Maya Ali proves she can give as good as she gets

Actor retaliates as trolls criticise acting in 'Sunn Mere Dil'

With social media giving netizens a free pass to unleash unwanted opinions, those in showbiz can find themselves subject to withering disapproval. However, what keyboard warriors forget is that social media is a two-way street - as actor Maya Ali proved in spades during a recent back-and-forth session on Instagram. The topic of heated debate? Maya's performance in the television serial Sunn Mere Dil.

"At first, I don't get her character and acting," opined one follower on the actor's Instagram handle. "I tolerate this drama because I am jobless." Not one to hold back, Maya fired back, "My dear, no one is forcing you to watch it. #Peace."

Maya stars as Sadaf opposite Wahaj Ali's Bilal in the drama penned by screenwriter Khalilur Rehman Qamar. The plot involves a wealthy businessman (Bilal) falling for a woman (Sadaf) whose financial situation is less sturdy than his own. Maya recently shared snapshots of herself from Sunn Mere Dil on IG. Whilst the majority of the comments involved an abundance of hearts, a select few followers chose to criticise Maya's acting in general and her casting opposite Wahaj in particular.

"No offence, [but] we would like to see you and Wahaj as a sibling duo, otherwise not acceptable as a couple," expressed one disappointed viewer. In the same vein of outwardly not wanting to give out offence (but dishing it out anyway), another commenter shared, "No offence, [but] zero acting… bad casting opposite Wahaj Ali, please replace her, she looks aged." Maya may or may not have taken offence at either comment, but the star had one of her own up her sleeve: "Next time, we will consult you about the casting process," she assured her followers.

The actor's packed schedule likely precludes her from replying to every ego-crushing comment about the show fired her way, with certain opinions about the plotline slipping through the net without eliciting a response. "Yesterday's episode was a cringe-fest," shared one viewer. "Don't care about the acting if this is what you serve the audience."

Fortunately for Maya, the number of positive comments outweighed the unkind criticism filling up her feed. "Your acting makes me think you are Sadaf in real life," gushed one user, yielding a high-five emoji from Maya herself. Another impressed viewer penned, "The common trait noticed in the drama is how Sadaf's mother supports her unconditionally, just like Maya's real mother, who has always given her immense support. It's the perfect example of unwavering maternal love."

Whether the tide continues to turn against Maya remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: whatever comments head her way, Maya will fight back.