Noreen Gulwani urges earning women to stay grounded, says respect must go both ways

Actor encourages young people to view their 20s as a period of self-discovery before following societal expectations

Actor Noreen Gulwani has said women should not become self-centred after achieving financial independence, while urging men to treat women with respect so they do not feel oppressed.

Speaking in a recent interview, Gulwani reflected on gender dynamics, saying financial independence can sometimes influence attitudes, particularly among women who have experienced years of social suppression.

"Women should not be egotistical just because they are earning. It does happen because we have been so suppressed that, once we start earning, we feel that nobody can tell us anything, whether they are right or wrong," she said.

However, she stressed that men also have a responsibility to examine how they treat women. "If you treat women well, it will not reach that stage. We just want someone to speak to us kindly, not suppress us," she added.

Turning to marriage, Gulwani said she has chosen not to marry until she finds the right partner. "I do meet people and try to understand their mindset, but I have not found the right person yet. That is why I have not gotten married," she said.

She also encouraged young people to view their 20s as a period of self-discovery rather than simply following social expectations.

"I think your 20s are about discovering yourself. Society gives you a mould: work, get married, and have children. But as human beings, we have many more dimensions to explore. In your 20s, you are still trying to understand who you are," she said.

Gulwani said her priorities have evolved over time and that she now dreams of raising a family closer to nature, away from the pressures of city life and excessive screen use.

"When I was in my 20s, I never imagined that alongside work I would want to live in nature. I do not want to raise my children in a big city where they are addicted to screens. I want a place where I can take them away for months," she said, adding that she hopes to find a partner who shares that vision.

Reflecting on her career, Gulwani revealed that she initially studied journalism and broadcasting abroad before realising the profession was not suited to her personality.

"I studied journalism and broadcasting abroad. It was very sensational. At first, I found it difficult because you have to be on your toes every day, and I realised it did not suit my personality. I wanted to study writing, but I could not find a degree that focused on it," she said.

She described theatre as her greatest artistic passion, saying it demands far greater energy, physicality and improvisation than television acting.

Recalling a recent stage performance, Gulwani said she had to improvise after a planned scene went wrong.

"I had to burn myself on a stove, but I could not get it to light, so I used a knife instead. Then my co-star, who was supposed to apply toothpaste to the burn, improvised by wrapping my hand in tissue. You cannot stop and think on stage. Everything happens in minutes," she said.

Discussing celebrity controversies, Gulwani said she prefers not to engage in public disputes on social media. "If someone says something, it does not mean you have to reply. I am very neutral. I do not care," she said.

Asked about singer Falak Shabir's controversial remarks on women's clothing, Gulwani said she disagreed with his views but did not believe responding publicly would make a difference.

"He did not attack anyone personally. I do not agree with him. I wear Western clothes too, and I want the same freedom as everyone else, but I do not think replying changes anything," she said.

Concluding the interview, she encouraged people to take breaks, contribute positively to society and pursue work that brings them fulfilment. She also said she hopes to return to the stage, adding that she is "manifesting" more theatre productions in the future.

Gulwani has built a diverse acting career across television, earning praise for performances in Bakhtawar, Pyari Mona, Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri and Safar Tamam Howa. Alongside her television work, she continues to pursue theatre.