Asad Siddiqui Criticizes Biased Casting Practices in Pakistan’s Entertainment Industry
Actor Asad Siddiqui has recently spoken out about what he perceives as biased casting practices in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. During an appearance on Ushna Shah’s talk show, Siddiqui expressed his concerns over the prevailing trend where casting decisions are often based on connections and appearance, rather than talent.
He explained that he has distanced himself from certain industry gatherings, particularly due to the insincerity he encounters, where people often speak kindly in person but turn to criticism behind backs. Siddiqui also pointed out the unfair bias toward individuals with lighter skin tones or personal connections, calling this practice apparent on screen and detrimental to the quality of productions. He argued that such dynamics dilute merit, leading to subpar projects.
To counter this, Siddiqui proposed a stronger audition process that would focus more on skills and potential, rather than physical appearance or connections. He also revealed that he plans to enter production himself, hoping to create more equitable opportunities for aspiring actors.
Siddiqui, who is married to Zara Noor Abbas, a prominent figure from a well-known acting family that includes Bushra Ansari and Asma Abbas, has become an influential figure in the industry himself. His remarks reflect growing concerns within showbiz about the need for change in casting standards, with many insiders advocating for a focus on talent rather than appearance or social ties.
Read More: Zara Noor Abbas, Asad Siddiqui Expecting Their First Child
How Asad Siddiqui Fell for Zara Noor Abbas
In a separate appearance on Faysal Quraishi’s podcast, Asad Siddiqui opened up about his journey to finding love with Zara Noor Abbas. He shared that he first heard of Zara through her aunt, Bushra Ansari, years before they actually met. At the time, Asad had never seen Zara or even heard much about her. However, Bushra would often mention her, and Zara’s name came up during Asad’s early days in the industry.
Years later, when they reconnected professionally, Zara’s name was brought up once again, and by coincidence, they eventually met. Their initial connection was rooted in friendship, fueled by mutual friends like Sajal Ali, Yasir Hussain, and Asim Azhar. As Asad recalled, “Zara was in town for work, and she was friends with Sajal. I went to meet up with them, and we became friends.” Over time, their relationship blossomed, and the two eventually got together.
Reflecting on their journey as a couple, Asad shared that parenthood changed his life in profound ways. After welcoming their daughter, Noor e Jahan, in March, Asad found the balance between work and family challenging. He noted that life after marriage, and especially with a baby, requires more attention to family commitments.
“I try to stay up with the baby as much as I can, but there are times where I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and see Zara already awake, walking around or feeding the baby,” he said. “A mother’s life is never her own after a baby. Everything revolves around the child.” This insight into his life as a father highlights his deep admiration for Zara’s role and the shared responsibilities of raising their daughter.
