry.
