LAHORE – Prominent actress and civil award recipient Mehwish Hayat has called upon Pakistan’s entertainment industry to break stereotypes and allow female actors to age gracefully on-screen—without being sidelined or restricted to limited roles.
In a recent interview, Hayat expressed concern over the visible gender disparity in casting practices, particularly as actresses grow older. She noted that while male actors continue to land lead roles well into their 50s, women are often written off or confined to supporting characters once they cross their 40s.
“Men are said to age like fine wine. But women in our industry are made invisible,” she stated.
Double Standards in Casting
Hayat criticised the prevailing trend in television and film where mature women are rarely offered substantial roles, whereas ageing male actors continue to portray romantic leads opposite much younger actresses. She termed this imbalance a “systemic issue” that reflects broader societal attitudes towards ageing women.
The actress further highlighted that these casting practices not only limit the careers of seasoned female performers but also hinder the creation of diverse and meaningful stories that resonate with a wider audience.
Call for Inclusive Storytelling
Pointing to international examples, Hayat praised global content—such as South Korea’s Sky Castle and several Hollywood productions—that successfully feature older women in complex, lead roles. She stressed the need for Pakistan’s entertainment industry to follow suit by writing stronger, age-inclusive narratives.
“There is no shortage of talent or stories. What we lack is the will to tell them,” she added.
Broader Impact on Representation
Industry observers note that Hayat’s comments shed light on a long-standing challenge faced by women in the media. Critics and viewers alike have echoed her sentiments on social media, calling for a cultural shift in the portrayal of women over 40 in drama and cinema.
Mehwish Hayat, known for her roles in Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Load Wedding, and Ms. Marvel, has long been an advocate for gender parity in Pakistan’s media landscape.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
