KARACHI : Actor Asad Siddiqui has spoken out against what he sees as “biased casting practices” in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, claiming that connections and physical appearance often overshadow talent.
During a candid conversation on Ushna Shah’s talk show, Siddiqui shared his frustrations, explaining that he has distanced himself from certain industry events due to the prevalence of insincerity—where flattering words in person are followed by criticism behind the scenes.
He specifically pointed out the industry’s preference for lighter skin tones and personal connections, labeling it as “unfair and obvious on screen.” He argued that such practices undermine merit and weaken the quality of productions. To address these issues, he advocated for a more rigorous audition process and revealed plans to step into production himself to create fairer opportunities for emerging talent.
Despite being married to Zara Noor Abbas, part of a prominent acting family that includes Bushra Ansari and Asma Abbas, Siddiqui has built his own name in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. His comments echo growing calls for more equitable and talent-focused casting standards.
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In a separate conversation on Faysal Quraishi’s podcast, Siddiqui reflected on his love story with Zara Noor Abbas. He first heard of her years ago through her aunt, Bushra Ansari, while working on the dramas Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat and Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat. However, they didn’t meet until years later, by chance.
Their connection began as a friendship through shared friends like Sajal Aly, Yasir Hussain, and Asim Azhar. Siddiqui recalled how their bond deepened over time: “Zara was in town for work and friends introduced us. We spent time together in a group, and eventually, we got together.”
Marriage and fatherhood have since transformed his life. Reflecting on the changes, Siddiqui described the challenges of balancing work and family life, especially after the birth of their daughter, Noor e Jahan, in March. He expressed newfound admiration for Zara, marveling at the sacrifices mothers make: “A mother’s life is never her own after a baby. Everything revolves around the child.”
The actor’s reflections highlight not only his professional concerns but also his personal growth through marriage and parenthood.
