Merub Ali questions normalisation of trolling in the name of humour

Actor urges audiences to stop watching content they dislike instead of turning criticism into personal mockery

Actor Merub Ali has questioned the growing normalisation of online trolling, challenging the notion that making fun of someone is harmless simply because they appear to be laughing along.

In a recent interview, Ali addressed how people often justify mocking others by arguing that it is acceptable as long as the person on the receiving end can laugh at the situation, too. “We always get away with trolling by saying that if the person we are making fun of is laughing too, then it is fine,” she said.

The actor also reflected on how audiences have developed what she described as “thick skin” in response to online criticism and mockery, expressing sadness over how commonplace trolling has become. “I think all of us have such thick skin now. It is very sad that trolling has become a thing,” Ali said.

She also pointed out that viewers have a simple alternative when they do not enjoy a particular show or piece of content. “It is 2026, if you do not like to watch something, just don’t,” she remarked.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her comments come amid recurring debates about online behaviour towards Pakistan’s television and entertainment industry. Actors, producers and other public figures are frequently subjected to memes, jokes and criticism on social media, with discussions sometimes extending beyond their work to personal ridicule.

Recent examples include the online reactions to Danish Taimoor’s television projects and Shaheer Kadwani’s drama debut. Taimoor has faced mockery over his performances and on-screen characters, while Kadwani drew attention during his first appearance in a drama, prompting audiences to comment on his performance.

Although public figures can expect their work to invite scrutiny, such reactions also highlight how quickly criticism can turn into personal jokes and online ridicule.

Ali’s remarks raise a broader question about where the line should be drawn between expressing an opinion and making someone the target of persistent online mockery. Her message is straightforward: viewers who do not enjoy a particular show or celebrity can simply choose not to watch, rather than turning their disapproval into trolling.

On the professional front, Ali is currently appearing in the drama Izzat, in which she plays Rutba, a young woman whose seemingly happy romantic relationship takes an unexpected turn when she calls off her wedding.

Ali made her television debut in Sinf-e-Aahan in 2021 and has since appeared in projects including Paristan and Wabaal.