In a recent conversation, actor Namra Shahid spoke candidly about the entertainment industry’s inner workings, highlighting the glaring disconnect between genuine talent and public recognition.

Though she briefly mentioned her role as Asiya in the drama Muamma, her focus centered on the less visible dynamics that shape careers. “Awards don’t really go to the most deserving,” she remarked, noting that recognition often hinges on “PR, contacts, and followers” rather than merit alone.

She pointed out how social media has started to matter just as much as acting itself.

“If you’re not active online, people think you’re not working,” she shared, hinting at the pressure actors now face to stay visible all the time.

For her, this shift feels unfair, especially for those who focus more on their craft than their online image. Talking about favouritism, Namra kept it real. “There is favouritism, of course there is,” she said, without sugarcoating it.

According to her, the system often rewards those who play the game right rather than those who put in the most effort on screen. It’s something she has experienced first-hand, especially when it comes to award shows and recognition.

At the same time, she made it clear that good work still exists. Recalling her experience working with Saba Qamar, she said, “She’s very professional and makes you feel comfortable,” showing that not everything in the industry is surface-level.

After taking a two-and-a-half-year break, Namra returned to a space that felt different. “Things have changed a lot,” she noted, especially with how much importance is now given to image and online presence.

Even when she spoke about learning Saraiki for a project with Kashif Nisar, she hinted at how such hard work often goes unnoticed. “You work so hard on a role, but that’s not what gets highlighted,” she said.

Through it all, Namra’s tone stayed honest and grounded, calling out the system, but still holding on to the importance of real acting.

Read more: Namra Shahid On Muamma & Working With Saba Qamar

Pakistani cinema is once more drawing international attention, reflecting the industry’s expanding global influence. The latest example is the film Mera Lyari, scheduled for its world premiere on May 2, 2026, as part of the 28th UK Asian Film Festival hosted at London’s British Film Institute.

For years, cinematic portrayals of Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood have predominantly framed it through the lens of crime and turmoil. Mera Lyari counters this established narrative by foregrounding the community’s vitality, perseverance, and its significant role in nurturing Pakistan’s sporting talent. The film seeks to reframe Lyari’s image, offering a more authentic perspective centred on its residents, cultural life, and profound passion for football.

Mera Lyari was first released in Pakistan in January 2026 with support from the Sindh government. The film features a strong cast including Dananeer Mobeen, Ayesha Omar and Samiya Mumtaz. It is written and directed by Abu Aleeha, who has tried to tell a story that reflects everyday life in Lyari rather than repeating familiar stereotypes.

A notable aspect of the film is that many members of the supporting cast are from Lyari. Their involvement adds a sense of authenticity to the story, allowing the film to present a more natural and honest reflection of the community, its language and its way of life.

At its core, the film revolves around football, a sport that holds a special place in the area. It shows how the game brings people together and serves as a source of hope and identity for the community. Through its characters and setting, the film presents Lyari as a centre of talent and culture, rather than one of violence.

The release of Mera Lyari also comes in response to the Indian film Dhurandhar, which faced criticism for its portrayal of Lyari as a hub of terrorism and gang conflict. The depiction sparked displeasure among those in Pakistan, with many arguing that the movie ignored the area’s positive aspects.

The controversy even led to a constitutional petition being filed in a Karachi court, particularly over the portrayal of political figures such as Benazir Bhutto.

By taking the film to an international platform, the makers of Mera Lyari hope to offer a more balanced perspective of the area and of Karachi as a whole. The screening at the UK festival may open new doors for Pakistani cinema, while also helping reshape global perceptions of the country.

More importantly, the film sends a clear message: Lyari is more than the stereotypes and stories; it is a place of culture, sport and community.

Read more: Sindh Minister Announces ‘Mera Lyari’ To Showcase Lyari’s True Spirit

The wait just got a lot more intense and a lot more terrifying. The teaser for Zombeid, starring Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat, has finally dropped, and it wastes no time in setting a grim, blood-soaked tone.

Opening with a haunting voiceover – “We’ve seen wars, we’ve seen the pandemic, only this was left” – the teaser plunges straight into a chaotic montage of snarling zombies, flashing danger from every corner. It’s loud, unsettling, and unapologetically gory, signaling a dramatic departure from the safer, formula-driven storytelling Pakistani audiences are used to.

Touted as Pakistan’s first full-fledged zombie thriller, Zombeid looks determined to push boundaries. The teaser hints at a high-adrenaline narrative packed with action. One standout moment features Fahad Mustafa inside a fighting octagon, stripped down and ready for combat, suggesting that survival here won’t come easy it’ll be fought for, brutally.

Behind the madness is the familiar powerhouse duo of Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza, known for delivering crowd-pleasing hits. This time, however, they seem to be trading humor and social commentary for tension, fear, and spectacle

Amid the chaos, the teaser also offers a softer glimpse into the story. A brief but intimate shot of Mustafa and Hayat together hints at an emotional core beneath the horror, a relationship that might be tested in the face of unimaginable danger. It’s a reminder that even in a world overrun by the undead, human connection remains at stake.

Set for an Eidul Azha release, Zombeid is shaping up to be one of the most unconventional films to hit Pakistani cinemas in years.

Read more: Fahad Mustafa & Mehwish Hayat Reunite for Pakistan’s Horror Zombie Thriller

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The teaser for Zombeid starring Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat is out now, showcasing a gory and action-packed zombie thriller set for Eidul Azha release

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