Friendly Reminder: It’s Ramazan Folks. The recent exchange of comments between Atiqa Odho and Fahad Mustafa mark a new low in the Pakistani entertainment industry. To question whether a male actor should work with a heroine much younger than him, and clapping back that a female actor needs to undergo cosmetic surgery in order to work with younger actors makes one wonder at the super levels of toxicity in the Pakistani drama entertainment industry. Or has humour touched a new low and we weren’t paying attention?
It all started when Atiqa Odho appeared as a guest in Tabish Hashmi’s Ramazan special edition Hasna Mana Hai. The show has been gaining sizeable traction as the guest list boasts a who’s who roll call from the likes of Mahira Khan, Fahad Mustafa, Saba qamar and Atiqa Odho gracing the invite list. But to cut a long story short, Atiqa Odho responded to a question by Tabish Hashmi on what advice she would give Fahad Mustafa. ‘I think it’s time he starts working with girls that belong to the same age bracket as him. She clarified further, “He should start working with women (aurton kay saath)… it’s about time…”
As the internet digested this off the cuff (and clearly uncalled for in my opinion) remark, Fahad Mustafa decided to have a go as well. And of course, what better place to join the party but from the sets of Jeeto Pakistan. He called out Atiqa (apa) on her remarks and mentioned that now, we (including Humayun Saeed, who was also mentioned in passing by Atiqa) will only appear onscreen with you. You are our only heroine, just get some (cosmetic, implied) surgeries done, and we will work with you.”
And with that, the interaction blew up to another level, predictably with netizens taking sides. Some called out Atiqa Odho for starting it and others, for Fahad Mustafa on his disrespectful response. back to Atiqa Odho who responded in a public post – “Friends, let’s not blow this issue up anymore. Fahad is a talented and hard working professional. He’s reacted out of emotion and I truly feel sad that we as public figures can’t say anything light heartedly without being attacked. Forgive and forget š”
To cap it off, Fahad Mustafa has offered a final apology (we hope), questionable, some might say – in short, he mentioned, again from the sets of Ramazan show Jeeto Pakistan (but of course, what were you expecting, evetyone is on phone detox mode) “You are our senior, the most beautiful woman in Pakistan and we love you…” The emphasis on ‘aapa’ and “aap humse bari” was not lost on anyone, mind you.
And now, settle in for a breakdown of the live drama – what worked and what didn’t
Ageist comments on a public platform or privately about any actor in the industry should not be entertained. Firstly, Atiqa’s comments could have been edited out by Hasna Mana Hai creators, secondly, she shouldn’t have gone there.
If Atiqa Odho was referring to Fahad Mustafa’s role in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum with Hania Aamir, (who is younger than him), the drama was a super hit and yes it is still age shaming to call out an actor, whether male or female on who they work with. Thirdly, Fahad Mustafa’s remarks were equally crass and reveal the sad state of our entertainment industry where influencers indulge in below the belt, offensive responses to questions that are asked exactly for this purpose – to hype up TRPs.
The take away? Hasna Mana Hai just got a viral episode in a Ramazan season where it’s as competitive as it gets to gain views let alone go viral. We unfortunately bore witness to distasteful comments from the stars of our industry, people we would rather respect, and on the contrary, not be ashamed of for their narrow perspectives on life, work and online camaraderie – yes, there is a fine line.
The interent has responded with a trend. The online spat is trending – Fahad Mustafa is trending. Audiences are watching both the clips of Jeeto Pakistan – the response and the apology. For the uninitiated, many go back to the first remark shared by Atiqa Odho on the stes of Hasna Mana Hai. The debate rages on line on who’s to blame, Fahad or Atiqa? It’s a “win-win” for all the stakeholders in the gameā¦ Say goodbye to respectful, intellectual comedy or conversations and hello to trending on sensational.
And the sad part? Ramazan Mubarak everyone. ‘Tis the season of tolerance, respect, moderation and spirituality. Has anyone understood the assignment?
Atiqa made a very relevant point. It is absolutely not age shaming to recognise that the pattern in pakistan is for 40 year old men to be paired with 20 year old women who will be paired with the 40 year old women then? 80 year old men. understand what agism is instead of blindly following the band wagon. she didn’t say he should not be in dramas or that he should not be the protagonist. she didnt criticise his age. she was actually trying to prevent agism. women over 40 dont get roles except as mothers but men can consistanly be paired with new actresses. that is agism. Atiqa wasnt descriminating against older actors she was advocating for them. Understand the diffference