Bushra Ansari speaks out against age-shaming

Veteran Pakistani actor Bushra Ansari has spoken candidly about age-related criticism and the growing culture of online negativity, calling it a reflection of a deeper societal issue.

In a recent youtube conversation, Ansari said that people are increasingly uncomfortable acknowledging age, often turning it into a point of ridicule. "We are not telling anyone what to do, but this is not just happening here, it is everywhere. The whole society seems to be suffering from a kind of disease," she remarked.

Referring to comments she has received, the actor questioned why growing older is treated as an insult. She recalled responding sharply to one such remark in frustration, saying that ageing is a natural process that applies to everyone.

Ansari also emphasised that she takes pride in her journey and the roles she has played over the years. "We started our careers being called 'bhabhi' or 'apa'. We worked while raising children, and we were happy doing that," she said, adding that such titles were never a source of discomfort for her.

Highlighting a broader concern, she noted that respect as a value appears to be fading. "I think respect is a word that holds great meaning, but people are beginning to forget it," she said.

The conversation around age and appearance has recently resurfaced in Pakistan's entertainment industry. Earlier, remarks by senior actor Firdous Jamal about what defines a "heroine" sparked widespread debate online. His comments drew responses from several figures in the industry, including Adnan Siddiqui, who publicly disagreed with his views.

Bushra Ansari, an actress, comedian, singer, and playwright in Punjabi and Urdu cinema, had started her career as a child performer in the 1960s. Ansari has won numerous awards during her career, including the Presidential Pride of Performance Award in 1989 for her contributions to Pakistani television.

Ansari married producer and director Iqbal Ansari in 1978. The couple has 2 daughters, Meera Ansari and Nariman Ansari. Meera Ansari was born in Karachi and now resides in the United States. In 2019, after her divorce with her first husband, Bushra married Iqbal Hussain, who was previously married to Farah Sadia. Ansari is also step-mother to her second husband's two sons.

She also appeared on PTV's most-watched shows, including Aangan Terha, Show Time, Show Sha, Rang Tarang, Emergency Ward, and the sketch comedy TV series Fifty Fifty.