‘Why must women stay young forever?’ Mehwish Hayat challenges industry double standards

Veteran actor Mehwish Hayat has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind — and in a recent interview with Fuchsia Magazine, she tackled one of the entertainment industry’s most glaring yet rarely discussed biases: ageism against women.

“It’s an unspoken rule,” she said. “Men can age, show grey hair, even play father figures or romantic leads with actresses half their age — and that’s fine. But if a woman starts to show her age? Suddenly she’s past her prime.”

Her words strike a chord, especially as the teaser for Main Manto Nahi Hoon, featuring Humayun Saeed and Sajal Aly, made headlines — not for the story, but for the 20-year age gap between the two leads. Fans on social media voiced their discomfort, calling the pairing yet another example of how the industry prioritizes youth for women, but not for men.

Hayat believes the solution lies in representation. “We need to start seeing powerful, complex women — not just young love interests — on screen. Women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Leaders. Change-makers,” she said.

She also called on writers and producers to change the narrative. “There’s no expiry date for talent,” she added. “Let’s create roles where women of all ages are at the center of the story, not sidelined by it.”

When asked about her own life and recurring romantic roles, Hayat smiled and admitted she’s a bit of a “closet romantic,” but also someone who values independence. “I’m not against marriage,” she said. “But it has to be with the right person. I’m not going to settle just to fit into a societal timeline.”

She acknowledged the outside pressure she faces, particularly around marriage, but said she’s learned to brush it off. “Marriage is a huge decision. It should be made thoughtfully, not reactively,” she concluded.