Stop telling people they are old and ugly, says Samina

Screen veteran slams ageism and body-shaming

Samina Peerzada and Sonya Hussaiyn may have just been warring on film as onscreen mother – and daughter-in-law in Deemak, but it will surprise no one to learn that in real life, both stars are united when it comes to denouncing the one issue that encompasses all women: body-shaming.

"We should not body-shame anyone," stated Samina categorically during a recent appearance on a local talk show. "No one should say anything about anyone's looks. This is wrong. I don't like this at all. And it has become far too prevalent on social media."

As a screen veteran, Samina, musing over a youth-obsessed society, added that she takes personal offence when unsolicited and baseless comments on age enter the equation.

"I especially dislike it when someone is a senior and they are told to just step back from it all," continued the Zindagi Gulzar Hai actor. "For a start, in acting, there is no such thing as 'senior' or 'junior' – you are given a character, and you just play it, whatever your age. No one has the right to tell you to stay home and imply you should give up just because you are older."

Adding her thoughts, Sonia chimed in with her own defence against unwanted aspersions.

"I think people have a habit of commenting on everything – not just on your body," pointed out the Saraab star. "It is up to you how to take something positively or not. People will talk, and you need to know what to discard."

Advising those who criticise age or looks, Samina urged fans to focus on merit and a happy demeanour, rather than lost youth and outward beauty. "Instead of all this, you should count people's achievements and how hard they have worked to get to where they are," she insisted.

Hinting at double standards where the very act of taking pride in one's appearance is open to mockery the older one gets, Samina cited the example of fellow screen veteran Bushra Ansari – known amongst her fans and YouTube followers for facing negativity with a relentless positive energy.

"If someone looks after themselves and takes pride in how they look and are full of life, like Bushra – well, I admire her!" stressed Samina with warmth. "I love her energy! She does so many amazing things with such confidence, without any hesitation!"

With Samina's strictures on letting confidence go hand-in-hand with age, coupled with Sonya's advice on discarding unwanted comments, combating body-shaming may just become a little easier.