National ( The cow news digital ) Pakistani actress Ameer Khan has openly criticized what she describes as deep-rooted gender and age bias in the country’s television drama industry, arguing that older male actors are routinely cast in young romantic lead roles while female actors face early career limitations.
Speaking during a recent appearance on a private television program, Khan pointed out that it is common in Pakistani dramas for male actors in their 40s and 50s to portray characters belonging to younger generations, often without public scrutiny or criticism. She said this practice reflects an unrealistic portrayal of society that has become normalized over time.
According to the actress, the situation for women in the industry is significantly different. She noted that female actors often experience a sharp decline in leading opportunities after only a few years in prominent roles, after which they are frequently relegated to supporting or age-specific characters. Khan argued that this disparity highlights a structural imbalance in casting practices and storytelling priorities within the industry.
Ameer Khan emphasized that such trends not only affect individual careers but also shape audience perceptions of age, beauty standards, and gender roles. She stressed that more meaningful and diverse roles are needed for women across all age groups to ensure a balanced representation on screen.
Drawing comparisons with international entertainment industries, Khan referenced Hollywood examples, noting that actresses such as Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway continue to secure powerful and central roles at different stages of their careers. She suggested that Pakistani television, in contrast, often fails to provide similar longevity and depth for its female performers.
The discussion has gained momentum in recent days amid ongoing debate in the entertainment industry about casting practices and on-screen representation. The issue resurfaced after senior actress Atiqa Odho publicly advised actor Fahad Mustafa to consider working with actresses of his own age group, a comment that sparked widespread discussion on social media and within the industry.
Khan’s remarks add to a growing conversation about the need for reform in Pakistani drama production, particularly regarding gender equality, age representation, and character diversity. Industry observers say the debate reflects broader cultural expectations that continue to influence storytelling norms in South Asian media.
