The actor questioned praise for Cohen’s Pakistan shoutout, citing concerns over his comedy’s use of racial stereotypes
Actor Zoya Nasir questioned the excitement surrounding Hollywood comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s recent shoutout to Pakistan, arguing that his history of comedy involving racial and religious stereotypes warranted a closer look at the interaction.
The Bas Tera Saath Ho actor shared her views on Instagram Stories after a video of Cohen’s brief interaction with Pakistani actor Haris Waheed began circulating online.
Waheed, who shared the clip earlier this week, can be seen meeting Cohen, expressing his admiration for the comedian and telling him that he is from Pakistan. Cohen, dressed as his character for the upcoming film Ali G: Who Iz I, responds, “Yo, big up the Pakistan, man,” prompting cheers from people nearby.
The exchange received a warm response on social media, with users appreciating the British star’s acknowledgement of Pakistan. Nasir, however, questioned whether the moment deserved the positive reaction it received.
“I’m sorry but the sheer lack of awareness is staggering. Sacha Baron Cohen has been openly hostile towards Muslims. Majority of his movies back that up,” she wrote.
Criticising the comedian’s approach to comedy, Nasir described his demeanour as marked by “smug, dripping sarcasm” and a “theatrical sense of superiority”.
She challenged the enthusiasm surrounding the exchange, asking: “This was not a positive interaction in anyway, shape or form. Why are we excited about that again?”
Screengrab: zoyanasir/Instagram
Cohen is known for creating characters that use exaggerated accents, cultural appropriation and provocative humour to explore prejudice and social attitudes. However, his work has also attracted criticism over whether it challenges stereotypes or risks reinforcing them.
His Borat character, for instance, has sparked debate over the use of ethnic and cultural caricatures, while The Dictator has faced scrutiny over its portrayal of authoritarianism and people from the Middle East. His Ali G persona, meanwhile, has been criticised for appropriating elements of Black culture.
Cohen has consistently defended his work as satire intended to expose ignorance and prejudice rather than endorse them.
In an interview published by Time on October 20, the comedian addressed criticism of Ali G, explaining that the character was designed to expose cultural bias and reveal how readily people in positions of power took him seriously.
“I’ve always designed my characters and comedy as vehicles to expose prejudice, bias and stupidity, though I realise not everyone sees them that way,” he said.
He further described Ali G as a white character who imitates the fashion and lyrics of gangsta rap and dancehall artists, adding that the joke was directed at the character himself and the predominantly white, male establishment that believed him.
Nasir’s comments highlight the divide in how Cohen’s comedy is received, particularly when an interaction involving one of his characters is interpreted as a gesture of goodwill towards a country or community.
