Celebrities

Sunita Marshall: Boys should learn about menstruation too

Actor Sunita Marshall has spoken openly about the stigma surrounding menstruation in Pakistani households, calling for boys to receive the same education about periods as girls so they can grow up to become more empathetic partners, brothers, and fathers.

In a recent interview, Sunita said that conversations about menstruation should not be limited to daughters alone. She argued that boys should be taught about periods at the same age as girls so they can properly understand what women and girls experience on a monthly basis.

“Just as you inform your daughter at a certain age, you should inform your son at the same age. They ought to know what a woman or a girl goes through during that period of time,” she stated.

She said that early education on this subject could significantly shape the men that boys eventually become, particularly in their roles within families and relationships.

“Your son is also going to grow up to become a father; he is someone’s brother, and he will become someone’s husband. When they are educated about this, empathy will automatically be created within them,” Sunita explained.

Speaking about the importance of men understanding premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the various changes women can experience around their periods, Sunita said that greater awareness could help families respond with more patience and understanding.

“During periods, women experience PMS and mood swings, and their patience levels drop significantly. Men need to understand what happens during that specific week. Women don’t want a solution; they only want extra love and someone to listen to them at that time,” she said.

She said that awareness should also translate into practical support at home, particularly when women are dealing with physical discomfort while continuing with their daily responsibilities.

“First of all, our men need to get educated about this. If it’s your sister, mother, wife, or daughter, and you know she is on her period and unwell yet still working through it, empathy will make you get up and help her with the chores yourself,” Sunita said.

Recalling an incident from a recent drama production, Sunita described a young co-star experiencing severe period pain on set.

“On the set of a recent drama, there was a young girl who suffered from severe cramps so severe that we had to halt shoots. She had to tell everyone, ‘I am on my period and I’m not feeling well,'” she said. “What bothers me about that environment is why we should feel embarrassed or disgusted by it. It is a natural biological process,” she added.

Sunita stressed that menstruation should never be associated with shame or embarrassment. “Periods are very normal. It’s a completely normal thing and a part of life, so you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed about it,” she said.

She said that period and reproductive health education should become part of everyday conversations within households and should include children of all genders. “Educate all your children, both daughters and sons, so that empathy is fostered early on,” she said.

She added that open conversations could eventually help dismantle the deep-seated stigma surrounding menstruation. “When you open your mind up to this, it won’t feel like an abnormal thing anymore. Everyone will treat it as normal, as a natural biological process that we simply have to accept and support,” she said.

Sunita began her career as a fashion model before making the transition to television. She has appeared in popular dramas including Mera Saaein and Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3. She is married to actor and director Hassan Ahmed, with whom she previously co-starred in Baby Baji.

Her remarks, centred on education and empathy, frame menstrual health as a household issue rather than one concerning women alone.

Related Topics:Baby Baji Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3 Mera Saaein premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Sunita Marshall

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Omair Rana Opens Up About Pakistanis’ Obsession With Shaadi Without Training

Omair Rana is a versatile and talented Pakistani television and film actor, best known for his top-notch portrayal of negative characters. He began his showbiz career as a theatre actor and director. His notable dramas include Piya Bedardi, Ullu Baraey Farokht Nahi, Pyar Ke Sadqay, Zan Mureed, Dil Na Umeed To Nahi, Sang-e-Mar Mar, Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay, Sang-e-Mah, and Ishq Murshid. Omair Rana is happily married to Maira Omair and has an adorable family of four.

Recently, Omair Rana appeared on Good Morning Pakistan, hosted by Nida Yasir. In the show, he talked about Pakistani society’s obsession with shaadi without mentally preparing the two individuals for future circumstances.

Talking about it, Omair Rana said, “My issue is this, that due to the social pressure, the sole purpose of our people is to get married. For example, see our dramas; all the stories revolve around marriage, and it has become the purpose of life. But no one teaches its course. There is no lesson, no literature regarding the subject of marriage. They are not taught about responsibilities. The center of attention for a woman after marriage is to become a mother because her existence will be worthless without becoming a mother. Yes, she doesn’t know anything about motherhood or how to do a child’s upbringing. They just receive congratulations and then go into the race of becoming a mother for the second time. It’s like we do in the corporate sector; we don’t make an incompetent person a supervisor. Imagine a human child who has to serve society in the future being in the hands of two individuals who aren’t trained. We don’t talk about it because we think we know enough and we think we raised them right. Two individuals should accept that perfection doesn’t exist. My ideology has changed after becoming a parent. While choosing partners, see him/her as the parent of your future kids. Don’t run after butterflies; give time to each other.”

Celebrities

Faryal Gohar Not Recognizing Saba Faisal Triggers Reactions

Saba Faisal is a prominent Pakistani television actress who has delivered memorable performances in major hit dramas, including Humsafar, Pyarey Afzal, Ishq Tamasha, Bandhay Ek Dori Se, Ghisi Piti Mohabbat, Khaie, Baby Baji, and Chand Tara. Beyond her screen presence, she is widely recognized for her controversial, bold, and regressive public statements, often openly supporting patriarchal norms and male dominance. She recently defended Jamal Shah amid his domestic violence dispute with Faryal Gohar, sparking intense online debate from fans who accused her of always taking the wrong side.

When host Hina Salman brought up these public reactions during a recent interview with Faryal Gohar and asked for her take on the actresses who spoke against her, Faryal Gohar simply responded that she does not even know who Saba Faisal is.

Faryal Gohar said, “I don’t even recall her, how she looked, okay, like Saba Faisal. I don’t know who she is. I don’t even watch television. Is she an actor? I think she may have played a small role somewhere. Yes, I do know about Saba Hameed. I know her very well, knew her because her father was a member of the progressive school of journalism. I met her at the Youm-e-Shuhada event of 6 September. She was one of the guests at GHQ, and I was hosting the event. Otherwise, I have nothing to do with TV personalities.”

She further added, “Saba Faisal might have been a wonderful person, but she doesn’t know her and doesn’t also want to condemn her; it’s just that she doesn’t watch TV.”

This triggered a wave of social media reactions with one social media user wrote, “She has done the complete justice with Saba Faisal” Saba Faisal’s daughter Sadia couldn’t believe that she has refused to recognize Saba , Sadia shared laughing emojis on the interview clip. While many others said they have been watching Saba Faisal since long and that it’s Faryal Gohar who rarely appears on television. Saba Faisal’s son also reacted, “Now people will know you”. A social media user wrote, “Now Saba will definitely react”

Saba said that it was upsetting for her that Faryal came up with such allegations. She added, “I had always liked Faryal Gohar, but I didn’t understand her putting up allegations against her ex-husband, and previously, she didn’t even say anything in the same show. I don’t think so it damaged Jamal Shah. Yes, it would have created issues in her personal life.”

Celebrities

Anoushey Ashraf on the fatigue of having her ‘Muslimness’ questioned

Anoushey Ashraf has gotten real about the relentless scrutiny Muslim women face for simply existing — down to the most routine choices in their everyday lives.

The television host made the admission in a candid Instagram photo dump, opening with a pointed question to her followers: “Hello, fellow Muslim liberal girl. Can we talk about some of the things that exhaust me?” She went on in her caption: “Currently (90% of the time) being audited by both sides. Surely I can’t be the only one going through this?”

The post featured glimpses of her outfits alongside the questions and criticism she said she encountered — from whether she ate halal and why she kept dogs to whether she prayed. The central message was clear: “Too Muslim for some. Not Muslim enough for others.”

“Having to prove my Muslimness to the very Muslim Muslims and my lack thereof to the non-Muslims. Having to explain my faith to some and my outfits to others. A skirt? Radical for some. Regular praying? Radical for others,” she wrote.

Anoushey then summed up the contradiction with a touch of humour: “Meanwhile, I’m just trying to hug a dog.” “And honestly? Can a woman just be a woman without everyone conducting an audit?” she questioned.

She concluded the post by addressing those trying to categorise her faith: “To everyone trying to figure out what kind of Muslim I am: Perfectly Muslim enough for me.”

Anoushey also asked her followers, “How’s everyone else surviving the Muslimness audit?”

Her post resonated with many followers and fellow celebrities, with stars including Syra Yousuf showing their support in the comments.

Others described the message as relatable and joined the conversation about navigating faith, identity and personal choices.

Several fans also reflected on the idea of being a “liberal Muslim” and the pressure to fit neatly into religious labels. “Girl, you’re authentic and true to yourself. This is why they’re confused!” one follower wrote.

Another questioned the need for such labels, commenting, “Why is there even a need to label someone as ‘liberal Muslim’ or ‘conservative Muslim’ when Allah has not defined us by these labels?”

Others emphasised the personal nature of faith, arguing that a person’s relationship with religion is ultimately between them and their Creator.

“Only between you and your God,” one person wrote, while another said, “I strongly believe that religion is something very personal.” Another follower simply added, “People need to calm down and let women live.”

Anoushey’s post has sparked a wider conversation about the expectations placed on Muslim women and the tendency to judge their faith based on their appearance, lifestyle or personal choices. At its heart, her message was about having the freedom to navigate faith in a way that feels authentic without constantly having to prove where she stands.