Actor Huma Qureshi has come out in support of her Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups co-star Kiara Advani, criticizing the online backlash directed at the actor after the release of the film’s first song, Tabaahi.
Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, Huma described the trolling as “sick” and “disgusting,” while expressing confidence that the film’s performances would ultimately speak louder than online criticism.
Huma Qureshi Calls Out Online Trolling
During an appearance on **Yuvaa’s podcast Be A Man, Yaar! **, Huma addressed the criticism surrounding Tabaahi.
She questioned why Kiara had become the primary target of online comments despite both Kiara and co-star Yash appearing together in the same romantic sequences.
Calling the reaction disappointing, Huma said there was little point in trying to justify artistic choices to people who had already made up their minds. Instead, she said she believes the work of the film’s actresses and director will ultimately answer the criticism.
Her comments have added to the growing conversation about how female actors are often judged differently from their male counterparts.
Debate Over Double Standards
Following the release of Tabaahi, social media discussions largely focused on Kiara Advani’s intimate scenes in the music video.
Some users also commented on Kiara’s personal life, referencing her marriage to actor Sidharth Malhotra.
At the same time, many users observed that Yash, who is also married, received comparatively less criticism despite appearing in the same scenes.
The differing reactions have reignited discussions about gender bias in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding how audiences perceive on-screen performances by male and female actors.
Saqib Saleem Also Reacts
Actor Saqib Saleem, Huma Qureshi’s brother, also weighed in on the discussion.
He suggested that while people are generally respectful in everyday life, conversations on social media often become unnecessarily harsh and judgmental.
His remarks echoed Huma’s view that online reactions do not always reflect the broader audience’s perspective.
About Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups marks Yash’s return to cinemas following the massive success of the KGF franchise.
The film features an ensemble cast including:
- Yash
- Kiara Advani
- Huma Qureshi
- Nayanthara
- Tara Sutaria
- Rukmini Vasanth
The action drama is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 26.
The Larger Conversation
The discussion surrounding Tabaahi has become part of a broader debate about the expectations placed on actors and the scrutiny they face on social media.
Industry observers have often noted that while audiences are free to express opinions about films and performances, criticism directed at an actor’s personal life can shift attention away from the creative work itself.
As Toxic approaches its release, the film continues to generate significant interest—not only for its star cast and scale but also for the conversations it has sparked about representation, artistic freedom and online discourse.
