Earlier this week, global star Priyanka Chopra lauded ace filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, upon learning that the director will be helming the upcoming Star Wars film.
Taking to her Instagram Story, the Citadel star congratulated the Oscar-winning filmmaker for being the “first woman of colour” and “South Asian” to direct a Star Wars film.
Although many appreciated Chopra’s love for her “friend,” a few Pakistani celebrities, such as Adnan Siddiqui and Goher Mumtaz, showed their dislike for Chopra by using the term “South Asian,” instead of calling her Pakistani.
“With due respect, Priyanka Chopra, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is a Pakistani first, just to brush up on your knowledge,” began Siddiqui in a tweet. “Much like the way you flaunt your Indian nationality whenever you get the opportunity before claiming to be a South Asian,” continued the Mom actor.
Pakistani musician Mumtaz also chimed in the criticism and requested Chopra to mention Obaid-Chinoy’s nationality and be more politically correct. “It’s a great achievement, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, but could be wonderful if you [Priyanka Chopra] could write Pakistani director,” expressed the Teri Yaad singer. “Indians are great people, they wouldn’t mind you for not being politically correct for a bit,” he added.
On April 7, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced that three new live-action Star Wars films are on the way, with the Oscar-winning filmmaker, James Mangold and Dave Filoni attached as directors. Obaid-Chinoy’s film will be set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker and will feature Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey as she builds a new Jedi Order. Steven Knight of Peaky Blinders is penning the script.
The project marks a number of milestones for the franchise, including Obaid-Chinoy becoming the first woman and the first person of colour to direct a Star Wars movie.
