Nausheen Shah Says Society Still Resists Women in Showbiz

Despite it being 2025, a significant portion of Pakistani society still discourages women from pursuing careers in showbiz—at least, that’s what veteran actor Nausheen Shah firmly believes.

During a recent appearance on a local talk show, the Jaane Jahan actor openly expressed her concerns. “People still feel uncomfortable being associated with women who work in showbiz,” she said. “They aren’t just hesitant to know them—they’re hesitant to be related to them. Let me be clear on that.”

Nausheen argued that even though Pakistan’s entertainment industry continues to produce television dramas at a rapid pace, many people still consider it inappropriate for women to have such a visible public profile. According to her, this mindset creates major hurdles for women hoping to enter the field.

She explained, “Our job requires us to be in the public eye, and society finds it especially difficult to accept women in that position. That’s the root of the problem—our attitudes and beliefs.”

Expanding on the public discomfort surrounding women in the spotlight, she added, “People don’t want their daughters or daughters-in-law appearing on television in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers. Many still think this way. Sometimes, even your own relatives—your uncles, your extended family—will ask, ‘What is this? Why are you doing this?’”

Nausheen shared that she too faced backlash from her own family when she began her acting career. “My mother was completely against it,” she revealed. “She was devastated. And honestly, this happens everywhere. It’s not unusual.”

Reflecting on her journey from modeling to acting, Nausheen credited her progress to her commitment to setting clear boundaries. “Knowing your limits is absolutely essential,” she said. “If you don’t, how will you survive? You have to make sure people understand where you stand—and if they don’t, then you need to take action.”

Despite the persistent stigma against women in media, and the added pressure of motherhood, Nausheen emphasized that both men and women face unique struggles in any career.

“A woman may naturally feel more responsibility for her children,” she noted. “And men show love in different ways. But in today’s world, I believe both men and women face their own challenges—equally.”

Also Read: Misbah Mumtaz Reveals Abusive Message from Nausheen Shah