Pakistani actress Zara Noor Abbas has voiced her concerns about the lack of recognition for additional crew members in the country’s entertainment industry. Speaking on a Ramadan TV transmission, she called out the industry for functioning more like an exclusive community rather than a full-fledged sector that appreciates all creatives involved in production.
“It’s a Community, Not an Industry,” Says Zara Noor Abbas
Zara Noor Abbas did not hold back when discussing her views on Pakistan’s entertainment sector. She argued that it cannot be classified as an industry in the true sense because it does not acknowledge every contributor.
“It is more like a community where four people come together to make dramas,” she said during the televised conversation. According to the Khamoshi actress, a real industry is one where everyone involved, from graphic artists to cameramen, gets proper recognition, awards, and respect.
Her statement reflects a broader issue in Pakistan’s showbiz sector, where the spotlight is often reserved for actors and directors, while technical crews remain largely unnoticed.
Danish Taimoor Disagrees: Calls Drama Industry “Flourishing”
While Zara raised concerns, Danish Taimoor, the host of the show and a prominent actor, took a different stance. He emphasized that Pakistan’s drama industry has seen remarkable progress over the last decade.
“I believe our drama industry is flourishing these days and has come a long way compared to what it was around 10-12 years ago,” said the Deewangi star.
His statement highlights a more optimistic view, suggesting that Pakistani television has significantly improved in terms of production quality, audience reach, and international recognition.
A Growing Industry With Unrecognized Workers?
Zara acknowledged Danish’s point but remained firm on her perspective. She agreed that the community has evolved and produced great content but reiterated that an industry should have structured sectors where all workers receive due credit.
The Pakistani drama industry, known for its emotionally charged storytelling and high viewership, has indeed grown over the years. But does this growth translate into fair treatment for all contributors? That’s the real question.
- Crew members, including cinematographers, editors, and writers, rarely receive the same recognition as actors.
- Award shows in Pakistan primarily focus on best actor, actress, and director categories, leaving behind technical professionals.
- Unlike Hollywood or Bollywood, where entire production teams are acknowledged, Pakistan’s entertainment industry is still struggling with this aspect.
The Need for Industry-Wide Change
The conversation sparked by Zara Noor Abbas is not new, but it sheds light on an important issue. As Pakistani dramas gain popularity worldwide, it might be time for the industry to evolve beyond just being a “community.”
Countries with well-established entertainment industries ensure that recognition is not just limited to on-screen faces. If Pakistan aims for sustainable growth in this sector, it must start valuing every individual contributing behind the scenes.