Zara Noor Abbas Says “Pakistan’s showbiz is a community, not an industry”

Pakistani actress Zara Noor Abbas believes that the country’s entertainment sector is not yet developed enough to be classified as an industry. Instead, she views it as a small community where a limited number of individuals drive the entire business.

During a Ramadan transmission on a private TV channel, Zara highlighted the lack of recognition for supporting crew members. She argued that a true industry values and acknowledges the contributions of all professionals, from graphic artists to cameramen.

“It’s more of a community where a few people collaborate to create dramas,” she stated. “An industry ensures that every creative professional is respected, recognized, and nominated for awards—something that doesn’t happen here.”

Her remarks came in response to a discussion with actor and host Danish Taimoor, who disagreed, asserting that Pakistan’s drama industry has grown significantly over the past decade. He argued that it has flourished compared to its state 10 to 12 years ago.

While acknowledging some progress, Zara maintained that structural shortcomings still prevent Pakistan’s entertainment sector from evolving into a full-fledged industry. She emphasized that despite an abundance of creative talent, opportunities remain concentrated among a select few.

“We have a vast pool of creatives—actors and digital influencers from Lahore, Faisalabad, and other cities in Punjab. The talent is exceptional, yet the demand remains limited to a handful of individuals,” she observed.

Zara Noor Abbas is a well-known Pakistani actress recognized for her versatile performances in television and film. She gained popularity through hit TV dramas like Khamoshi and Ehd-e-Wafa. In 2019, she made her film debut with Chhalawa and Parey Hut Love, both of which performed well at the box office.

Her latest project, Standup Girl, is a comedy-drama series that aired from December 2023 to 2024 on Green Entertainment. She played the role of Zara, a young woman from Islamabad aspiring to become a stand-up comedian, who embarks on a journey to Lahore to chase her dreams.

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