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Actor Noreen Gulwani has spoken about financial independence, relationships and personal growth, saying respect and understanding should remain the foundation between men and women. In a recent interview, Gulwani said women should not become overconfident or self-centred after becoming financially independent. She explained that some women may develop such attitudes after experiencing years of social restrictions. She said earning money should bring confidence but should not lead to arrogance. According to her, everyone should remain open to advice and criticism regardless of their financial status. Gulwani also said men have an equal responsibility in building respectful relationships. She added that women want to be treated with kindness and dignity rather than feeling controlled or restricted. Talking about marriage, the actor said she has not rushed into the decision because she is waiting for the right partner. She said she meets people and tries to understand their thoughts and personalities before considering marriage. Gulwani encouraged young people to see their twenties as a time for exploring their identity and discovering their goals. She said society often creates pressure to complete education, get a job, marry and have children quickly, but people should also focus on understanding themselves. She shared that her priorities have changed over time. The actor said she now dreams of living closer to nature and raising children away from the pressures of city life and excessive screen use. Discussing her career journey, Gulwani revealed that she initially studied journalism and broadcasting abroad. However, she later realised that the field did not match her personality and decided to focus on writing and acting. She described theatre as her biggest artistic passion. According to Gulwani, stage acting requires more energy, creativity and quick decision-making compared with television performances. She recalled that live theatre often requires actors to handle unexpected situations immediately because there is no chance to stop and repeat a scene. Speaking about social media controversies, Gulwani said she avoids unnecessary public debates. She believes that not every statement requires a response and prefers to maintain a neutral approach. Commenting on singer Falak Shabir’s views about women’s clothing, she said she did not agree with his opinion but did not think responding publicly would change the situation. She added that everyone should have the freedom to make personal choices.

Veteran Pakistani actor and writer Muhammad Ahmed has opened up about an upsetting experience in which he says he was repeatedly humiliated by a younger male actor on a drama set. Speaking on Sheeba Khan’s podcast Dareecha, the seasoned artist became emotional as he recalled the incident, saying that some actors behave very differently behind the scenes than they do in public. Muhammad Ahmed began by reflecting on how private interactions often reveal a person’s true nature. He said, “Actors show their true colours in private meetings, as I have experienced multiple times. Most recently, I remained calm when I was bullied because I know everyone has mobile phones, and they can record and post videos online with captions like, ‘See the reality of Muhammad Ahmed.’” He then explained why the remarks hurt him deeply. “I know I am bald, tanned, and short. I know this reality and often make fun of it myself, but what if you are told this by an actor who is 40 years younger than you?” He added that the actor frequently tried to attract attention by making loud comments in front of others. Recalling one such moment, Muhammad Ahmed said the actor mocked him for carrying a leather bag. “He said, ‘Oh Muhammad Ahmad, you are carrying a leather bag with you, it’s pure leather.’ He was shouting in front of everyone so that people would notice him because he was doing the lead role.” He further claimed that the actor also referred to comments Muhammad Ahmed had made years earlier about his performance. “Then he again said, ‘This man, Muhammad Ahmed, rated my acting four or five years ago and judged my future on the basis of it, whether I would survive in the industry or not,’ which is true because I had told the producer that this guy is good, and yes, that drama became a hit.” According to Muhammad Ahmed, he later reunited with the same actor on another project. Although he had expressed concerns to the producer beforehand, he was assured that the actor had changed. However, he said the behaviour continued. He recalled the actor saying, “I don’t know why people cast Muhammad Ahmed. He acts the same and has the same hairstyle.” Describing another incident, Muhammad Ahmed said the actor took a handheld fan from a female co-star, held it over his head like a hairdryer and joked, “Look, I am making his hairstyle.” He said he chose not to respond because he did not want to lower himself to that level or create unnecessary conflict on set. The veteran actor admitted that the experience left him deeply hurt. “I was humiliated, I completed my work and came home. I thought, ‘Am I that weak that I should be humiliated by an actor who joined the industry only eight years ago?’” He added that he remained silent out of respect for the producers and the rest of the team. Muhammad Ahmed concluded by saying that maintaining his composure was a conscious decision. “I didn’t say anything because the producers were so respectful. I maintained my calm because of my team. Nowadays, no one takes a stand for anyone.” His candid remarks have sparked discussion on social media, with many viewers expressing support for the veteran actor and calling for greater respect and professionalism within the entertainment industry.