Generalizations and stereotypes have always been a part of our society. Their presence in the society is hard to eliminate but as a responsible human being one needs to be careful with the choice of words one employs. In this age of social media, words carry a lot of weight; they can be empowering and at the same time can be discouraging.
Twitter was on a streak this very weekend when Firdous Jamal’s remarks on our Superstar Mahira Khan went viral. While attending Faysal Quraishi’s show Salam Zindagi the veteran actor said “Mahira has grown old, should play a mother instead (of being a heroine).”
The question arises why can’t old women be heroines, is it a sin? does age take precedence over skill? Is it the same for men?
Criticism, opinions, backlash all flooded in when these comments became viral. Here is what our celebrities had to say:
If we as members of the film & television fraternity can't keep our chauvinism in check, if we keep reinforcing regressive & sexist stereotypes, how do we expect the public to treat our industry – and specifically the women in it – with respect?
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) July 27, 2019
Remember that every time you point at someone there are 3 fingers pointing back at you. @TheMahiraKhan you are a worthy superstar at the peak of your superpowers ✨#firdousjamal sir, you are eating sour grapes. #timestheyareachanging
— adnanmalik (@adnanmalik) July 28, 2019
Everybody is entitled to their opinion true that !! But when a public figure like #FirdousJamal sharing his opinion on national television then the choice of words are very important (1/3) #RespectfortheSeniors #LovefortheJuniors #MahiraKhan
— Mirza Gohar (@GoharRsd) July 27, 2019
Humayun Saeed, who’s been the reigning king and hero of the industry since decades also had a few words regarding the issue.
Extremely disappointed and strongly condemn Firdous Jamal’s comment regarding Mahira Khan. Whatever his point of view is, there’s absolutely no justification for such rude remarks for a colleague publicly & on television. Mahira is extremely hardworking and honest to her craft…
— Humayun Saeed (@iamhumayunsaeed) July 27, 2019
Various actresses also came in to support Mahira Khan.
Taking a dig at the biggest name of your country makes you as small as it gets. Disrespectful remarks in the garb of opinions need to STOP. Hope the two mins of fame were worth it. Mahira works extremely hard to be where she is. It’s not easy
So Proud of you my M❤️ @TheMahiraKhan— MAWRA HOCANE (Hussain) (@MawraHocane) July 27, 2019
Mahira did play a heroine AND a mom in her drama…her biggest hit "Humsafar!"
So all respect to Firdous Jamal Uncle for remembering Mahiras most famous role yet! 😊👍
Kudos to u and Good Luck for Superstar, you superstar! @TheMahiraKhan
— Mansha Pasha (@manshapasha) July 26, 2019
Faysal Quraishi, who happens to be the host of the show where these comments were passed took responsibility for it and said how live shows can be tricky.
I as a responsible host will address this on the same platform in the coming week also. As a host I am and was shocked at our veteran actor Firdous Jamal's comments on the live show for @TheMahiraKhan who is undoubtedly an icon of our industry and for our country.
— Faysal Quraishi (@faysalquraishi) July 27, 2019
Live shows can be tricky but as a host of one i have always strived to peoject positive image and energy of our people , country and traditions . What happened with veteran actor #firdousjamal commenting on @TheMahiraKhan on the show was totally uncalled for and unnecessary .
— Faysal Quraishi (@faysalquraishi) July 27, 2019
The latest turn of events bring to our attention the response of Firdous Jamal’s son Hamza Firdous who believes there can a difference of opinion and it needs to respected.
#FirdousJamal has given 45 years of sweat and blood to this industry. And that too without social media and only pure hardwork. Where as today, many require branding and marketing, surgeries to stay top notch. This person doesn't need to hold grudges! His work has proven him.
— Hamza Firdous (@hamza_firdous) July 28, 2019
And also we should not shove everything under the rug of chauvinism and misogyny. If he were a chauvinist by any standard, he wouldn't have praised #Saniasaeed, #SabaQamar and #mehwishhayat in the same show.
— Hamza Firdous (@hamza_firdous) July 28, 2019
I said in the same show that "@theMahirakhan has represented us internationaly, is a big name and I'm thankful that keh woh Humari industry mein hain". I and my dad have different opinions so what?Should we use the difference of opinion to address personal grudges? #FirdousJamal
— Hamza Firdous (@hamza_firdous) July 28, 2019
Meanwhile it seems like Mahira dropped in a hint of her response in her latest insta caption saying ” Desi me rollin’ they hatin.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0dQGrDhm5z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The challenge of drawing the difference between objectionable speech and freedom of expression is separated by a fine line, when transgressed it can turn into a fiasco.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
