The conversation around Toxic has intensified ever since its first song, Tabaahi, dropped online. While the track generated buzz for its chemistry between Yash and Kiara Advani, it also sparked criticism directed at Kiara over her intimate scenes. Now, actor Huma Qureshi has weighed in on the debate, calling out the double standards that often surround female actors and expressing confidence that the film itself will answer its critics.
Speaking during an appearance on Be A Man, Yaar! by Yuvaa, Huma said the team is choosing to let their work speak louder than the online chatter.
Huma Questions The Different Standards
During the conversation, host Nikhil Taneja pointed out that Kiara received significantly more criticism than Yash for the romantic
scenes in Tabaahi, despite both actors being married.
Reacting to the observation, Huma didn’t mince words.
“It’s sick. It’s disgusting, absolutely. But I think women in this film, the actresses and the directors will have the last laugh. There’s no point in trying to defend something at all because you can’t change people’s mindset with words. I would just let the film do the talking,” she said.
Her brother, actor Saqib Saleem, who was also part of the discussion, echoed a similar sentiment.
“Kaun hai yeh log? I think the world is a very kind place, but the internet is not,” he remarked.
Tabaahi Triggered Online Debate
Following the release of Tabaahi, Kiara Advani found herself facing criticism from a section of social media users over her intimate scenes with Yash.
The discussion gradually moved beyond the song itself, with some users dragging Kiara’s personal life into the conversation. Trolls also began leaving comments on husband Sidharth Malhotra’s social media posts, linking the film to their marriage.
Meanwhile, Yash, who is also married, drew comparatively less criticism, prompting conversations online about whether female actors continue to be judged more harshly than their male counterparts for similar on-screen performances.
Benedict Garrett Also Came Out In Support
Huma isn’t the only member of the Toxic team to address the issue.
Earlier, British actor Benedict Garrett, who plays a key role in the film, defended both Kiara and Yash while speaking about the controversy.
“You see, Yash, he’s also married, he also has children. So why is only the woman getting the abuse, while the man apparently gets the applause?” he said.
Emphasising that acting is a profession, Garrett added, “They’re actors. Their job is to act, to portray characters and tell stories that reflect the human experience.”
He later wrote on social media that the reaction to Tabaahi “says far more about society than it does about either actor.”
All Eyes On Toxic
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups marks Yash’s return to theatres after the KGF franchise.
The film features an ensemble cast including Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth alongside Yash. Positioned as a stylised action drama with multiple strong female characters, the film has generated significant anticipation ahead of its worldwide theatrical release on August 26.
