Get Two to Four More Surgeries’: How Atiqa Odho Became the Punchline in Fahad Mustafa’s Bruised Ego

A televised exchange between two of Pakistan’s most recognisable entertainment figures — Fahad Mustafa and Atiqa Odho — has ignited a widespread debate about ageism, respect in the industry, and the responsibilities of public personalities when speaking live on air. What began as a light-hearted suggestion turned into a viral controversy that resonated well beyond the screens of viewers.
The On-Air Exchange
The episode began innocuously on Hasna Mana Hai, a popular TV show hosted by Tabish Hashmi, when veteran actress Atiqa Odho was shown a set of celebrity photos and asked to give advice. When Fahad Mustafa’s image flashed on the screen, Odho suggested he should consider working “with girls of his own age” instead of much younger co-stars — a comment that pointed to a perennial discussion in Pakistani dramas about age differences between actors and their on-screen partners.
Odho, 58, prefaced her advice with praise for Fahad’s hard work and good looks, but her remarks were intended as professional guidance rather than personal criticism. Yet what followed quickly took a different direction.
A Crass Response on Prime-Time TV
Later that evening on Jeeto Pakistan, where Fahad is both host and producer, he addressed Odho’s comments alongside fellow actor Humayun Saeed. With humor that many viewers interpreted as insensitive, Fahad replied: “Atiqa Apa, you are the only heroine left for us now. Inshallah, we will come with you. You may want to get two or four more surgeries and then we’ll be your heroes.” The implication — a joking suggestion about cosmetic surgery — was meant to elicit laughter but immediately drew criticism for its ageist and appearance-focused tone.
While some saw it as classic banter, a significant number of viewers and industry peers were unsettled by the remark, describing it as unnecessary and disrespectful on a high-profile Ramadan programme watched by families.
Public and Peer Reactions
The response on social media was swift. Many critics argued that Fahad’s comment reinforced harmful stereotypes about ageing and women in entertainment, especially when made in prime time during a culturally significant month. One renowned actress, Urwa Hocane, publicly called out Fahad for what she described as “age-shaming” and called for greater respect toward senior artists. Her statement amplified the discussion and brought further attention to the issue.
Online communities also heatedly debated the situation, with many voicing disapproval of the joke and framing it as indicative of a broader “fragile ego” problem in celebrity culture. Others noted that age gaps in casting have long been criticized, and Odho’s original comment was no more than a reminder of industry double standards.
Apologies and Attempts to Quell the Backlash
Facing backlash, both celebrities issued public apologies in the days that followed. Odho took to social media to soften the situation, writing that her earlier remark may have hurt Fahad’s feelings and apologising “to anyone she unintentionally offended.” She urged fans and the public not to over-analyse or prolong the controversy, praising Fahad as a “talented and hardworking professional.”
Fahad also apologised on Jeeto Pakistan, expressing respect for Odho and calling her “our elder” and “one of Pakistan’s most beautiful women” while offering blessings and calling for harmony between artistes. However, many critics said his apology focused more on flattery than addressing the deeper issues raised by his remarks.
Underlying Industry Conversations
Beyond the immediate clash, the incident has reignited an ongoing conversation about how age and gender are treated in South Asian entertainment. Age differences between leading men and their female co-stars have been a recurring topic, particularly when younger actresses are paired with much older leading men — and when senior actresses are sidelined or typecast into supporting roles. Some observers noted that Odho’s suggestion was reflective of a wider discomfort with these casting norms.
The row also underscores how quickly on-air banter can escalate in the digital age, where clips become viral and audiences — both local and international — engage in real-time commentary and critique. What might once have been dismissed as simple television banter is now dissected across social platforms, fan communities, and mainstream commentary.
A Moment of Reflection for Viewers and Stars
As the dust settles, many in the entertainment community say the episode should prompt broader reflection on how public figures use humour and how the industry treats senior artists. For some fans, Odho’s grace in apologising and urging an end to the controversy elevated her reputation, while others see the event as an overdue reckoning with the way performers engage with each other and their audiences.
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Whether this incident becomes a footnote in celebrity gossip or a catalyst for deeper cultural discussions about ageism and respect in media remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that even seemingly light-hearted moments on popular TV can spark significant cultural debates in an age of instant reaction and amplified voices.