In a recent turn of events in the Pakistani entertainment industry, veteran TV host and actor Juggan Kazim has publicly apologized to fellow actress Alizeh Shah following allegations that she once mocked a past mishap involving Shah.
The controversy came to light after Alizeh Shah posted a candid video on social media, where she opened up about the disrespect and mistreatment she claims to have faced from various senior industry figures throughout her career. Among those she named were singer Shazia Manzoor, actor-director Yasir Nawaz, and television personality Juggan Kazim.
Alizeh specifically recounted an incident where Juggan allegedly made fun of a fall she once had during Bridal Couture Week 2021 – an episode Shah says left her feeling embarrassed and humiliated. The imitation, according to Alizeh, was done insensitively and in a way that made her feel like the butt of a joke.
In response, Juggan Kazim took to Instagram with a sincere video message directed at Alizeh. Referring to her as “beta,” Kazim expressed remorse for unintentionally causing any pain. “Alizeh beta, I’m calling you beta because you’re the same age as my son. If anything I said or did caused you distress, I’m genuinely sorry,” she said. “It hurt me when you said you used to respect me before and don’t feel that way now.”
Kazim explained that the video Alizeh referred to was recorded four years ago and that she had no idea it still carried emotional weight. She added “if you had contacted me directly, I would have immediately apologized.” But she continued, “Now that you’ve spoken about it publicly, I’m responding the same way.”
This hit home for Juggun in particular, as she revealed that she too had once been on the receiving end of bullying during her early days in the entertainment industry. “I know how damaging it is to be singled out or laughed at,” she said. “I would never want a younger colleague to feel that way because of me.”
The apology has been widely shared and appreciated online, with social media users praising Kazim’s accountability and grace. Many lauded her approach as one other seniors in the industry could learn from.
Designer Hussain Sheheryar Yasin echoed the sentiment, commenting under a post, “Now that’s a class act. Love you, Juggun.”