Sanam Saeed Called “More Like a Boy” and a “Tom Boy” by Parveen Akbar, Sparks Debate

A lighthearted remark by veteran actress Parveen Akbar about fellow actress Sanam Saeed has ignited a lively discussion on social media.

In a recent TV show interview, Parveen Akbar praised Sanam Saeed’s strong performances and acting talent. However, one particular comment caught everyone’s attention. She said, “Sanam looks less like a girl and more like a boy. She is like a tom boy.”

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Although she made the statement in a playful tone, the clip quickly went viral. Many users felt the “tom boy” label was unnecessary and even a form of personal attack. One social media user wrote, “Senior actresses should avoid making such remarks.” Another asked, “First Atiqa Odho, now Parveen Akbar? Why body-shame others on live TV?”

Some viewers criticized the comment for promoting gender stereotypes. One person said, “This feeds into outdated ideas about how women should look or act.” Another remarked, “Women should support each other instead of limiting independent identities.”

However, not all reactions were negative. Several people defended Parveen Akbar, saying the comment was meant to highlight Sanam Saeed’s unique style and versatility as an actress. One supporter explained, “Tom boy refers to women who enjoy sports, dress in a boyish style, and carry themselves with confidence. It’s not always an insult.”

This incident has opened a wider conversation on how public figures’ words can be interpreted differently. For some, it was a harmless observation; for others, it was an example of how subtle gender bias can still appear in media discussions.

Regardless of the mixed reactions, the attention once again proves Sanam Saeed’s popularity and the strong public interest in her personality both on and off the screen.

FAQs

1. What did Parveen Akbar say about Sanam Saeed?
She said Sanam looks “less like a girl and more like a boy” and called her a “tom boy.”

2. Why did the comment go viral?
Because some people saw it as a personal remark and others as a compliment, sparking debate.

3. What does “tom boy” mean in this context?
It refers to a girl who has boyish traits, such as enjoying sports or wearing less feminine clothing.

4. How did people react?
Reactions were mixed—some criticized the remark as sexist, others saw it as harmless.

5. Did Sanam Saeed respond?
As of now, Sanam Saeed has not publicly commented on the statement.