Faysal Qureshi has hit back at critics targeting age-related roles in dramas, dismissing their commentary as “rubbish” and branding some detractors as ‘lurkay hue lotay’.
Speaking in a recent interview, Qureshi defended his on-screen choices, particularly his role in the drama Raaja Rani.
He explained that his character transitions from a man suffering from mental illness after an accident into a powerful middle-aged tycoon, a performance that initially drew criticism because of his pairing with newcomer Hina Afridi.Qureshi insisted he played the role with full conviction. “People think directors and producers are insane,” he remarked.“On one side, they deliver long lectures about prohibiting age-shaming, body-shaming, and racism, and on the other, they come down hard on us for playing certain roles.”
He added: “People think directors’ and producers’ brains don’t work … they say they’ve gone mad. It’s become a trend to criticise them for no reason.”
“They are Lurkay hue lotay’… who lack consistency and direction.”
The actor revealed that much of the criticism came not only from social media but also from within the industry.
“Now people have watched the drama, so they know how the story was. But I have seen how people just start criticising any play,” he added. “They will age-shame, body-shame and troll someone. The same people who preach about not bullying end up doing exactly that,” Qureshi said.
During the interview, Qureshi also spoke about fellow actor Faisal Rehman, describing him as “an amazing actor” but “unpredictable on sets.”
On personal well-being, the star emphasised the importance of understanding “body calories and energy needs” to maintain fitness, a practice he believes all actors should adopt to stay healthy and active in their careers.
“I stand by my work,” Qureshi said confidently. “At the end of the day, it’s the producers and directors who decide the cast, not the critics.”
Also Read: Faysal Qureshi Responds to Nadia Afgan’s Grammar Critique
