Veteran actress, director, and producer Samina Peerzada has long been admired for her wisdom, grace, and unwavering support for arts and culture in Pakistan.
She is known for her thoughtful takes on social issues, and in a recent interview with Aamna Haider Isani, she offered a refreshing perspective on women’s rights, marriage, and mutual respect—an approach that’s resonating with fans and the industry alike.
In the backdrop of controversial statements by actresses Saima Qureshi and Sarah Khan, Samina Peerzada’s remarks bring much-needed nuance. Saima Qureshi had said that money earned by women for their households is “not blessed,” while Sarah Khan recently declared that she is “not a feminist” and prefers her husband to handle tasks like paying bills.
Addressing these statements, Samina Peerzada shared her thoughtful view on the matter. She acknowledged the importance of chivalry from men, like paying bills and opening doors, while emphasizing that these actions reflect the man’s character and upbringing, not the woman’s worth. “When a man opens the door, the first thing that comes to my mind is how that man’s mother has trained him to respect women,” she said. “It reflects on his character, not on me.”
She also dismissed the notion that a woman’s money is somehow less blessed. Sharing her own life as an example, she talked about how she contributed to her daughter’s education while her husband, Usman Peerzada, built them a home. “We both respected each other’s contributions and built a life together,” she said.
Samina Peerzada further discussed the importance of mutual support in marriage. She shared that she never objected to Usman helping his family and would always support him in those efforts. Likewise, Usman Peerzada stood by Samina’s family and cared for her mother like his own. “This is how a marriage should be—filled with support and love for each other and family,” she added.
