KARACHI: Prominent television actors Zhalay Sarhadi, Atiqa Odho, and Juggun Kazim have joined the ongoing public debate surrounding veteran actor Saba Hameed’s simultaneous portrayal of two starkly contrasting roles opposite the same co-star, Faran Tahir, reigniting industry discussions on ageism, casting conventions, and gender bias in Pakistan’s television sector.
The discourse began after a content creator highlighted that Hameed plays Tahir’s wife in Bas Tera Saath Ho while portraying his mother in the newly released drama Dar-e-Nijaat, both airing on the same channel. The unusual casting juxtaposition sparked online conversations questioning whether audiences should prioritize conventional age dynamics or celebrate acting range.
Weighing in on the matter, Zhalay Sarhadi argued that the casting controversy reflects deep-seated double standards regarding aging women in entertainment. “Ageing is only for women! When we reach an older age, we unfortunately do not get out of the ‘boys’ realm. Hence, our society keeps on submitting to this cultural and generational brainwashing,” she wrote, advocating for female artists to push for more realistic roles and appropriate casting. In a humorous concluding remark, she added, “Now that I have said this, I might be playing Humayun’s mum in my next project.”
Atiqa Odho approached the debate from a casting perspective, expressing bewilderment during a recent interview over Hameed playing Tahir’s mother. “I don’t understand how Saba Hameed can play Faran Tahir’s mother. I don’t get it. She does not look like a grandmother. Her look is too ‘fast’,” Odho remarked, suggesting the styling unnecessarily aged the acclaimed actor.
Conversely, Juggun Kazim defended the casting choices, emphasizing that they highlight Hameed’s exceptional range and skill. “People are talking about the fact that she’s playing Faran’s wife in one drama and his mother in another. To me, that’s not confusing. That’s a testament to Saba Hameed’s extraordinary talent. She has the rare ability to make you forget the actor and believe the character every single time,” Kazim stated.
The debate has sharply divided viewers and industry observers, prompting broader conversations about whether technical casting logic should override an artist’s ability to transcend age through performance alone.
