Javeria Abbasi questions ageism in showbiz
Pakistani actress Javeria Abbasi has spoken in support of fellow actress Mahira Khan while revisiting the controversy surrounding veteran actor Firdous Jamal and his past comments about her career.
Appearing in an interview, Javeria shared that she was hurt by the criticism directed at Mahira.
She quoted that Mahira is one of the most influential names in Pakistan’s entertainment industry and has become a source of inspiration for countless aspiring actresses.
According to Javeria, Mahira’s journey has given hope not only to young women entering the industry but also to married women and mothers who often face assumptions about the limits of their careers.
She pointed out that Mahira continued to achieve major milestones after becoming a mother, including starring opposite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the film Raees.
Javeria argued that reducing an actress’s achievements to her age overlooks years of dedication, hard work, and professional growth.
In her view, Mahira earned her place through talent and perseverance and maked her success story significant for many women who aspire to build careers while balancing personal responsibilities.
The discussion also touched on ageism within the entertainment industry.
Referring to Firdous Jamal’s earlier remarks that Mahira should move away from lead roles and focus on playing motherly characters, Javeria questioned why such expectations are often directed at women while male actors continue to play romantic leads regardless of age.
She noted that actresses are judged for growing older, while similar scrutiny is rarely applied to their male counterparts.
To make her point, she suggested that many senior male actors would have no issue being paired opposite much younger actresses if offered such roles.
The debate surrounding Mahira Khan and Firdous Jamal first sparked discussion about age, gender expectations, and career longevity in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Today, Mahira Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most celebrated stars, known for projects including Humsafar, The Legend of Maula Jatt, and Raees.
Also Read:Zaid Ali mom shares thoughts on fathers-in-law’s role in family peace