Actor Huma Qureshi has strongly condemned the online backlash directed at Kiara Advani following the release of Tabaahi, the first song from the upcoming action film Toxic. Speaking during a recent interview, Huma described the trolling as “sick” and “disgusting,” while expressing confidence that the film itself would ultimately answer its critics.
The debate surrounding Tabaahi has gained attention on social media after some users criticised Kiara for appearing in romantic scenes with co-star Yash. Much of the criticism focused on her personal life, with some social media posts referencing her marriage and motherhood. Observers have also pointed out that Yash, who is also married and a father, has not faced the same level of scrutiny.
Huma Qureshi Criticises Double Standards
During an appearance on **Yuvaa’s podcast Be A Man, Yaar! **, Huma was asked about the unequal criticism aimed at Kiara compared to Yash.
Responding to the issue, Huma said the online reactions reflected unhealthy attitudes rather than the reality of filmmaking. She described the trolling as deeply disturbing and questioned why actors should be judged for portraying fictional characters on screen.
According to Huma, there is little value in attempting to justify creative choices to people who have already formed rigid opinions. Instead, she said she believes the film’s quality will speak for itself once audiences watch it.
She also distinguished between real-world interactions and online spaces, suggesting that while people are generally kind in everyday life, conversations on the internet can often become unnecessarily hostile.
Online Criticism Extended Beyond Kiara
The conversation surrounding Tabaahi has not been limited to Kiara Advani alone.
Following the song’s release, some users also directed comments toward Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara’s husband, on social media. What began as criticism of the song soon evolved into discussions about the couple’s personal life and marriage.
The reactions have reignited broader conversations about gender-based double standards in the entertainment industry, with many social media users questioning why female actors are often subjected to more personal criticism than their male counterparts for similar on-screen performances.
Benedict Garrett Also Voices Support
Actor Benedict Garrett, who also appears in Toxic, publicly defended Kiara and addressed the criticism surrounding the song.
He pointed out that both Kiara and Yash are professional actors performing scripted roles. According to Garrett, actors portray characters and relationships as part of storytelling, and audiences should distinguish between fictional performances and real-life relationships.
He further suggested that the controversy says more about societal attitudes than about the actors involved in the film.
About Toxic
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic marks Yash’s return to the big screen following the global success of the KGF franchise.
Promoted with the tagline “A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups,” the film features a star-studded ensemble cast, including:
- Yash
- Kiara Advani
- Nayanthara
- Huma Qureshi
- Tara Sutaria
- Rukmini Vasanth
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 26, 2026.
The Broader Conversation
The reactions to Tabaahi have sparked a wider debate about how actors are perceived both on and off screen. Many voices within the industry have argued that performers should be evaluated for their artistic work rather than their personal lives.
As anticipation builds for Toxic, the discussion has highlighted ongoing concerns about online behaviour, gender bias and the impact of social media commentary on public figures.
Whether the controversy influences audience reception remains to be seen, but the film continues to generate significant interest ahead of its release.
