Women do not have a career by their 40s: Nadia Khan on why she didn’t allow daughter to join showbiz

Actor and host Nadia Khan, who worked in multiple shows and hosted morning shows, opened up about why she did not want her daughter Alizeh Khan to follow in her footsteps in the entertainment industry, despite Alizeh's interest in the field. Nadia highlighted her belief that the showbiz industry does not have a place for women after a certain age. Thus, she’d rather have her daughter explore a more rewarding career.

Nadia and her daughter Alizeh made an appearance on Nida Yasir’s Good Morning Pakistan, where the latter, who’s currently studying in Canada, revealed that her mother did not allow her to join the entertainment industry. Nadia, who is protective of her daughter’s future, revealed that she had valid reasons to not allow her daughter to do so at the time.

She cited the uncertainty and instability of the job and its limitation to age as the biggest reason. “I told her to do anything except showbiz. She had a phase where she watched a lot of shows and wanted to act. We even got a script from Abdullah Seja for her. At that time, she was moving to Canada, and I wanted to stop her, so I thought a drama would help,” Nadia said, adding that she then had second thoughts.

“I don't like showbiz for my kids. It is very uncertain and stressful. The age of 40s is a prime time for men, but it's over for women then. I told her that women have to take breaks for kids, and for marriage, but showbiz doesn't allow that. If you’re out of sight, then you’re out of mind and out of media,” Nadia shared.

The renowned presenter added that had it been a passion for Alizeh, she might’ve been easier on her daughter, but she knew that Alizeh was destined for more. “I asked her to do a job that gives you respect, money and opportunities by the time she’s 40 and established. In showbiz, your career is nearly over by the time you get established,” she added.

Alizeh added that she understood her mom’s perspective and realised that she was just inspired by the glamour but not “insanely passionate” about it. “I knew if I was crazy about it, then my mom would have understood. But I wasn’t, so I moved on.”

However, Nadia is not that apprehensive about her son Azaan Khan, 14, being interested in the field. “I’ve asked him to make a profile. I’m not differentiating between men and women but I’m more protective about my children. Parents just are. Azaan is already talking about joining the field.”