Pakistani actress Javeria Abbasi has spoken in support of fellow actor Mahira Khan while addressing the broader issue of ageism in the entertainment industry. In a recent interview, she reflected on past remarks made about Mahira’s career and highlighted the double standards often faced by women in showbiz.
Javeria Abbasi said she was deeply affected by criticism directed at Mahira Khan, describing her as one of the most influential and inspiring figures in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. She emphasized that Mahira’s success has motivated not only young aspiring actresses but also married women and mothers who often face societal assumptions about career limitations.
She pointed out that Mahira Khan continued to achieve major milestones even after becoming a mother, including her appearance alongside Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the film Raees. According to Javeria, such achievements demonstrate resilience and sustained professional growth in a highly competitive industry.
The actress argued that reducing a performer’s accomplishments to their age overlooks years of dedication, effort, and artistic development. In her view, Mahira Khan’s career reflects consistent hard work and serves as a powerful example for women seeking to balance personal responsibilities with professional ambitions.
The discussion also revisited earlier comments made by veteran actor Firdous Jamal, who suggested that Mahira should transition away from lead roles and focus on motherly characters. Javeria Abbasi questioned why such expectations are frequently imposed on female actors, while male actors often continue playing romantic leads regardless of age.
She further noted that actresses are routinely judged for aging, whereas similar scrutiny is rarely applied to their male counterparts. Javeria suggested that this imbalance highlights a broader issue of gender-based expectations within the entertainment industry.
The debate surrounding Mahira Khan and Firdous Jamal previously sparked widespread discussion about age, gender roles, and career longevity in Pakistan’s media landscape. It continues to be referenced as an example of the challenges female actors face in maintaining leading roles over time.
Mahira Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most prominent stars, known for acclaimed projects such as Humsafar, The Legend of Maula Jatt, and Raees, and continues to hold a strong presence in both television and film.
