Imran Ashraf defends Danish Taimoor amid Nashtar trolling

ISLAMABAD: (Showbiz Desk) – Pakistani actor and host Imran Ashraf has voiced his support for fellow actor Danish Taimoor amid the criticism and trolling surrounding his performance in drama serial Nashtar, urging social media users to consider an artist’s entire body of work before judging his career based on a single scene.

In a video shared on Instagram, Imran said he usually avoids commenting on matters involving other people, but the intensity of the criticism directed at Danish prompted him to speak out.

Imran highlighted Danish’s long career in Pakistani television and asked viewers to remember his previous performances rather than focusing solely on the much-discussed scene from Nashtar. He specifically referred to projects including Band Khirkiyon Ke Peeche and Raju Rocket, while also pointing to the strong viewership of several of Danish’s dramas.

The actor said Danish’s work has earned appreciation both in Pakistan and internationally, stressing that years of effort and a successful career should not be overlooked because of one performance that sparked debate on social media.

Expanding his message beyond Danish, Imran said the episode reflected a broader tendency in society to wait for someone to make a mistake before turning them into a target of ridicule.

“We have forgotten how to forgive. We have stopped forgiving people. We should remember that our turn can come too, and we can make mistakes as well,” Imran said.

He also acknowledged that speaking in Danish’s defence could expose him to online criticism, but said he was prepared to face any reaction. Describing Danish as a “superstar of Pakistan”, Imran praised his contribution to the drama industry and his large audience at home and abroad.

Imran clarified that his message was not simply about defending one actor, but about encouraging greater understanding, compassion and forgiveness in society.

Danish responded to Imran’s Instagram post by thanking him for his support and saying that the love he has received from his fans matters most to him.

“Means a lot coming from you, my brother. Thank you for speaking from the heart,” Danish wrote, adding that he had received more love from his fans than he could have asked for.

The comments section also saw supportive reactions from several personalities, including senior director Wajahat Hussain and actor Ali Rehman Khan.

Danish has recently faced widespread trolling over an emotional scene in Nashtar, which became the subject of memes, criticism and debate across social media. Imran’s intervention has meanwhile brought attention to the wider discussion over whether an artist’s career should be judged on the basis of a single performance.