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28 Apr, 2025

In a candid conversation with Ahmad Ali Butt on his podcast Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt, actor and producer Salman Saqib — popularly known as Mani — opened up about the often harsh criticism he faces for supporting his wife, Hira Mani, in her career.

During the interview, Butt praised Mani for backing Hira during the early stages of her career, a time when many in Pakistani society discouraged women from stepping into showbiz.

Recalling how he was at the peak of his own career when Hira transitioned from hosting to acting, he boldly remarked, “You have made your wife.”

He added, “Yes, she had talent. That’s why she gained prominence. But the support you gave her… we live in a society where we don’t let women go out. And because of this support, you have been trolled a lot, and a lot of people have criticised you.”

In response, Mani said that while such statements once stung, he and Hira have moved past them. He did not confess to having “made his wife” but he did address the label often thrown his way — “zan mureed” (a man subservient to his wife), for supporting his partner.

“People often call me “zan mureed” but one needs to be supportive. If I had a daughter, I would want her to be a swimmer and an athlete. I would want her to stand on her own two feet, to work,” he said.

Mani explained that the support he extended to Hira was not just because she was his wife but because he believed in women’s right to pursue their ambitions. “Even if Hira wasn’t my wife, if it was someone else, I would’ve been the same way. If this other woman had any kind of talent, I would let her pursue it. So that tomorrow she doesn’t turn around and say she didn’t become something because I didn’t let her.”

He criticised the rigid family systems often glorified in this part of the world. “We force this khandani system down everyone’s throat,” Mani said. “This system with our paramparas (traditions), it’s all dictated. Maybe this has always been a subcontinental problem, an India-Pakistan problem. And doing the opposite does not mean we have been westernised.”

Mani credited his progressive mindset to his father, who was also an actor and encouraged his daughter to work. “We don’t want this chain to break whether this talent is passed through the women or the men of our family,” he stressed, adding that he would be equally proud if his wife’s sister or another relative achieved the same success.

Butt pointed out how rare it is to truly enjoy another person’s success, to which Mani wholeheartedly agreed. Speaking about Hira, he said, “Hira has proved with her acting… She must’ve faced a lot of backfires, yet, she stands back up again. We have all seen so many ups and downs.”

The two also touched on the challenges working women face in balancing their professional and personal lives. Mani offered a glimpse into the reality behind the glamour, praising Hira’s resilience. “You have been on drama sets; you know how we shoot, so many hours in a day. It’s such a painful experience. Yet, when Hira comes home, and kids start begging her for handmade meals, be it parathas or daal, she makes them.”

The actor went on to advocate for a broader cultural shift, one where women’s dreams are respected and supported, not ridiculed. “I feel this way for all girls,” he shared.

Comments

Hasni, Syed Apr 28, 2025 03:28pm
Being supportive to your wife is one of the most important aspects of a healthy and fulfilling relationship. It involves actively listening to her thoughts and feelings, encouraging her dreams and aspirations, and being her steadfast partner through both challenges and triumphs. Support can take many forms—whether it’s offering a comforting presence during tough times, celebrating her achievements, or simply being there to share in everyday moments. When you show genuine interest in her life, validate her experiences, and provide emotional and practical support, it strengthens the bond between you. It fosters an environment of trust and openness, allowing both partners to thrive individually and as a couple. Additionally, being supportive means recognizing her needs and being willing to communicate openly about your own, creating a balanced partnership where both voices are heard and valued. Ultimately, supporting your wife is about being her biggest cheerleader and ally, ensuring that she feels loved, respected, and empowered. This not only enhances her well-being but also enriches your relationship, creating a foundation of love, respect, and mutual growth. Job Well done!
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M. Emad Apr 28, 2025 05:34pm
Melodrama !
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Minoo Apr 28, 2025 05:46pm
Interesting indeed .
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Ehsan Apr 28, 2025 06:27pm
Good to hear though it probably didn’t go well with the thinking of the the interviewer
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Shahzad Apr 28, 2025 06:29pm
Very nice !! Woman are more wise and have tremendous amount of common sense and wisdom. Their foresight is excellent. They should be feel free to pursue their goals. It’s high men take a more tolerant role !!
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Zun Mureed Apr 28, 2025 09:12pm
Bravo Bravo Mani, What the heck was this article. Wife make Daal after Tv Shoots, Bravo!!
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Sam Apr 28, 2025 10:15pm
Mani is awesome. Not many people think like that.
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Laila Apr 28, 2025 10:54pm
Just another affirmation of misogyny being engrained in Pakistani culture. So much that a husband supporting or uplifting his wife is seen as negative. Just like a husband living with his in-laws or being close to his in-laws is seen as negative. I dont like both of them but good for him supporting his wife. Now if he could support her away from our screens that would be great.
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Ahmed Apr 28, 2025 11:33pm
What counts as progressive? There are men that allow their wives in professions where other men enjoy their beauty. Like modelling. Those husbands also call it being supportive of their wives. Where do we draw the line. If everyone can make their own right and wrong then there is no right and wrong. Think about it
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M. Saeed Apr 28, 2025 11:33pm
When wife overshadows the husband and that too by miles, then, the faculties of husband are all grinded!
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HS Apr 29, 2025 01:04am
I encourage people to learn more about Islam and the rules regarding conduct of men and women. Without these rules society will have lots of problems.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Apr 29, 2025 01:12am
Supportive of what?
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Chung Fung Apr 29, 2025 06:03am
AL-Hamdulillah !
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sarim Apr 29, 2025 08:22am
glad to her someone sensible, when it comes to women wanting to pursue their careers
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SacredDiscourse Apr 29, 2025 10:32am
If you are so insecure then don't get married, simplest solution for fragile ego men like you
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SacredDiscourse Apr 29, 2025 10:35am
By that logic wives of male actors and models should also forbid their husbands from working in showbiz, why should they allow other women to enjoy their husbands onscreen
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Babar Apr 29, 2025 01:50pm
Is this newsworthy? Whats the fuss and drama? Just attention seeking celebs
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Laila Apr 30, 2025 08:57am
@HS Pakistani like wider subcontinent is far removed from islam. What is practised is a diluted cultural islam essentially a hinduana version of islam which in itself is a contradiction. In what Islamic source of reference is rampant corruption, entertainment business be that drama, film or music allowed? Or 4 am taghut house calls by "renowned" vampires? Or joint family system and forced servitude of women to in-laws? Or refusal of women's basic Sharia rights in marriage, inheritance and autonomy? Chiffon sleeves and dupattas, shalwars not covering shins and ankles? Smoking, vaping and hookah? Unsafe public spaces? Rampant sexual crimes? Following Pirs, taweez, wazifa etc? Read the news on any given day and tell me with a straight face, that this is an Islamic country. Most pakistanis have little or no interest in islam. Sadly.
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