Heartthrob Khushhal Khan recently appeared on Ahmad Ali Butt’s podcast Excuse Me, and spoke candidly about everything from his love for boxing to his thoughts on masculinity. But one particular comment stole the spotlight and got the internet talking.
When asked about his romantic life, Khushhal replied, “I’m not a flirt. There is no such thing. When my mother approves, only then will it happen. Alhamdulillah.”
Some fans found his answer sweet and respectful. One comment read, “As a mom watching, I feel you’re a good son raised with good values.” But others had a field day. “So he’s one of those guys who dates around and then gets an arranged marriage approved by mommy,” wrote an X user. Another critic labelled him a “red flag,” saying, “A man who cannot make his own life decisions is not worth it.”
Despite the virtual backlash, arranged marriages remain a common and culturally respected practice in Pakistan. Khushhal’s comments reflect a deep bond with his family, especially his mother, and it’s not surprising that he’d want her blessing for such a major decision. When Butt asked what keeps him grounded amid his rising fame, Khushhal answered, “My family, they definitely keep me grounded,” adding warmly, “My mother has more nerves of steel than any man I know.”
On positive masculinity
The conversation took an even more thoughtful turn when Khushhal discussed masculinity. He proudly said, “Pathan,” referencing the strong, respectful men he grew up around in Nowshera. “I’m talking about the real Pathans, the way they treat their women, the way they respect them, the way they treat their children, the way they stand up, the way they are always at the front,” he said, noting these were the qualities he admired and wanted to live by.
The star also opened up about his love for boxing, describing it as something that gives him discipline, focus, and resilience. When asked if he worried that boxing might ruin his looks, something often important for an actor, Khushhal just laughed. “I understand the concern, but there’s just a fire inside me that I have to satiate.”
He stressed the importance of sports in promoting a positive image of Pakistan and shared admiration for javelin star Arshad Nadeem, praising him for choosing to stay in Pakistan despite the difficulties.
Talking about his journey in the entertainment industry, Khushhal touched on the hypocrisy and gatekeeping he faced along the way. When Butt brought up how production companies try to “control” actors because they believe they “launched” them, Khushhal didn’t hesitate. “I don’t, I just move on,” he said. “Nobody launched anybody. Allah has made the way for them, so they should be happy about that. If I do that for someone, I’ll be grateful for that opportunity.”
Despite the memes and backlash, the full interview paints a much fuller picture. Between the jokes and the viral tweets, Khushhal’s honesty, humility, and grounded energy stood out, offering a much-needed glimpse of positive masculinity and the quiet strength of women behind the scenes.
