Veteran actor Bushra Ansari’s recent comments on a television programme regarding the misuse of gender roles for comedy have sparked an online debate.

During a morning show appearance, Ansari questioned why male comedians often adopt female-oriented roles in order to appear funny. “Why does every actor have to become transgender to make people laugh? I am tired of seeing this,” she said.

The actor also spoke about men dressing as women and performing exaggerated scenes and acts. “Are these obscene conversations considered funny?” she questioned.

The comments quickly went viral on social media, with many users agreeing with Ansari and saying they had never previously considered the issue as such portrayals had become normalised in comedy.

Others, however, criticised Ansari, arguing that the issue was being taken out of context and that many such performances are intended to depict fictional characters rather than mock gender identity.

Some social media users also accused Ansari of hypocrisy, pointing out that she herself has previously taken on exaggerated comedy roles during her career.

The debate has since opened wider conversations online about the fine line between satire, character acting and reinforcing stereotypes in television comedy, with audiences divided on whether such portrayals are harmless entertainment or outdated humour.