Bushra Ansari Hits Back at Trolls Shaming Her For Viral Reel on Instagram

In today’s digital age, even the most respected, talented, and experienced individuals are not safe from the wrath of online trolls. Social media provides a platform for people to express their thoughts, but it also becomes a space where unsolicited mean comments thrive.

Women, in particular, often find themselves at the receiving end of trolling—their appearance, choices, and actions are constantly scrutinised, regardless of what they do or don’t do.

In Pakistan, female actors are frequently subjected to relentless online criticism. Whether it’s their clothing, their words, or even their harmless social media posts, actresses often face shaming from those hiding behind screens. The ageist and sexist remarks they endure reflect the deep-rooted societal biases that persist in the digital world.

Veteran actress Bushra Ansari, 68, recently found herself the target of trolls for a lighthearted Instagram reel she shared. In the video, Ansari is seen enjoying the song Saathi Rey by Arko, playfully acting out the music.

What was meant to be a fun, innocent moment quickly became a target for online vitriol.

Netizens flooded the comment section with criticism, shaming Ansari and accusing her of inappropriate behaviour. The backlash largely centred around her age, with users resorting to ageist remarks, as though enjoying music and expressing joy were forbidden for women of a certain age.

While many indulged in age-shaming, there were others who came to Bushra Ansari’s defence.

Actor Ali Safina, who has shared the screen with Ansari in the Ayegi Gi Baraat series also urged her to pay no mind no such online news and comments.

Supporters called out the trolls for their mean-spirited comments, highlighting the hypocrisy of criticising a veteran actress for simply enjoying herself. These voices praised Ansari for her carefree attitude and condemned the ageist attitudes prevalent in society.

The video’s fallout grew to such an extent that Bushra Ansari felt compelled to address the criticism.

She shared a follow-up Instagram post featuring a screenshot of a headline shaming her for the reel. In her post, Ansari expressed her dismay at how a harmless video had been blown out of proportion and used as fodder for online hate.

As a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, Ansari has brought joy to countless fans over the decades. Why, then, must she justify her right to enjoy a simple moment?