Renowned Pakistani theatre actress Rubi Anum has urged women, particularly those in showbiz, not to promote divorce or discourage marriage, calling it a worrying trend on social media that goes against cultural and religious values.
Speaking on a private TV podcast, Rubi Anum shared her personal experiences and reflected on the growing rate of divorces in society. “I’m not a hypocrite — I always speak the truth,” she said, emphasizing that women should never encourage others to seek divorce or claim that life becomes easier afterward.
She added that she once believed she should never marry, but after falling ill, she realised “how blessed” she was to have her husband by her side. “It was then I understood that marriage is truly a divine gift,” she said.
Without naming anyone, the actress said she opposes “every woman who says there is no need to be patient in marriage.” She recounted her mother’s advice before marriage: “You are short-tempered, but you must learn to tolerate for the sake of your family and late father.” Rubi added that her mother made her promise she would not return home after marriage just to continue acting, stressing that “a married woman’s home is with her husband.”
She further stated that if marital issues arise, “couples should face them and find solutions rather than ending the relationship.”
However, her comments sparked criticism online after a clip from the interview went viral. Social media users argued that Islam itself grants women the right to divorce (khula). One user wrote, “You’re wrong — women always have a home with their parents.” Another pointed out, “Islam allows a woman to end a marriage even if she doesn’t like her husband.”
Rubi Anum has long been associated with Lahore’s stage theatre scene and is known for her outspoken nature. Her remarks have reignited debate on the portrayal of marriage, women’s independence, and religious interpretations of divorce in Pakistani media.
