Fiza Ali calls out Adnan Siddiqui for fly-gate as KRQ jumps to his defence

With many calling out Siddiqui for his comments, one of his colleagues maintains the former meant no harm

Ever since casually likening women to common house flies in an appearance on national television, actor Adnan Siddiqui has been bombarded with criticism from fans and colleagues alike. Adnan’s continued claims that his comments were a harmless joke have done little to stem the tide of censure, and television host Fiza Ali went public on her morning show to slam Adnan’s viral statement.

“As a woman, I am upset,” began Fiza. “This was a comment about women, and being a woman, I need to speak up about this. Adnan Siddiqui: You called women a fly, but you need to remember that you are a prominent public figure. You really need to think hard before you speak.”

Reminding Adnan of the dangers of issuing such a blanket statement even in jest, Fiza continued, “You have made these comments about women, but remember, you have women in your life. Do you view your mother as a fly? Your sister? Your daughter? If she goes out in the world to study, and some other guy says she is just like a fly, how would that make you feel? Would you like it?”

Reproaching the actor and calling for him to make amends, Fiza added, “You should have thought hard before speaking. You need to apologise. You owe it to all the women around the world. All you need to do is upload one video with an apology. It will make people will think highly of you.” In case anyone had any lingering doubts, Fiza concluded her statement with the words, “Women are NOT flies.”

However, whilst fans voiced their agreement in the comments section of Fiza’s video, other celebrities viewed Adnan’s comments in an entirely different light. Appearing on an Eid transmission, screenwriter and director Khalilur Rehman Qamar defended Adnan’s intentions. 

“He is a decent man,” maintained KRQ when asked for his input. “I know him. He’s a friend. He respects women like anything. What happens is sometimes when you’re searching for the right words, you inadvertently end up saying something you don’t mean.”

To prove his point, KRQ called up Adnan on the spot and asked how he could possibly have called women flies on national television. “Let me tell you what happened,” clarified Adnan. “I was on Nida’s show, and a fly kept coming on my hand. I wasn’t comparing women to flies. I just used the fly as an example to show that when you chase women, they run from you.”

Both men concluded that Adnan's remarks had been a joke, and should not be dissected for any deeper meaning. Adnan went on to lambast a society gone “woke”, lamenting that in today’s world, no one could call a spade a spade. “You can’t call someone black or deaf or fat anymore without being criticised for it. Being a Pathan myself, I can’t even play the role of a Pathan without people questioning if I am making fun of all Pathans.” 

“Agreed, agreed," concurred KRQ. 

Wrapping up the call some moments later, KRQ delivered his two cents on the contentious subject. “A joke is meant to catalyse laughter,” he said. “Nothing else.” With his initial fly analogy having spread like wildfire, it remains to be seen how long a public figure like Adnan will continue to attract attention for the statement he delivered so casually. 

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments.