Reem Shaikh on viral backlash after Ahmedabad plane crash: 'You saw a clip, I saw my sister cry'

Actor Reem Shaikh has addressed the criticism she faced after a video of her interaction with paparazzi went viral. The clip showed her reacting with confusion when a photographer asked her to comment on “what happened yesterday.” Many viewers assumed she was unaware of the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on June 12.

Reem posted a detailed Instagram story explaining her side. She clarified that the incident is not just news for her but a deeply personal tragedy. Her sister works as a flight attendant for Air India. Reem shared that she was one of the first to know about the crash. According to her, she witnessed her sister break down at home while mourning the loss of fellow crew members.

In her statement, Reem said, “This isn’t just a headline for me; it’s deeply personal.” She explained that the pap had not asked about the crash directly but had simply said, “Kal ke baare mein kuch bolo” (Say something about yesterday), without specifying the tragedy. She pointed out how quickly assumptions were made based on a brief video clip.

Reem also explained why she chose not to speak to the media at that moment. She mentioned that she avoids talking to the press during emotional situations. “I can’t bring myself to grieve publicly, in front of cameras, only to turn around and act carefree later. That’s not me. It’s not how I process pain,” she wrote.

The actor requested people not to judge someone’s feelings based on a short clip. She stressed that grief looks different for everyone. Reem ended her note by urging people to stop tearing each other down and instead respond to tragedies with compassion.

This reaction comes amid an emotional wave following the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed many lives and shocked the country. On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787 crashed just 38 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft, heading to London, had 242 people onboard, including 10 crew members. DGCA confirmed the loss of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, both experienced pilots.