Ayeza's daughter insists she is an athlete, not a princess

As one of Pakistan's most followed A-listers, Ayeza Khan is bucking the trend of calling her daughter a 'princess'. Instead, she has chosen to celebrate her athletic prowess.

Taking to Instagram to share a picture of daughter Hoorain at a swimming competition, the Chupke Chupke actor wrote, "I'm so proud to see the young swimmers today, and even prouder that my own daughter is a part of this group of champions." In a separate fond note, Ayeza added, "My little princess, who doesn't like being called a princess because she says, 'I'm an athlete.'"

Ayeza highlighting Hoorain's athletic achievements serves as a heartwarming example for girls, women, and parents of daughters who enjoy sports. Being one of the country's most-watched film and television stars, as well as one of its most followed celebrities, Ayeza's pride in her daughter's sporty pursuits is sure to resonate with like-minded individuals.

As a mother to Hoorain, born in 2015, and Rayan, who just celebrated his seventh birthday, Ayeza often takes to social media to share her children's milestones with her followers. Earlier this month, to mark Rayan's birthday, the star shared a sweet family portrait featuring herself, her husband Danish Taimoor, and their two children. The family coordinated in crisp white outfits classic choice that lent an air of elegance. Ayeza and Danish, both beaming, sat side by side. Rayan, the birthday boy, wore an infectious smile, thrilled to be the centre of attention on his special day.

Hoorain, too, has had her share of birthday celebrations posted on her mother's Instagram handle. Whilst she may have outgrown her desire to be called a princess, Hoorain's sixth birthday celebrations back in 2021 were a Barbie fever dream. Bursting with frills, glitter and all things pink, Hoorain looked every inch the proverbial princess at the time in a pink dress, flanked by her proud, beaming parents.

In an earlier televised interview from 2023, Ayeza had commented that both she and her husband Danish felt naturally more protective towards their daughter compared to their son. "Danish says that he doesn't want her to get hurt if she falls down," noted Ayeza at the time.

However, if Ayeza's celebration of Hoorain's swimming success is any indication, it is evident that the desire to protect has not suppressed a healthy encouragement of sporting endeavours, serving as a lesson in allowing children to flourish.