10 Pakistani Celebrities Who Battled Age Shaming in 2025
In earlier years, careers in Pakistan’s entertainment world often followed a rigid path. Actors and actresses had a limited time to shine in lead roles before being nudged aside for younger faces. Ageism has remained a troubling aspect of the industry, affecting both genders but it’s women who typically face harsher scrutiny. As soon as they reach their 40s, many women find themselves labeled unfairly and offered only supporting roles, regardless of talent or popularity.
While male stars like Muhammad Ali and Sultan Rahi continued to headline films well into their 50s and 60s, their female counterparts were rarely granted the same opportunity. Most were shifted to roles of mothers, sisters, or background characters, with only a select few managing to hold on to leading roles beyond a certain age.
Despite the ongoing bias, a number of Pakistani celebrities in 2025 have stood strong in the face of age shaming. They continue to work, thrive, and challenge outdated stereotypes. Here are some of the stars who have faced age-based criticism this year but refused to be sidelined.
Mahira Khan
Mahira Khan remains one of the most prominent figures in the Pakistani entertainment industry. She began her journey at a young age as a video jockey before transitioning into acting, with early roles in the film Bol and the drama Neeyat. Over the past 14 years, she has achieved remarkable success and built a lasting career. Now at 40, Mahira is proudly embracing her age challenging the norms of an industry where age is often treated as a limitation, especially for women. In recent interviews, she has spoken openly about her belief in staying true to herself, emphasizing that there’s no reason to conceal one’s age or be ashamed of it.
Humayun Saeed
Humayun Saeed is more than just a celebrated actor he’s also one of Pakistan’s leading film and television producers. He began his career with television dramas and eventually transitioned to cinema, becoming one of the very few stars capable of drawing large audiences to theaters. His recent appearance in Love Guru sparked a wave of age-related criticism online as soon as the trailer was released. However, Humayun didn’t let the negativity affect him. Instead of reacting harshly, he handled the situation with humor and grace, showcasing his relaxed and confident approach to ageism in the industry.
Mehwish Hayat
Mehwish Hayat is one of Pakistan’s top stars, known for her impressive track record in both television and film. With numerous hit dramas to her credit, she has also made a mark in Pakistani cinema and even gained international recognition through her role in the Ms. Marvel series. Despite being in the industry for years, Mehwish continues to land lead roles, proving her lasting star power. However, like many female actors, she hasn’t been spared from age-related criticism. In a recent interview, she spoke out against the unrealistic expectations placed on women, stressing that ageing is a natural process and that society needs to stop making women feel guilty for growing older.
Faysal Quraishi
Faysal Quraishi is not only one of Pakistan’s most recognized stars but also one of its most versatile performers. Throughout his career, he has taken on a wide range of roles and is among the rare actors of his generation who convincingly portrayed older characters even in his younger years. Recently, however, he became a target of age-related criticism. Some viewers accused him of relying on makeup to appear younger in the drama Raaja Rani. Addressing the comments, Faysal explained that he is portraying a man in his 40s and that the role required a more youthful appearance to align with the character’s story. Veteran actor Javed Sheikh also came to his defense, supporting Faysal’s artistic choices and dismissing the unnecessary criticism.
Fahad Mustafa
Fahad Mustafa successfully transitioned from television dramas to becoming a household name through Jeeto Pakistan and a thriving film career. After taking a break from acting on television, he made his much-anticipated return in the drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum opposite Hania Aamir. His casting initially raised eyebrows due to the noticeable age gap between him and his co-star, as well as the fact that he was portraying a character significantly younger than his actual age. However, Fahad silenced the critics with his compelling performance not only did he play the role of Mustafa convincingly, but he completely embodied the character, winning over audiences once again.
Bushra Ansari
Bushra Ansari is rightfully regarded as a true icon of Pakistani entertainment. Beginning her journey as a child artist, she has grown into one of the most versatile and respected performers in the country. Known for her vibrant personality, Bushra chooses joy despite the personal hardships and losses she has endured over the years. She continues to express herself freely whether it’s through singing, dancing, or her choice of fashion without letting societal judgment affect her. Through her fearless authenticity, she continues to prove that age is merely a number and self-expression has no expiry date.
Faisal Rehman
Faisal Rehman, a veteran of Pakistani cinema, smoothly transitioned into television and remains one of the rare actors who have consistently found success across different decades. His recent return to the screen in Qarz-e-Jaan reminded audiences of his enduring talent, as he captivated viewers with his performance, often outshining the rest of the cast. Despite his strong comeback, he became the target of ageist remarks, with people constantly questioning how he manages to stay so fit at his age. Tired of the constant commentary, Faisal responded with humor, joking that he was so old he had once met Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The light-hearted remark quickly went viral, with some people even taking it literally.
Adnan Siddiqui
Adnan Siddiqui is a seasoned figure in the Pakistani entertainment industry, with a career spanning over two decades. Known for his strong body of work and his transition into production, he has built a solid reputation for taking on meaningful roles. Adnan often chooses characters that align with his age, but he’s also unafraid to explore morally complex roles such as his portrayal in Khuboo Mein Basay Khat. At the same time, he has occasionally shared the screen with much younger actresses, like in his role as Shehwar in Mere Paas Tum Ho. These choices sometimes attract ageist remarks from the public, but Adnan handles the criticism with composure, letting his work speak for itself.
Hira Mani
Hira Mani entered the world of acting after getting married and becoming a mother of two. Her talent and lively, cheerful personality quickly won her a place in the spotlight. Now that her sons are growing up, Hira continues to embrace life with the same enthusiasm and energy. She remains unapologetically herself whether it’s through making fun videos, expressing herself through fashion, or simply enjoying the things she loves. However, despite her positive spirit, she often faces age-shaming comments, with critics pointing out her carefree attitude as being “unusual” for a mother. Still, Hira doesn’t let the negativity dim her light she keeps doing what makes her happy.
Nida Yasir
Nida Yasir is a well-known television host and a familiar face in every Pakistani household. She has been the face of Pakistan’s longest-running morning show, earning success through consistency and charm. Nida has openly talked about how, in her early years, she wasn’t very knowledgeable about fashion or styling. Over time, however, she has evolved and now confidently experiments with her look. Despite her growth, she often faces criticism when her outfit choices don’t sit well with viewers. Still, Nida remains unfazed by the negativity—she follows her own instincts and continues to express herself on her own terms.
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