It’s no secret that the entertainment industry is a cutthroat place, especially for women. In a recent interview, veteran Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi shed light on why many female actors in the entertainment industry take extended breaks from their careers. He pointed to the disproportionate burden of family responsibilities and societal expectations as key reasons behind the pauses.
Addressing a commonly asked question about why men tend to work longer in the industry than women, Quraishi said: “Women usually take on more household and childcare responsibilities. Girls need security and, of course, financial independence too,” he explained. “Look at Sunita Marshall and her husband Hassan, they are working as equals while raising their children well. Javeria Saud took a break to focus on her family and later returned to acting. Savera Nadeem also stepped away from the screen for some time before making a comeback. Many actresses take such breaks due to the responsibilities placed on them after marriage.”
When asked if he would be supportive of his wife choosing to work, Quraishi responded candidly: “I don’t stop anyone from working. It’s their choice and they are the decision-makers of their own lives. If someone comes to me for advice, I can present two options, but if they’ve already made a decision, I respect that. I never pressure my wife about anything, and I don’t think anyone should. A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect and freedom.”
Speaking about his latest drama Case No. 9, the actor praised writer and journalist Shahzeb Khanzada for crafting a bold and meaningful story.
“Shahzeb has written a brilliant script and worked very hard. He even underwent neck treatment during the process but completed the script. A good drama or film is shaped by the producer, who brings the right team together,” he said.
Quraishi also addressed the often-taboo topic of workplace harassment faced by women, especially in conservative households where simply getting permission to work can be challenging.
“If a girl faces harassment at work, like being called into an office unnecessarily, many stay silent out of fear. They’re worried they’ll lose their job, which they may have gotten after great difficulty. But these small incidents can snowball into bigger issues later,” he emphasized.
He went on to say: “Families must support their daughters. If they face such situations, it’s critical they speak up. Either leave the job or take a stand against the harasser. But they should not suffer in silence.”
He stressed the need for awareness and communication at home, stating, “Nothing helps more than knowing your family stands with you.”
Ending on a note of optimism about his upcoming drama, Quraishi said, “Audiences will be surprised by plot developments. There are characters and themes in Case No. 9 that have never been explored in the Pakistani industry before and they are necessary.”