Why Are AI-Edited Images of Dur-e-Fishan Saleem Going Viral?

News Desk

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Dur-e-Fishan Saleem has become the target of social media criticism over her physique and the appearance of her arms following the broadcast of an episode of a television drama.

The controversy began after a scene showed the actress wearing a sleeveless shirt. Some social media users responded with remarks about her arms, shoulders and weight, while others shared disparaging comments about her appearance.

The online criticism took a more troubling turn when some users reportedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate images of the actress, exaggerating the size of her arms and portraying her with unusually large muscles. The altered images were circulated online, with some users comparing her appearance to that of international professional wrestlers.

The incident has sparked discussion about body-shaming and the growing tendency to scrutinise celebrities’ physical appearances on social media. Rather than focusing on the actress’s performance, some users directed their attention towards her body, making personal and inappropriate remarks.

The episode also highlights how AI tools can be used to manipulate celebrity images for ridicule, potentially amplifying online harassment and exposing public figures to further scrutiny.

While celebrities routinely face public attention over their personal and professional lives, the incident raises broader questions about the boundaries of online criticism and the responsibility of social media users when commenting on someone’s appearance.

The controversy surrounding Dur-e-Fishan Saleem serves as another reminder of how body-shaming can spread across digital platforms, particularly when manipulated images and personal attacks become part of online entertainment discourse.