Veteran Pakistani actor and writer Syed Mohammed Ahmed has received an outpouring of support from fellow artists after revealing that he was repeatedly disrespected by a much younger actor during the filming of a television drama, triggering widespread discussion across the entertainment industry.

Speaking on the Dareecha podcast, Ahmed recounted how the unnamed lead actor, who is around four decades younger than him, allegedly mocked and humiliated him on set. According to Ahmed, the actor first ridiculed him in a green room by loudly recalling an earlier audition experience, before later using a portable fan to jokingly “style” his hair in front of the cast and crew. The veteran actor said he chose not to react publicly to avoid escalating the situation.

The revelation prompted strong reactions from across Pakistan’s entertainment fraternity. Actor Faysal Quraishi demanded that the identity of the individual be disclosed, while actors Syed Jibran, Shamoon Abbasi, Zara Tareen, and others condemned the alleged behaviour and called for an apology. Some industry figures stressed that respect for senior artists is a fundamental value that should never be compromised.

As speculation over the younger actor’s identity spread on social media, actor Ali Raza publicly denied any involvement, saying he has always admired Ahmed and has never had the opportunity to work with him. Ahmed, meanwhile, thanked colleagues and fans for their overwhelming support, saying the messages of solidarity had helped him focus on the positive rather than the painful experience.