Explained: Why Pakistani Twitter Is Mad At Priyanka Chopra For Her Post On "South Asian" Director

"First person of colour and first woman to direct a Star Wars film And she's South Asian," wrote Priyanka on Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy

Priyanka Chopra's description of Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy as "South Asian" has offended many from the director's home country, including actor Adnan Siddiqui. Priyanka has been at the forefront of efforts to increase visibility for South Asian artistes in Hollywood and international cinema; among other things, she organizes a pre-Oscar event in Los Angeles to honour South Asian excellence and achievers in the world of cinema – which Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy attended this year. Ms Obaid Chinoy, who directed two episodes of Ms Marvel, starring a South Asian cast and partly set in Pakistan, will helm an untitled Star Wars film, it was announced about a week ago. With due respect, @priyankachopra . Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is a Pakistani first just to brush up your knowledge. Much like the way you flaunt your Indian nationality whenever you get the opportunity before claiming to be a South Asian.🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/B7wy8gD8QB

Priyanka Chopra posted an Instagram Story congratulating the filmmaker, writing: "First person of colour and first woman to direct a Star Wars film… And she's South Asian!! What a historic moment Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy. So so proud of you my friend. May the force be with you!"

Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui, familiar to Indian audiences from his role in Sridevi's last film MOM, was among those who took offence at Priyanka's failure to specify Ms Obaid Chinoy's nationality. Over the weekend, he tweeted: "With due respect, Priyanka Chopra, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is a Pakistani first just to brush up your knowledge. Much like the way you flaunt your Indian nationality whenever you get the opportunity before claiming to be a South Asian." Mr Siddiqui offered no instances of Priyanka Chopra having "flaunted" her Indian identity as he put it.

In the comments thread, several verified handles of Pakistani nationality or origin agreed. Writer Faisal Kapadia wrote: "Sharmeen is a Pakistani and she should be called that." Journalist Anis Farooqui replied to Adnan Siddiqui, "Very true Adnan bro." Filmmaker Shahnawaz Zali, however, begged to differ: "Nothing wrong being called a South Asian (which we are and proud) maybe you should just appreciate things when they are said rather than always and consistently trying to find flaws in it." Across Twitter, those criticizing Priyanka Chopra called her a bigot and worse.