Actor Durefishan Saleem has faced online criticism over her accent and dialogue delivery in the television drama Dar-e-Nijaat, prompting fellow industry actors to speak out against the social media backlash.
Saleem portrays Zaryab, a carefree young woman from an affluent family who plans to study in the United States (US). The character frequently speaks English with her sister, friends, and her partner Zamil, played by Nameer Khan. Following recent episodes, social media users targeted her portrayal, claiming her English accent felt unnatural and misaligned with the role.
Criticism centered on her pronunciation and acting choices. One viewer wrote on social media, “Currently watching Dar e Nijaat and I can’t stand Durre Fishans character, gosh why are they letting her speak in English when it’s so bad! Only let Shehryar speak pls.”
Another viewer referenced the actor’s background, posting, “Durefishan Saleem’s English in Dar-e-Nijat has me genuinely confused. This girl has a law degree from UCL London, but the accent is giving pure Lahore Grammar School energy. Like she only went to the UK for the degree photo and came straight back.”
Other online accounts questioned the tone of her dialogues. One person commented, “Durre is trying too hard to be that young hip english speaking burger kid. Its just not well done in how shes saying the dialogues and the use of english words.” Another post read, “Durefishan acting and accent in this new show is so bad and sooo cringe.”
The targeted reaction led colleagues to address the online commentary directly. Actor Sanam Saeed posted an Instagram story labeling the ongoing social media response as “unsettling,” calling the widespread bashing “downright mean” and “very lame.”
Actor Umer Aalam also posted in Saleem’s defense, writing on Instagram, “After listening to AI audio repeatedly, people find a real accent strange. Every human has a distinct way of speaking, that makes them unique. People are ignoring the drama, the story, and the shoot out of jealousy.”
Viewers defending Saleem pointed out selective standards in drama reviews. One social media user posted, “I thought people had issues with including so many English scenes in Dar-e-Nijaat but they’re making fun of Dure’s accent, her accent is spot on.”
Another account noted, “I genuinely don’t understand why Dur-e-Fishan Saleem is such an easy target for acting criticism. If acting standards are really this strict, then Hania Aamir and especially Mahira Khan should face the same scrutiny instead of being treated as untouchable. Dur-e-Fishan is young, beautiful, educated and still growing as an actor.”
A separate comment read, “Dure isnt british nor does she claim to be an english professor. people from every county have their own accents and people here dont even understand that.”
