Senior Pakistani actor Iqbal Hussain has spoken about what he believes are double standards in society regarding age-gap marriages, particularly when women marry younger men. During a recent television appearance, he said public reactions often differ depending on whether the older partner is a man or a woman.
According to Hussain, older men who marry significantly younger women generally face limited criticism, while women who choose younger partners are often subjected to intense public scrutiny. He argued that such differing attitudes reflect a broader social bias and create unnecessary pressure on individuals and families.
The actor also discussed public reactions to his marriage with veteran actress Bushra Ansari. He said that although the age difference between them is relatively small, their relationship still attracted considerable attention and commentary from the public. Hussain noted that the constant discussion surrounding their marriage affected Bushra Ansari and made her uncomfortable.
Speaking about societal behavior, Hussain said people have become increasingly quick to judge others. He emphasized that individuals should focus more on their own actions rather than passing harsh judgments on the personal choices of others. In his view, excessive criticism has become a growing social problem that negatively impacts people’s lives.
During the conversation, Hussain also shared a personal story about his long-standing admiration for Bushra Ansari. He revealed that he had been a fan of the actress since his youth and would collect magazine photographs of her during his college years. At the time, he frequently visited Islamabad, where she was actively working in the entertainment industry.
Despite his admiration, Hussain said he never had the opportunity to meet or interact with Bushra Ansari during those early years. Years later, however, their paths crossed, leading to a relationship that eventually resulted in marriage. His remarks have sparked discussion on social media about public attitudes toward age differences in relationships and the importance of respecting personal choices.
Also read: Bushra Ansari Discusses Divorce, Remarriage To Iqbal Hussain
