'I hate this man': Shahzad Nawaz receives surprise reaction from Sharmila Tagore

Pakistani actor Shahzad Nawaz has revealed that veteran Indian actress Sharmila Tagore praised his performance as the antagonist in the ongoing drama Dr Bahu, calling his portrayal so convincing that she “hated the character but admired the performance.”

According to Nawaz, the message was conveyed to him through filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar, who shared Tagore’s reaction after watching the show.

In the message, Sharmila Tagore reportedly said she disliked the character of “Dr Shahnawaz” due to how strongly it was written and performed, but was equally impressed by the actor’s execution, noting that the role was carried out exceptionally well.

Tagore, one of Indian cinema’s most respected veteran actors with a career spanning over six decades, is widely recognised for her work across Hindi and Bengali films and is the mother of Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan.

Nawaz also shared that the appreciation was not limited to Tagore. He said he had been receiving messages from real-life doctors as well, who found aspects of the character relatable to dynamics within their own families, particularly in in-law relationships.

He added that some female doctors had reached out via social media, pointing out how exaggerated yet familiar certain traits of the character felt in real life.

Beyond the current drama, Shahzad Nawaz has established himself as a filmmaker, actor, and communication strategist. He gained critical acclaim for writing and producing Chambaili (2013), and has appeared in several notable television projects including Parizaad, Badshah Begum, and Mein.

The unexpected appreciation from across the border has added another layer of attention to his performance in Dr Bahu, which continues to gain traction among viewers.