Veteran Pakistani actor Noman Ijaz has made a stark revelation about the entertainment industry, claiming that jealousy and resentment define relationships among showbiz personalities.
In a recent interview, the acclaimed actor responded to criticism from director and actress Sangeeta, who had accused him of unprofessional behavior during her appearance on Nadia Khan’s show.
Sangeeta claimed Ijaz took full payment for her drama serial Bhulley Shah three years ago but refused to work when shooting started, keeping the project hanging with various excuses.
Without naming anyone, Ijaz shared his candid observations about the industry’s toxic culture.
“I have learned over these many years that everyone in our industry holds grudges,” Ijaz said.
“If you decline a project for any reason or out of necessity, people take it personally. They think, ‘He refused me, so I will never work with him again’.”
The actor acknowledged the toll this environment has taken on his career but expressed a philosophical acceptance of his situation.
“I have many enemies in this field […] they say the more enemies you have, the more success Allah grants you. But I never want my son to endure all this, to get trapped among people with this kind of mentality. However, if this is his destiny, I cannot do anything about it.”
Ijaz, whose son Zaviyar has entered the industry, expressed concern about the inherited animosity affecting his son’s career.
“I have told Zaviyar that I pray those who hold grudges against me don’t take it out on you. Unfortunately, such people are finding different ways to show their spite,” he said.
“Insha’Allah, he will learn from these setbacks. Stumbling is essential to becoming a good and great person.”
The actor also criticised social media for having transformed the industry’s dynamics and diverting the new generation’s focus.
“I feel the new generation’s attention has strayed because of the increased exposure social media provides. They can easily make money through social media,” he explained.
“The curiosity that people once had about artists has diminished because of social media. Artists now post everything online for money. When fans see them on every other page or site, their desire and curiosity to watch them disappears,” Ijaz said.
He also said that artists today “focus on improving their appearance rather than their talent”.