Entertainment

Why Pakistani Twitterati Are Miffed With Priyanka Chopra

New Delhi: Priyanka Chopra, who has been at the forefront of efforts to increase visibility for South Asian artistes in Hollywood and international cinema has ended up annoying some people with her description of Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy as “South Asian.”

Priyanka organizes a pre-Oscar event in Los Angeles to honour South Asian excellence and achievers in the world of cinema – which Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy attended this year. Chinoy, who directed two episodes of Ms Marvel, starring a South Asian cast and partly set in Pakistan, will helm an untitled Star Wars film, it was announced about a week ago.

Priyanka Chopra posted an Instagram Story congratulating the filmmaker, writing: “First person of colour and first woman to direct a Star Wars film… And she’s South Asian!! What a historic moment Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy. So so proud of you my friend. May the force be with you!”

Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui, who also acted in Sridevi’s last film MOM, was among those who took offence at Priyanka’s failure to specify Ms Obaid Chinoy’s nationality. Over the weekend, he tweeted: “With due respect, Priyanka Chopra, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is a Pakistani first just to brush up your knowledge. Much like the way you flaunt your Indian nationality whenever you get the opportunity before claiming to be a South Asian.” Siddiqui offered no instances of Priyanka Chopra having “flaunted” her Indian identity as he put it.

In the comments thread, several verified handles of Pakistani nationality or origin agreed. Writer Faisal Kapadia wrote: “Sharmeen is a Pakistani and she should be called that.” Journalist Anis Farooqui replied to Adnan Siddiqui, “Very true Adnan bro.” Filmmaker Shahnawaz Zali, however, begged to differ: “Nothing wrong being called a South Asian (which we are and proud) maybe you should just appreciate things when they are said rather than always and consistently trying to find flaws in it.” Others criticising Priyanka Chopra called her a bigot and worse.

See Adnan Siddiqui’s post here:


Notably, neither Priyanka Chopra nor Chonoy has responded to the tweets..

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

When A ‘Powerful Man’s Wife’ Broke Into Varun Dhawan’s House To Elope With Actor!

Mumbai: Bollywood celebrities have often had funny, at times bizarre experiences, mostly involving hero-worshipping, demanding fans.…

12 hours ago

Jatra Party Owner Arrested For Duping Actress Of Over Rs 8 Lakh In Bhubanewar

Bhubaneswar: Police have arrested the owner of a Jatra (theatre) group for allegedly duping an…

12 hours ago

How Punjab Farmers Have Paved The Way For Revival Of Organic Desi Cotton

Sanskriti Talwar Faridkot (Punjab): For the third consecutive year, Balwinder Singh of Mallan village in…

12 hours ago

Rain May Play Spoilsport During Christmas & New Year Celebrations In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Rain may play spoilsport in Christmas and New Year celebrations in Odisha as the…

13 hours ago

Now, Amazon Prime Cracks Down On Password Sharing; Check Out Details Here

New Delhi: Netflix showed the way, Amazon Prime Video is following in their footsteps. Come…

13 hours ago

[Watch] Allu Arjun’s House Vandalised By Protesters Over ‘Pushpa 2’ Stampede; Know Their Demands

Hyderabad: Allu Arjun’s woes keep mounting. In a worrying development, protesters stormed Allu Arjun’s Jubilee…

14 hours ago

This website uses cookies.