In a candid conversation with Ahmad Ali Butt on his podcast, actor and producer Salman Saqib – popularly known as Mani – opened up about the often harsh criticism he faces for supporting his wife, Hira Mani, in her career. During the interview, Butt praised Mani for backing Hira during the early stages of her career, a time when many in Pakistani society discouraged women from stepping into showbiz. Recalling how he was at the peak of his own career when Hira transitioned from hosting to acting, he boldly remarked, “You have made your wife.” He added, “Yes, she had talent. That’s why she gained prominence. But the support you gave her… we live in a society where we don’t let women go out. And because of this support, you have been trolled a lot, and a lot of people have criticised you.”

In response, Mani said that while such statements once stung, he and Hira have moved past them. He did not confess to having “made his wife” but he did address the label often thrown his way – “zan mureed” (a man subservient to his wife), for supporting his partner. “People often call me “zan mureed” but one needs to be supportive,” he said.