Nomita Jeswani, April 16, 2023
Adnan Siddiqui, a Pakistani actor, took to Twitter to criticise Priyanka Chopra for calling Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy “South Asian” in a post. Sharmeen received praise from Priyanka for her accomplishment in directing a Star Wars movie. “First person of colour and first woman to direct a Star Wars film – and she’s South Asian! What a historic moment, Sharmeen. So so proud of you, my friend. May the force be with you!” she said in an an Instagram story.
However, Adnan felt that she should have acknowledged Sharmeen’s Pakistani identity. In his tweet, Adnan urged Priyanka to recognise Sharmeen’s nationality before referring to her as a South Asian.
While several Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan and Mehwish Haya, congratulated Sharmeen on her achievement, Adnan felt that Priyanka’s choice of words needed correction. He shared a screenshot of Priyanka’s story with a caption on his Twitter whixh said, “With due respect, @priyankachopra Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is a Pakistani first just to brush up your knowledge. Much like the way you flaunt your Indian nationality whenever you get the opportunity before claiming to be a South Asian”.
Sharmeen’s upcoming Star Wars film features Daisy Ridley as Rey. Sharmeen expressed her excitement for the film, saying that she was drawn to the idea of meeting real-life heroes who have overcome oppressive empires and battled impossible odds.
Despite the controversy, several celebrities extended their congratulations to Sharmeen on her achievement. Wajahat Rauf and Adnan Malik also commented on her post, expressing their excitement for the upcoming film.
Priyanka, Mindy Kaling, Malala Yousafzai, and a circle of other South Asian luminaries have also created a powerful community aiming at lifting, encouraging, and inspiring South Asian talent in the glitzy realm of Hollywood. A recent pre-Oscars dinner was also given by the Quantico star in commemoration of all the South Asian candidates, and she spoke there about promoting South Asian talent in Hollywood.
It is important to acknowledge an individual’s nationality when congratulating them on their achievements. While Priyanka may have used the term ‘South Asian’ in a positive context, Adnan’s tweet highlights the need to recognise an individual’s identity before making a blanket statement. Sharmeen’s achievement in directing a Star Wars film is indeed historic, and she deserves recognition for it.
