Pakistani designer faces backlash as she calls Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh 'our stars' at the Met Gala: 'When you are treated like the enemy...'

Amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan, fashion designer Zara Shahjahan has sparked controversy with her emotional tribute to Bollywood stars at the 2025 Met Gala. Expressing the complex feelings many Pakistanis have toward Indian celebrities, Zara's post reflects on the bittersweet admiration of stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh, even as political barriers prevent fans from openly celebrating their success.Check out her post here:Zara Shahjahan’s Emotional Instagram TributeOn Tuesday morning, shortly after the Met Gala ended in New York, fashion designer Zara Shahjahan shared a post on Instagram about the Indian stars who attended the event.She wrote, 'Last night, two of our stars lit up the Met Gala. Shah Rukh - the dream we grew up with. Diljit - the beat we move to now. And yet, in these moments - when the world opens its doors to the subcontinent, when our artists walk global stages - we are not allowed to clap. Our hands are tied by suspicion, our joy swallowed by our silence.'Zara’s Reflections on the Complex Relationship Between Pakistanis and Indian CelebritiesIn another Instagram story, the designer wrote, “It is a strange thing, to grow up loving someone who may never be allowed to love you back. To dance to their songs, to weep with their films, and now - to see them step into the world’s spotlight and feel like strangers watching from across the wall.” Zara also shared her thoughts on how Pakistanis are unable to celebrate Indian talent due to the ongoing political tensions between the two countries.Backlash From Pakistani Fans Over 'Our Stars' CommentHowever, fans from her home country were upset by her referring to them as 'our stars' and 'our artistes.' One user wrote, 'What is there for us to celebrate? Our stars? Humsayo kay bachay hain jo merzi karen. Hum kya karen (They are neighbours' kids and can do what they want)? Why do our stars, designers, anchors have this middle-child-people-pleasing-urge to own Indian talent, cinema, art? Personally Zara Shahjahan over Sabya anyday but problem is they dont need our support.'Another one added, 'Our celebrities? I am unable to digest this! Since when has SRK been ours? Diljit? Can't cope with this sadness!'Others took the post as an indictment of Pakistanis' unhealthy obsession with Bollywood. "Why are we Pakistanis so obsessed with Bollywood celebs. Specially when they go to extreme cases to wage a war on our country when they threaten us," read one comment.Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, has increased tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, the Indian government has partially suspended trade with Pakistan and imposed a ban on several social media accounts from the country, including those of some actors and celebrities.