Television star Durefishan Saleem has found herself at the center of a heated online debate after a interview clip reignited questions about professionalism in the entertainment industry, while production powerhouse 7th Sky Entertainment publicly stepped in to defend the actress.
The controversy began after veteran actor Erum Akhtar appeared in an interview and spoke about what she described as “unprofessional behavior” from certain lead actors.
Without initially naming anyone, she claimed that production schedules were disrupted because some actors allegedly postponed shoots for personal commitments, including religious travel and Ramadan related scheduling preferences.
When directly asked whether she was referring to Durefishan Saleem, Erum Akhtar confirmed the actress’s name and alleged that production schedules were delayed by nearly two weeks.
According to the senior actor, these sudden changes created difficulties for other cast members and crew who had already adjusted their own commitments according to confirmed shoot dates.
Soon after the clip began circulating online, social media pages including Galaxy Lollywood amplified the discussion, with users flooding comment sections with mixed reactions.
Some social media users backed Erum Akhtar and argued that actors should honor professional commitments once schedules are locked.
Others claimed sudden changes affect not just production houses but also fellow actors who often rearrange personal plans to accommodate shoots.
A separate section of users came to Durefishan Saleem’s defense, arguing that religious obligations such as Umrah or choosing not to work during Ramadan should be respected.
Several fans insisted that no one should be criticized for prioritizing faith or personal boundaries.
The controversy became even messier when some users alleged that fake social media accounts were being used to defend the actress online.
Several commenters pointed out profiles without display pictures and recently created accounts, claiming a coordinated PR effort may be involved.
As criticism intensified, 7th Sky Entertainment released an official statement supporting Durefishan Saleem.
The company praised her professionalism and dedication while urging people to avoid creating narratives that unfairly damage an artist’s reputation.
The statement also stressed that actors invest significant effort into their projects and deserve respect.
Durefishan Saleem rose to fame through hit dramas including Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi, Jaisay Aapki Marzi and the blockbuster serial Ishq Murshid, which significantly boosted her popularity.
