Karachi, (The COW News Digital )Renowned Pakistani actress Sajal Aly has landed in the spotlight once again—this time not for her stellar acting but for her wardrobe choice in a new television drama. The controversy erupted after a teaser from her upcoming drama featuring veteran actor Humayun Saeed went viral, showing Sajal wearing what many believe is the same dress she wore during her real-life engagement to ex-husband Ahad Raza Mir.
The outfit sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms, with users debating not only the appropriateness of reusing such a personal item but also pointing out the significant age gap between the lead actors.
Soon after the teaser was released, eagle-eyed fans and critics alike began speculating that Sajal had repurposed her engagement outfit for the on-screen role. Some labeled the move as a calculated attempt to grab attention, while others dismissed it as tone-deaf and unnecessary.
One viral comment sarcastically read, “Sajal doesn’t let any outfit go to waste,” while another user questioned the motives behind the decision, writing, “Is this art imitating life, or just a publicity stunt?”
In addition to the outfit controversy, the significant age difference between Sajal Aly and Humayun Saeed has also fueled debate. Viewers on Twitter and Instagram questioned whether such casting choices are reflective of audience preferences or a continued pattern in the Pakistani drama industry that sidelines age-appropriate pairings.
Despite the backlash, some fans defended the duo, arguing that talent and performance should matter more than age. “Let actors act. Chemistry is built through craft, not birth certificates,” one user commented.
While the criticism continued, several fans and industry insiders came to Sajal’s defense. Supporters argued that the choice of costume is the prerogative of the actor and production team and that personal clothing can be used for professional work if it suits the role.
Some also pointed out that this is not the first time an actor has recycled a personal outfit for the screen, calling the backlash “exaggerated and sexist.” A fashion blogger wrote, “Male actors repeat clothing all the time—why is it a scandal when a woman does it?”
Adding an emotional layer to the conversation is the fact that Ahad Raza Mir’s father, veteran actor Asif Raza Mir, is also part of the same drama project. This casting choice brought back memories of Sajal’s short-lived marriage, which ended in 2022 after two years.
Though Sajal has remained tight-lipped on both her past and the current controversy, social media continues to buzz with divided opinions on whether her decision was empowering or provocative.
As the full drama is yet to air, all eyes remain on how the story unfolds—and whether it will shift focus from Sajal’s wardrobe back to her performance.
