Dawn Images

Bollywood writer Sutapa Sikdar — the widow of actor Irrfan Khan — is seemingly an avid watcher of Pakistani dramas and enjoys watching Hajra Yamin’s acting.

In the comment section of an Instagram post shared by journalist Sadiq Saleem talking about Yamin’s performance in Doctor Bahu, Sikdar called the actor an “underrated gem”.

“I have seen her in shows where she has incompetent co-actors… she is so thorough with her scenes that she really doesn’t need a great co star,” the writer said.

Sikdar added that whenever Yamin had good co-stars, “the dynamics of the scenes changed so drastically”. She praised Dr Bahu as “a well written and directed show”.

Saleem replied to the writer’s comment saying Yamin “would be elated to read this” and she absolutely was.

The actor replied with a note thanking Sikdar and appreciating her late husband as an inspiration.

“Thank you so much for your support, it means so much to me. I’ve been a fan and student of the late Sir Irrfan Khan’s work for as long as I can remember, so this is incredibly special,” Yamin said.

Sikdar’s comments are reminiscent of a more tolerant, friendly past, when the entertainment fraternities of India and Pakistan would get together and appreciate each other’s work from time to time.

Her late husband was at the forefront of this, even starring alongside Adnan Siddiqui in A Mighty Heart and Saba Qamar in Hindi Medium. His passing was mourned on both sides of the border.

The appreciation for Yamin and Pakistani dramas also shows that they continue to be watched in India despite attempts by New Delhi to curb the consumption of Pakistani content — especially during the war between the two countries last year.