“Please don’t call me aunty,” says Saba Faisal on age-related labels

Veteran actresses Saba Faisal and Hina Bayat recently weighed in on the appropriate way to address older female colleagues, while emphasising their disapproval of the term "aunty" due to its potentially disrespectful connotations. 

The duo appeared in a Ramadan transmission where they discussed the appropriate way to senior female colleagues. They suggested that in professional settings, terms like "aunty" or "aapa" are not necessary. Instead, one can address them respectfully by their name.

Hina Bayat shared an interesting anecdote about a co-star of similar age. In a drama scene, the co-star was supposed to address her as "aapa" (used for elder sisters). However, the actor continued using "aapa" even off-camera. 

One of Hina's female colleagues playfully confronted the actor, asking him to check his National Identity Card (NIC) to confirm their age difference.

“He fumbled and said, it must have slipped out of respect," she recounted.

Hina further elaborated that she prefers to address her seniours by their names, respectfully adding "jee" at the end. 

Saba Faisal chimed in, sharing an experience where a much older co-star surprisingly called her "aapa."

"He said, 'I know I'm older, but I call you aapa to show respect," she recalled.

As the host interjected that "aapa" is better than "aunty," Saba Faisal firmly said, "I don't allow anyone to call me aunty."

Hina explained that while "aunt" is a term used for female relatives in traditional English culture, "aunty" carries a disrespectful connotation for women.

In agreement with her fellow actress, Saba requested, “Please do not call me aunty.”