‘Saiyaara’ Actress Faces Backlash Over Resurfaced Clip,

New Delhi, October 10, 2025: Controversy has recently engulfed actress Aneet Padda, known for her work in the film Saiyaara, following the resurfacing of an old video online. The clip, which gained rapid traction across social media platforms, shows the young star singing and grooving to the popular Urdu poem ‘Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua’. A significant section of social media users accused the actress of being insensitive and disrespecting religious sentiments, leading to a considerable wave of online criticism.

Religious Sentiments Questioned

In the viral video, which was reportedly shot during the filming of the series Big Girls Don’t Cry, Padda is seen performing the verses in a melodic, song-like manner. This particular presentation was interpreted by some viewers as a mockery of what they consider a religious recitation. Strong opinions were expressed online, with posts suggesting that a devotional piece, which is often considered a naat or a Muslim prayer by some, should not be treated in a lighthearted or musical fashion. Accusations of ignorance regarding the poem’s significance were also levelled against the actress.

Also Read: Major IT Stock ‘S’ Falls After Q2 Profit Miss; Dividend Declared

The Defense of Poetry

However, the severe backlash was met with a strong counter-response from many internet users and fans of the actress. A collective effort was initiated online where clarifications about the nature of the verses were provided. It was pointed out emphatically that the composition, authored by renowned poet Muhammad Iqbal, is primarily a form of poetic prayer or dua. This famous Urdu poem, known in full as Bachche Ki Dua, or ‘A Child’s Prayer,’ is frequently recited in school assemblies in various educational institutions, especially those with Urdu-medium instruction.

The context of the verses being a widely-known, non-exclusively religious literary work was highlighted by her defenders. It was argued by netizens that the actress’s actions were simply a playful rendition of a familiar poem and were not intended to mock or disrespect any community’s sentiments. The sentiment, “It’s just a poetry,” was repeatedly used in her defence, suggesting that the controversy had been triggered by a misunderstanding of the poem’s context and a quick rush to judgment. The incident has once again brought into sharp focus the difficulties public figures face with context being lost when old clips are amplified on the internet.