Popular Pakistani actor and host, Fahad Mustafa, has responded to actress Atiqa Odho’s recent comments suggesting that he should now work with actresses closer to his age.
Atiqa Odho’s remarks
Atiqa Odho made the remarks during her appearance on a private television show hosted by Tabish Hashmi.
During the conversation there, she stated that the time has come for Fahad Mustafa to start working with women of his own age rather than younger actresses.
When the host asked for clarification on this comment, whether she meant younger girls, Atiqa responded that she meant women of his own age.
Fahad Mustafa reacts
The comments soon gained public attention, being widely discussed on social media. This prompted Fahad Mustafa to react to it on his game show.
Speaking during the show, he humorously reacted to the statement while addressing actor Humayun Saeed, who was present as a guest.
“What is the issue with Atiqa Apa?” Fahad remarked. “Will she only be happy if you and I appear as heroes opposite her?”
He further added in a lighthearted tone, “What are we supposed to do? This has gone too far. Atiqa Apa, now you are the only heroine left for us. God willing, we will work with you.”
He further added, “Just get two or four more good surgeries done, and we will come.”
فہد بھائی کچھ تو بھرم رکھ لیتے بالکل ہی لحاظ ختم کر دیا ہے؟ عتیقہ صاحبہ نے اتنا برا مشورہ بھی نہیں دیا تھا pic.twitter.com/lzXqs6XoCO
— کیڑےمکوڑے (@Form_45) February 24, 2026
Fahad’s comments were delivered in a humorous manner during the show.
However, the exchange has sparked discussion on social media regarding age representation and casting choices in the showbiz industry.
The conversation highlights a debate that has been brought up again and again in Pakistan’s television and film industry about age dynamics, leading roles, and audience expectations.
Netizens react
Reacting to the entire situation, many netizens have criticised Fahad Mustafa’s statement and backed Atiqa Odho.
One netizen stated, “Atiqa ko cast hi maan k role mein kiya jata hai woh kya karay? Atiqa ne bilkul theek baat ki thi, Humayun abhi tak hero aa raha hai 55 ki age mein bhi, Humayun aur atiqa same age k hain”
Another said, “I have seen many old dramas in which Humayun Saeed played roles of a hero along with the heroines Atiqa Odho, Nadia Jamil, and Sania Saeed. These actresses are now playing the roles of mothers, but Humayun Saeed or Fahad Mustafa would always remain a hero, so unfortunate”
However, some criticised the comments as well. One netizen stated, “She can play Fawad Khan’s mum onscreen but can’t play Fahad Mustafa’s mum?? Fahad is younger than Fawad btw and Fahad is working with actresses his age. Atiqa needs to calm down a bit”
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