Veteran filmmaker Syed Noor has stirred fresh controversy after openly holding Jannat Mirza responsible for the underperformance of his 2022 film Tere Bajre Di Rakhi, reigniting the long-standing debate over social media fame versus traditional stardom.
Speaking in a recent interview, Noor reflected on the film’s box office outcome with unusual candour, describing the decision to cast Jannat Mirza as a “disaster.” According to him, despite her massive digital following, the anticipated footfall in cinemas never materialised. The filmmaker pointed out that online popularity does not necessarily translate into ticket sales.
Drawing comparisons with cinema’s golden era, Noor referenced iconic stars like Waheed Murad and Nadeem Baig, noting how their presence alone once guaranteed packed theatres. In contrast, he argued, today’s social media influencers operate in a space where audiences consume content freely, without the need to visit cinemas.
Many users came to Jannat Mirza’s defense, shifting the conversation toward storytelling and execution rather than casting choices. Critics argued that even established actors struggle to deliver box office hits if the script fails to resonate with contemporary audiences. Others pointed out that Noor himself had reportedly approached Jannat Mirza and her family to bring her on board, questioning why she was being singled out when the film featured an ensemble cast.
Another recurring sentiment online was the evolving definition of success. Some users highlighted that Jannat Mirza’s digital influence and brand collaborations likely generate higher earnings than traditional television projects, making her career trajectory very different from that of conventional film actors.
