Sohail Sameer apologises after intimate scene sparks backlash

Pakistani actor Sohail Sameer has apologised after an intimate scene from his recently released short film Doosri Aurat triggered criticism on social media.

The crime-thriller short film, presented by Oriental Entertainment, features Sameer in an intimate sequence with his female co-star. A promotional clip from the film, showing the two characters hugging and kissing while exchanging suggestive dialogue, was shared on social media and quickly drew criticism from viewers.

The short film is directed by Kurrum Riaz and written by Rao Qurban Ali.

Some social media users questioned the inclusion of such a scene in a Pakistani production and raised questions about the role of censorship and regulation. The controversy also prompted content creators to discuss and criticise the scene online.

Responding to the backlash, Sameer shared a detailed apology on social media.

He said he wanted to apologise "from the bottom of his heart" to everyone who was hurt, upset or disappointed by the viral clip.

Sameer said the clip was filmed around 10 years ago, adding that he had not expected it to resurface in this way.

He said that watching the clip again made him reflect on how his family, including his mother, sisters and daughters, might feel if material from his past were presented to them today.

The actor described the situation as embarrassing and said he wished he had not made the material at the time, regardless of the circumstances.

"Making mistakes is part of being human, but bringing them to an end is what matters," he wrote, while taking responsibility for his past actions.