Ismail Darbar’s Misogynistic Remarks on Daughter-in-Law Gauahar Khan Spark Outrage

Music composer Ismail Darbar is facing widespread backlash after making controversial remarks about his daughter-in-law, Bollywood actor Gauahar Khan. In a recent interview, Darbar suggested that women should seek permission from their husbands before continuing their careers after marriage and motherhood, implying that Gauahar’s professional choices are ultimately the responsibility of her spouse, Zaid Darbar. His comments were instantly condemned online as misogynistic and regressive.

The reaction on social media was swift and harsh. Users on Twitter and Reddit criticized Darbar for promoting outdated patriarchal norms. Many highlighted that Gauahar Khan is an independent, successful woman, whose career decisions are entirely her own. One user remarked, “Who gave Zaid the right to control her career? She is an adult, not a child.” Another called the composer’s statement “tone-deaf and completely irrelevant in 2025.”

This controversy has reignited discussions about gender equality in Bollywood and Indian society. Darbar’s remarks are being criticized for reinforcing the stereotype that women’s choices must be subordinated to male authority, a view increasingly rejected by modern audiences. Critics argue that such opinions from prominent figures in the entertainment industry perpetuate harmful norms and can influence public perception in negative ways.

Many fans and commentators also defended Gauahar Khan, praising her for balancing her personal and professional life while maintaining her individuality. They emphasized that no spouse or family member has the right to dictate a woman’s career, and applauded her for continuing to succeed on her own terms. The incident has also brought attention to the broader struggle women face in asserting autonomy in both professional and personal spheres.

Ismail Darbar’s controversial statement underscores a larger societal problem: despite progress, certain patriarchal attitudes persist, even within families and the entertainment world. By framing Gauahar’s career decisions as a matter of her husband’s control, Darbar inadvertently highlighted the subtle but pervasive forms of gender bias that still exist.

While some argue that Darbar’s comments reflect a generational perspective, the overwhelming consensus online is that such views are outdated and harmful. The incident has prompted calls for greater awareness and education around women’s rights, professional autonomy, and the importance of respecting personal choices, irrespective of marital status.

In an era when female independence is increasingly celebrated and protected, Darbar’s remarks stand out as a stark example of how deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes continue to provoke controversy. For Gauahar Khan, the episode has drawn attention to her resilience and professionalism, reinforcing her image as a strong, autonomous figure in Bollywood.