Saba Hameed has sparked a fresh debate over age, casting and gender bias in Pakistan’s television industry after taking on two contrasting roles opposite actor Faran Tahir in separate dramas.
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The veteran actress currently appears in “Bas Tera Saath Ho” as Faran Tahir’s wife and in “Dar-e-Nijaat” as his mother. The unusual casting has drawn widespread attention on social media.
Zhalay Sarhadi Highlights Gender Bias
Actor Zhalay Sarhadi said the debate reflects the double standards older women continue to face in the entertainment industry.
She argued that female actors are often judged by their age, while male actors continue to secure younger or leading roles.
Moreover, she said actresses deserve more realistic and age-appropriate characters. She also joked that speaking out might result in her being cast as Humayun Saeed’s mother in a future project.
Atiqa Odho Questions Casting Choice
Actor Atiqa Odho also raised concerns about the casting decision.
She said she found it difficult to accept Saba Hameed as Faran Tahir’s mother because the actress does not appear old enough for the role.
According to Atiqa, the makeup and character presentation made Hameed look significantly older than she is in real life.
Juggun Kazim Defends Performance
Meanwhile, actor Juggun Kazim praised Saba Hameed’s performance.
She said the actress’s ability to convincingly portray both a wife and a mother demonstrates her exceptional acting skills rather than a casting flaw.
Juggun added that Hameed’s talent allows audiences to believe every character she portrays.
Viewers Remain Divided
The discussion has divided television audiences.
Some viewers believe the situation highlights unrealistic expectations and gender bias against older women in the entertainment industry.
However, others argue that an actor’s talent and performance should matter more than age or on-screen family relationships.
The debate has renewed calls for more age-appropriate casting and stronger representation of older women in Pakistani television dramas.
