Sehar Khan apologises for controversial remarks about Priyanka Chopra’s role in ‘Barfi’

ISLAMABAD: Actress Sehar Khan has issued a formal apology following the recent controversy surrounding her remarks concerning Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s character in the movie Barfi.

The Fairy Tale star faced backlash after a viral interview snippet featured her expressing a desire to portray a character akin to Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s role in Barfi, using terms such as “abnormal,” “crazy,” and “psychopath” to describe the autistic character.

Her comments drew swift criticism from certain online quarters due to the inappropriate use of terminology.

Meanwhile, in response to the controversy, Sehar Khan swiftly issued an official statement on X, acknowledging her mistake. She clarified that her intention had been to express her desire to play the role of a differently-abled person but admitted to misspeaking during the interview.

In a recent interview I meant to say I want to do a role of a differently abled person but due to slip of tongue, I mistakenly said something else. I should have gathered my thoughts before answering the question to express myself better. (1/2)

— sehar khan (@iamseharkhan) September 13, 2023

Recognising the significance of conversations surrounding mental disabilities and special needs, Sehar offered a heartfelt apology.

Also, love you all! Thank you for your understanding and respect. 🙏♥️ https://t.co/tQAQ3eAct5

— sehar khan (@iamseharkhan) September 13, 2023

Read More: ‘Fairytale,’ fame Sehar Khan reveals two qualities she seeks in a husband

Backlash from netizens

Although Sehar Khan has received immense love for her portrayal of Umeed in Fairy Tale but the internet is divided over her usage of incorrect terminology.
A user provided gentle correction to Sehar, pointing out that the character from Barfi, was not a psychopath but was portrayed as autistic.

Dear Sehar, The proper term to use here is autistic. Jhilmil wasn't abnormal or a psychopath;she was autistic.When someone with a disability/psychological disorder is referred to as "abnormal" it conveys the wrong idea that those with disabilities are deviant or strange.(1/3) pic.twitter.com/sS1WtJ5GQq

— Ann❄️ (@mukhtalifff_) September 13, 2023

When your voice is influencing so many people in a society that inherently views disability as a taboo,one needs to be extremely careful about their words because in order to build a more inclusive world, our vocabulary plays a very critical role.(2 /3)

— Ann❄️ (@mukhtalifff_) September 13, 2023

I know this might not be intentional but this may have a significant negative effect on young people's thinking. But again, mistakes are inevitable and what really counts is that we learn from them. (3/3)@iamseharkhan @aamnaisani

— Ann❄️ (@mukhtalifff_) September 13, 2023

Another user wrote.

Oh good heavens. Autistic people are not psychopaths! Can someone organize a round table for mental health awareness for these actors!

— Mahwash Ajaz 🇵🇰 (@mahwashajaz_) September 13, 2023

A series of schooling.

Heard a Pakistani actress Sehar khan's interview where she was saying she wants to play a role similar to the role of priyanka chopra in barfi, "psychopath wala". What is wrong with these people. Calling autistic people psychopaths?

— Zunaira🇵🇸 (@toxiczunairah) September 14, 2023

I hope sehar learns from this, but being 23 is not an excuse for this comment. To the people blindly defending her saying she is young, 23 is an adult, and in this day and age to not know the difference between a psychopath and autism is unbelievable. Nahi pata then don’t talk https://t.co/pHvluRZiN8

— This barbie is tired 🍉 (@_hafssays__) September 13, 2023

Both of you really don't know the difference between Psycopath and Person with Autism,seriously. Amna Ji I m ur regular follower,this is not acceptable

— Sumitra Sukla (@sumitra_paul) September 13, 2023

Yes. I cringed every time she said that and Amna didn't correct her. Perhaps she didn't know. Either way, can someone please run some checks on edit?!

— Ambareen (@ambarcreates) September 13, 2023