Asad Siddiqui Slams ‘Biased Casting’ in Pakistan’s Entertainment Industry

Asad Siddiqui

Actor Asad Siddiqui has recently spoken out about what he perceives as “biased casting practices” within Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

He criticized the industry’s tendency to prioritize connections and appearance over talent, a practice he believes undermines merit and affects the overall quality of productions.

Siddiqui, who made these comments during a candid appearance on Ushna Shah’s talk show, shared his frustrations with the industry’s reliance on social circles and superficial standards in casting. He explained that such practices are evident on-screen and skew the representation of talent.

The actor also pointed out that lighter skin tones and personal connections often determine casting choices, calling this an unfair system that diminishes opportunities for truly skilled actors.

He expressed his belief that casting should be based on talent, not personal ties or appearance, and proposed implementing a more rigorous audition process to promote merit-based selections.

Siddiqui also revealed plans to enter the production side of the industry, with hopes of fostering a more equitable environment for aspiring actors.

Siddiqui’s wife, Zara Noor Abbas, who comes from a well-established acting family, has also made her mark in the industry.

Asad, who himself has become a significant figure in Pakistani showbiz, used his platform to call for a shift in industry standards that would favor talent over connections. His remarks echo a growing sentiment among industry insiders who seek change in casting practices.

In addition to his professional remarks, Asad Siddiqui also shared insights into his personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Zara. In an appearance on Faysal Quraishi’s podcast, he reminisced about how he first heard of Zara through her aunt, Bushra Ansari, when he was working on his early dramas.

Despite hearing her name in passing, there was no immediate connection. Years later, fate would bring them together while they were working on a project. Their friendship developed through mutual friends such as Sajal Ali, Yasir Hussain, and Asim Azhar, and over time, they grew closer, eventually leading to marriage.

Reflecting on his life after marriage and fatherhood, Asad spoke warmly about the changes in his personal life. He mentioned how marriage and having a child, Noor e Jahan, in March had shifted his priorities.

Balancing work and family life, particularly after becoming a parent, has brought a new perspective to his relationship with Zara. He highlighted the challenges of parenting, noting how his appreciation for Zara’s role as a mother has deepened, especially after witnessing the constant dedication required to care for their child.

Asad expressed admiration for Zara’s tireless efforts, acknowledging that a mother’s life is often centered around her child, leaving little time for herself.