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Pakistani celebs disagree with Firdous Jamal after he says Mahira Khan is too old to be a heroine
Celebrity

Pakistani celebs disagree with Firdous Jamal after he says Mahira Khan is too old to be a heroine

Humayun Saeed, Mawra Hocane and Osman Khalid Butt are just some of her peers defending the superstar
Images Staff
29 Jul, 2019

Veteran actor, Firdous Jamal's ageist comments about Mahira Khan did not go down well with the entertainment industry.

On Saturday, a clip from Faysal Qureshi's show started doing the rounds on social media in which guest Jamal had an opinion about Khan that he just had to share: "I'm sorry to say if someone likes it or not, but Mahira is not heroine stuff. She's a mediocre sort of a model, she's not a good actress and is not a heroine."

Read: Firdous Jamal’s ageist comments about Mahira Khan reveal our double standards

She's quite aged as well and we don't have heroines at this age, they only play the characters of mothers", added the 65-year-old actor."

The fact that are our male actors not viewed with the same scrutiny is an argument we should not have to make in 2019 yet here we are. Thankfully, peers from within the fraternity stood up for Mahira:

Mawra Hocane says disrespectful remarks cannot be disguised as an opinion

Her Bin Roye co-star Humayun Saeed also spoke out defending her

Faysal Qureshi himself tweeted saying he was shocked (but then he should've defended her on air, just sayin')

Nadia Hussain is sick of the double standards

Asma Abbas says she thinks he owes Mahira an apology

Gohar Rasheed said he expected better from Jamal

Osman Khalid Butt feels like the public can't take the industry seriously until we keep our own chauvinism in check

Adnan Malik reminds us, when you point at someone, you've got three fingers pointing back at you

Meanwhile, Mahira Khan is unbothered. To quote the superstar herself: "Desi me rollin’, they hatin’"

Comments

haris Jul 29, 2019 12:10pm
What's the point of criticizing Firdous Jamal. He said what he thinks. Hey celebs, grow up and learn to accept the criticism. You're living in a real world.
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haris Jul 29, 2019 12:14pm
So all celebs want is to hear good things and praises for themselves. They don't have a bone to bear the criticism.
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haris Jul 29, 2019 12:19pm
Mawra thinks Firdous Jamal's comments was a publicity stint. FYI! Ms. Mawra, He has already won almost all the prestigious awards in the Drama and Film industries that very few have managed to get closer to that.
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abu.ashhad Jul 29, 2019 12:23pm
Words really matters and I think point of view would conveyed in better way. honestly speaking i even dont like her as actress ... so what a big deal!
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Khan Jul 29, 2019 12:26pm
To be honest, I saw the trailer of Superstar and thought Mahira is too old for these kinds of roles now. Firdos isn't wrong...
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Jimmy Jul 29, 2019 12:33pm
Look at Faysal Quereshi trying to save his own collar.
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Parvez Jul 29, 2019 12:39pm
People like Firdous Jamal show their true color when they come out with such worthless comments ....... he is an intelligent person and should have realized that when one has nothing worthwhile to say it s better to remain silent.
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Akhtar ali Jul 29, 2019 12:39pm
I strongly very feel that such remarks are Territorial infringment in some body's life & profession. I also believe we are running short of IKHLAQIAT & do not think about morals defined in linguistic norms & pass such personal comments . I am 69 & still proud of what i learnt from my urdu speaking friends during my school & college days in karachi regarding MUHAZZAB GUFTAGU. Hope we all are careful in passing such comments in the times to come. Stay blessed, Regards
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Sameer Jul 29, 2019 12:40pm
But is Firdous Jamal wrong?
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Babu Jul 29, 2019 12:56pm
What is the Yardstick of Benchmark Jamal has used. If you compare Jamal with Brad Pitt than Jamal is mediocre and not good. If your yard stick is USA than all other countries including Pakistan is mediocre. Why such offensive people are called as guests when they do not deserve it.
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SAB Jul 29, 2019 01:03pm
But what is the real age of Mahira Khan?
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Tariq Jul 29, 2019 01:12pm
bizarre!!
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Shehryar Zulfiqar Jul 29, 2019 02:06pm
@haris he isn't criticizing her work but for him Mahira is unsuitable because of her age, here the problem comes. When Hamayyu Saeed , Shahrukh Khan and Amir Khan can play lead role in their late 40s and 50s, why cannot a woman in her 30s be considered a heroine ? Double Patriarchal Standards!
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BrandPakistan Jul 29, 2019 02:22pm
Mahira Khan , please don't listen to any of these critics of yours , we love you as you inspiring millions with your work , very talented, versatile, beautiful. We are so proud of you as your are our Brand Pakistan and we love you so much
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Taimoor Jul 29, 2019 02:31pm
Mahira khan is plain jane and bad actress. But the sexist comments Firdous Jamal made are despicable. If men above 35 can romance girls their daughter’s age, then so can Mahira khan. No double standard please.
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Ali Vaqar Awan Jul 29, 2019 03:18pm
Not an acceptable behavior by Firdous Jamal. Mahira can do heroine roles as long as she is performing best. So therefore age is never the barrier. Even actresses who are in 40s and 50s continue to be heroine in Hollywood. Even Firdous is past his prime that he should look into his self before taking potshots at others about age.
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SAEED KHAN Jul 29, 2019 03:53pm
WE IN BRITAIN FELT PROUD OF MAHIRA KHAN WHEN SHE JOINED SHAH RUKH KHAN IN RAEES
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Sam Siddiqui Jul 29, 2019 03:55pm
@haris there is definitely a great difference between giving opinion and being opinionated. Had he been expressing an opinion he would have not elaborated and chosen such harsh words which were only meant taking a dig at Mahira. Whoa man in this age where actresses like Jennifer Lawrence and Natalie Portman are playing lead roles and proving their mettle being in their 30s
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AMEER Jul 29, 2019 04:16pm
And all of a sudden every one forget FJ is also a veteran actor. Probably more vibrant than MK. Still she and every one around her circle that it is not what criticism makes them celebrities. Patience, hardwork and courage makes them prominent. Every one enjoys his/her point of view.
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Rubina Jul 29, 2019 04:27pm
@Shehryar Zulfiqar I agree. Hollywood, Bollywood all current top heroines are above 30 be - Natalie Portman (38) , Scarlet Jhonson (34), Deepika (32), Katrina (36), Kareena (38), Ash (45), Tabu (48) etc still they rule their industry, and no senior actor question or mock it. Only here we have 65 year old actor mocking Mahira khan (34) as “fit for only aged mom’s role”. Sexist and patriarchal to say the least.
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Amber Jul 29, 2019 05:12pm
The fact is Firdous Jamal is legend actor, Asma Abbas should be careful in addressing senior ones. Mirza gohar Rasheed corrected him with respect. One cannot say that to work on ptv was not big deal. That time one Chanel provided much entertainment than today's 100 channels cannot. They haven't yet reached that standards. If senior doing wrong. Doesn't mean to be disrespectful towards seniors in favour of junior child who is equal to his daughters and who learnt from all these seniors
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Gabakhan Jul 29, 2019 05:13pm
Firdaus jamal saying 100%right, what is wrong with the world saying truth hurts ppl but buttering n lies over lies r so appreciated... Plz accept reality n live in real life its not film n ppl r not blind, if actors support her r just because they all r from same field n supporting each other works bonus for them... Firdause is like gold n gold is gold.....
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Amber Jul 29, 2019 05:16pm
Fidous Jamal is senior most. If he says something wrong then one has to correct him with respect just as Gohar Rasheed did. Not like Asma Abbas who said ptv was nothing. That time ptv provided much more entertainment than today's 100 Chanel cannot provide. It's a fact. Mahira is child and junior one who learnt from legends like Firdous Jamal sir.
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Asim Jul 29, 2019 05:34pm
Who cares? He said what’s right
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AXH Jul 29, 2019 05:39pm
He was asked a question and he gave his honest opinion. Either you stop asking these types of questions or learn to accept someone's opinion. Now, he will be bashed around on the social media and will be dropped from TV shows, etc.
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AXH Jul 29, 2019 05:42pm
@haris - Couldn't agree with you more. He is one of the finest actors that Pakistan has produced. A very versatile actor. None of the actors from this generation come even close to his talent.
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Adi Jul 29, 2019 06:20pm
Why do people have zero tolerance for other's views. He didnot kill anyone , its fair to have their own views till they are harmless for others.
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Saye Jul 29, 2019 06:26pm
There are a lots of actresses that need to retire and should give chance to new talents. Old age is not bad but that is a reality. No matter what you do, it never comes back. Like tomorrow never comes back. In dreams yes, in reality no. Criticism is the sound basis of human life. Those who do not tell truth, are hypocrites. Living in fools paradise and deceptive world.
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Ali Jul 29, 2019 06:59pm
Common sense dictates that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and age is certainly a factor to many. Economic reasons should not suppress inherently individual ideals.
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Faraz Jul 29, 2019 07:05pm
@haris Well said bro. I dont think this issue (if you can call it that) is even worth all the hoopla
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Saeed Jul 29, 2019 07:31pm
@haris I agree too much sensitivity going on . You are on show business and people have opinions.
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Huma Jul 29, 2019 08:18pm
Does she even know what acting entails? Making his comments about sexism. He is simply pointing out what is an unfortunate truth in modeling, film and TV industries all over the world. "Super star of Pakistan"? Learn to respect the senior actors of Pakistan Television. She, along with all those who have been critical of Firdaus Jamal, have they watched any of his dramas?? They are so full of themselves, because of having a platform of social media to rave and rant on. Their meager 'talent' doesn't justify criticizing - without paying due respect and regard to Firdaus Jamal's substantial library of roles - what they don't know! Long Live Fidaus Jamal - With love, duas and blessings to you, Firdaus.
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Huma Jul 29, 2019 08:19pm
@haris - well said!
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gp65 Jul 29, 2019 08:33pm
@Sameer "But is Firdous Jamal wrong?" Mahira is born in December 1984. Kareena, Katrina, Priyanka are all older than her. Deepika is barely a year and a half younger. Not to mention Aishwarya and Vidya Balan who are in their 40s. None of them are appearing as hero's mother or likely to in the near term.
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Shariq Jul 29, 2019 08:49pm
Grow up Firdous Jamal. For some wisdom and talent don’t come with age, some are just born with it like Mahira.
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Jalil Jul 29, 2019 09:27pm
True example of making everything scared. Firdous Jamal is an accomplished actor, one of the few left who know acting. These are his personal views, he has all the right to share these views as a critic, actor and viewer. Mahira is a very ordinary big screen actress.
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Khurram Jul 29, 2019 09:50pm
What’s wrong with his comments. That’s his point of view and he has all rights to express himself. You new little comers/actors, try to respect your senior otherwise you will not get in return what you deserve.
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neo Jul 29, 2019 09:55pm
@haris Its not criticism but a very sexist & ignorant statement by Firdous Jamal...Considering how women are treated in Pakistan, it's always right to speak up whenever you witness such stupid statements by anyone.
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M. Saeed Jul 29, 2019 10:26pm
What Firdous Jamal said is fact and it should not hurt anyone. We must have courage to accept honest views.
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Captain Jul 29, 2019 10:46pm
I endorse Firdous Jamal comments as he compared her acting with his .... no match between these two ...... Firdous is a legend n would remain so for lifetime ...... and he said sorry too whether someone agree to or not ..... prior he commented on the subject..... Be mature entrainment industry
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abd dhool Jul 29, 2019 10:51pm
Whatever Firdous Jamal is saying he is doing with a smile. So there is an element of fun. The host of the show is also comedian so the guest wanted to be funny. Now there is no comparison between Firdous era and current actors. Todays slow moving love-hate creepy love drama serials have no substance. It is all about glamor, outside locations, making money ....while audience wasting their useful time.
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Asim Jul 29, 2019 11:16pm
Here comes an other MALE tyrant! now he is the target.
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Mir Khalid Jul 29, 2019 11:45pm
Grow up Pakistani actors.
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N abidai Jul 30, 2019 12:41am
@Sameer yes,thousands time hec is wrong !
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Khan Jul 30, 2019 01:04am
@Shehryar Zulfiqar Khans and those like them are past their sell by dates for any romantic hero roles. Hollywood actors act in age based roles.
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Awaz.... Jul 30, 2019 01:25am
Remember that the criticism represents just one person’s point of view. Know what your strengths are and don’t let other people’s opinions keep you from working hard towards a goal. If somebody says you’re too short to be a power forward, start working on that jump shot! When we’re constantly on edge, we can feel out of control and unable to respond to criticism with a clear head. So take a deeeep breath to keep those stress levels in check. And also remember, It doesn’t matter how you choose to live your life - whether you build a business or work a corporate job; have children or choose not to have children; travel the world or live in the same town all of your life; go to the gym 5 times a week or sit on the couch every night - whatever you do, someone will judge you for it. For one reason or another, someone will find a reason to project their insecurities, their negativity, and their fears onto you and your life, and you’ll have to deal with it.
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shahid Jul 30, 2019 02:19am
@BrandPakistan I agree. She is the best I have seen in Drama and movies so far. So someone make the comment like that. It shows that they are envy of her.....
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Kant Jul 30, 2019 02:36am
@haris, Nothing wrong in criticizing acting of a star; however, trying to criticize, in a derogatory way, an individual as a person is no no . It is, in effect, shameful on the part of the critic. Besides, more than appearance, Mahira has gained tremendous successes with her work, and with her fans, that she need not even bother to respond to such lowly remarks and individuals.
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Sid Jul 30, 2019 03:14am
Very sad. We can not expect this from senior artist.
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Tanu Jul 30, 2019 04:15am
@haris very true
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isha Jul 30, 2019 07:18am
what people in this country dont get actors are hired for a certain role NOT based on the fact that they are below 30. As far as stardom goes only a fool would think acting is the only criteria that decides who will have superstar tag and this tag is usually given by the people. An actors stardom is a combination of skills, hard work, honesty , humility , ability to connect with people and the most special ingredient of destiny. your biggest two superstars are fawad and mahira. mahira started on agg tv as a vj, at 17, No one in the industry can deny her hard work, dedication , professionalism and humility, you cannot deny she has ability to connect with people like no other star. Also she has destiny on her side btw here are examples of people who are avg actors who are superstart chris hemsowrth, chris evans, they are hard working but avg actors yet are current superstars. Tabu is a great actor but superstar was madhuri in her time. so deal with it
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Imtiaz Ali Khan Jul 30, 2019 08:21am
Mahira is beautiful and I think I'm not sure, but I got little crush on Mahira? She just melts my heart, I stay away from her OMG! Beauty that just simply too beautiful to watch sometimes. She is just a beauty with great bubbly personality.
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VAQAS FAROOQI Jul 30, 2019 09:55am
Firdaus Jamal's criteria for a lead actor is just age. This reflects the thinking of the actors who belonged to bygone era. If we compare Mahira's acting, she is more skilled that Firdaus ever was. It is now time for Pakistan Film Industry to mature and make films where good actors take leadning roles rather than young and beautiful ones with zero acting skills.
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helping hands Jul 30, 2019 02:50pm
Mahira is indeed more of a model material than an actress, and no way is she even close ot being a super star, but that doesn't mean that she takes up mom roles. Aging is something natural so people should avoid commenting on it but yes, everybody has a right to criticize on skills and performance.
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Ali Jul 30, 2019 03:57pm
I think Firdous sahab said right thing in wrong words or manner.
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zee Jul 31, 2019 12:54am
Actress Mawra needs to stop using words like ' dig' and 'garb ' and 2 minutes of fame for someone so senior to her. Everyone has to work hard in this world and even then success or anything else is not guaranteed after all the hard work or talent. Mahira needs to be admired because she has come a long way from her old hosting days to this point where the entire weight of a film is on her shoulders and she seems to be improvising as she goes along.
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Afroze Naqvi Jul 31, 2019 12:44pm
It is obvious who is calling the kettle black. Isn't Mr. Jamal twice the age of Ms.Khan? Shouldn't he playing grandfather roles?
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NINO Aug 03, 2019 08:11am
It is possibly done out of jealousy. It would appear that he meant to hurt her. He is not capable of thinking any better.
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