A senior figure in Pakistan’s entertainment industry has spoken candidly about her childhood marriage and early entry into show business. Actress Noshaba Bibi revealed that she was married at the age of 12. In the same year, she began working as a child artist on television.
Her comments came during a recent interview that has since drawn wide attention. The actress reflected on a life shaped by decisions made when she was still a child.
Entering Marriage Before Adulthood
During the interview, the host asked whether she had worked anywhere before joining the entertainment industry. In response, Noshaba Bibi said she never had that opportunity. She explained that her marriage took place when she was only 12 years old. As a result, she stepped into adult responsibilities almost immediately.
At the same time, she began working on television. She described how there was little space for choice or preparation. Her childhood, she said, ended abruptly.
A Wedding She Did Not Understand
Recalling the day of her marriage, Noshaba Bibi shared a striking memory. She said she was playing with dolls and friends at home. Suddenly, she heard that a wedding was taking place in the house.
She ran inside, curious and excited. Instead, she was seated, dressed up, and given lipstick. She said she was so delighted by the lipstick that she forgot everything else. At that age, she did not grasp that she was being married.
Her words highlight how child marriages often happen without consent or understanding.
A Large Age Gap
After the wedding ceremony ended and guests left, reality slowly set in. Noshaba Bibi said she asked her elder sister-in-law to send her back home. She still believed she would return to her parents.
She later revealed that her husband was 23 years older than her. This significant age difference shaped her early married life.
By the age of 14, she became a mother. Her first child was a son. She eventually had four children in total, including three sons and one daughter.
Family Resistance to Show Business
Despite joining television at a young age, her path into acting was not smooth. Noshaba Bibi explained that her father never allowed her to work in show business. She described him as a strict man.
Ironically, many of his students were already working at Pakistan Television (PTV). However, his opposition remained firm.
Eventually, she sought permission from her mother-in-law. She also received support from her husband. With their backing, she began her career as a child artist on television.
A Wider Social Context
Noshaba Bibi’s story reflects a broader social issue in Pakistan. According to UNICEF, around one in five women in Pakistan are married before the age of 18. A smaller but significant number are married before turning 15.
Although laws exist to restrict child marriage, enforcement remains uneven. Social customs and economic pressures continue to play a role, especially in earlier decades.
Her experience also highlights the limited agency many young girls had in the past. Education and personal choice were often secondary.
Looking Back, Speaking Out
Today, Noshaba Bibi is regarded as a senior actress with decades of experience. By sharing her story, she has added a personal voice to a difficult subject.
Her reflections are not framed as complaint. Instead, they offer insight into a different era. They also underline the resilience required to survive and succeed.
In conclusion, her journey from child bride to respected actress mirrors the struggles of many women. Through honesty and reflection, she has opened a conversation that still matters today.
