You Owe Your Career to Feminism: Reham Khan Claps Back at Sarah Khan’s Anti-Feminist Remarks
Pakistani producer and writer Reham Khan has strongly criticized actress Sarah Khan for her recent anti-feminist remarks, arguing that
Pakistani producer and writer Reham Khan has strongly criticized actress Sarah Khan for her recent anti-feminist remarks, arguing that the entertainment industry star owes her career to the feminist movement. The controversy began when Sarah stated in a May 2024 interview that she does not consider herself a feminist and prefers traditional gender roles where “men occupy their designated spaces” so women can live peacefully. She described herself as an “old-fashioned woman” who dislikes modern responsibilities like standing in queues to pay bills.
“You Owe Your Career to Feminism”
In a sharp response on the FHM Podcast, Reham Khan challenged Sarah’s position, stating that the very opportunities Sarah enjoys as an actress exist because of feminist struggles. “Sarah fails to understand that without feminism and women’s rights movements, she wouldn’t be working in showbiz at all,” Reham argued. She emphasized how feminist activism paved the way for women to participate freely in entertainment – an industry that once carried heavy social stigma for female performers.
A Mother’s Perspective
Reham also appealed to Sarah’s role as a mother, questioning how she would react if her daughter faced gender discrimination in the future. “She’s raising a girl who will one day enter another household. What if her child is denied opportunities or faces injustice?” Reham asked, highlighting the intergenerational impact of such views. The producer stressed that successful women in entertainment have a responsibility to acknowledge the movement that made their careers possible.
The Industry’s Contradiction
This debate reveals a growing tension in Pakistan’s entertainment sector, where many actresses benefit from feminist gains while publicly distancing themselves from the label. Industry analysts note that while Pakistani dramas increasingly feature strong female characters, some actresses still hesitate to embrace feminism openly, possibly to avoid alienating conservative audience segments. The discussion has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with hashtags like #FeminismDebate trending as fans and commentators weigh in on both sides of the issue.
As Pakistan’s entertainment industry continues to evolve, this controversy underscores the complex relationship between on-screen empowerment and off-screen beliefs, raising important questions about women’s roles both in media and society.
