20 April,2026 07:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ali Asgar
Actor-comedian Ali Asgar, best known for his iconic âDadi' role on Comedy Nights with Kapil and appearances on The Kapil Sharma Show, recently revealed the deeply personal reason behind stepping away from playing female characters on television.
In a candid conversation, Asgar shared that while the role brought him immense popularity, it also came with unintended consequences for his family. His children, he said, became targets of bullying in school because of his on-screen cross-dressing performances. Recalling the painful experience, he revealed that kids would mock his children with taunts linked to his characters. One such remark that stayed with him was, "Mera baap aurat hai," highlighting the kind of ridicule his family had to endure.
The situation eventually became too difficult to ignore. Asgar explained that although he initially continued playing such roles because "this is my livelihood," the emotional toll on his children forced him to reconsider his choices. He admitted that at the time, he didn't fully realise how deeply his professional decisions were affecting his personal life.
Apart from the bullying issue, the actor also spoke about feeling creatively restricted. Over time, he noticed that he was increasingly being typecast into similar roles, with writers repeatedly offering him female characters. "I realised⦠this is all that I am doing," he said, reflecting on how his image had become limited. Despite the fame, he wanted to explore a wider range of roles and showcase his versatility as an actor.
Asgar also acknowledged that fear played a role in his earlier decisions. He continued accepting such parts because he worried about losing work opportunities. "You have to think about all of that," he said, pointing to the uncertainty actors often face in the industry.
However, the turning point came when his children expressed discomfort and struggled with the teasing they faced. Their experience made him reassess his priorities, ultimately leading him to step away from such portrayals. The decision marked a significant shift in his career, as he chose to focus on roles that allowed him to break away from stereotypes.
Through his revelation, Asgar shed light on the less-visible side of fame how public personas can impact personal lives. His story highlights the challenges performers face when balancing professional success with family well-being, especially in an environment where societal perceptions can sometimes turn harsh.
