The popular review show Kya Drama Hai has once again come under criticism for repeatedly targeting actor Talha Chahour over his Punjabi accent. Talha, who entered the drama industry only a few years ago, quickly gained attention with his debut performance in Jo Bichar Gaye and later appeared in dramas such as Wabaal and Jannat Se Aagay. He is currently receiving praise for his role as Qais in Jama Taqseem, yet the judges on the review show continue to express disapproval of the way he delivers his dialogue.
Talha Chahour belongs to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab and has often spoken proudly about his background in interviews. Like many native Punjabi speakers, his Urdu carries a slight regional accent. On Kya Drama Hai, judges Nadia Khan, Marina Khan, and Bushra Ansari commented on his pronunciation, with some describing his accent as “too Punjabi” and “jarring.” The remarks suggested that a Punjabi accent appears less refined, with one judge equating it to being “paindu,” a term often used derogatorily for rural or unsophisticated speech.
While Bushra Ansari acknowledged Talha’s strong screen presence and attempted to soften the criticism, Nadia Khan mentioned that she had even spoken to Talha privately about improving his accent. Marina Khan continued to emphasize that his regional tone affects the delivery of his dialogue.
The commentary has sparked widespread backlash online, as many viewers labelled the criticism discriminatory and unnecessary. Social media users condemned the judges for mocking a regional accent, pointing out that Punjabi is the most widely spoken language in Pakistan and should not be associated with backwardness. Many questioned why senior industry figures were discouraging a young and talented actor based on his natural speech pattern instead of focusing on performance quality.
Comments from users described the judges’ behaviour as prejudiced, with one calling it “true jahalat to equate Punjabi with paindupan,” while another wrote that “there is nothing paindu about a Punjabi accent.” Others argued that such attitudes create barriers in the Karachi-based entertainment industry for actors coming from different provinces. Some viewers also suggested that the criticism appears to target Talha simply because he is an outsider trying to make his mark.
The ongoing debate has highlighted a broader discussion about linguistic bias in Pakistani entertainment and the need for greater inclusivity and respect for regional diversity within mainstream media.
