From Sanam Chaudhry to Rabi Pirzada: 5 artists who quit the industry to follow religion

The entertainment industry may look dreamy but not for every art

The entertainment industry surely looks dreamy; it comprises a lifestyle that many desire and cherish. However, there are a few artists who have chosen their spiritual awakening over the glitz and glamour, oftentimes at the peak of their careers.

Recently, Anum Fayyaz known for her acting in many popular dramas such as Beqadar and Yeh Chahatein Yeh Shiddatein, announced that she has quit showbiz to follow Islam. Over the years, there have been several celebrities who have taken this path. Here is a list of some of the artists who chose to leave glamour and fame because of religious reasons.

1. Sanam Chaudhry

The Ghar Titli Ka Par actor, Sanam Chaudhry was a regular face on television, when she left the industry and turned towards Islam. She played the lead in several dramas and was praised for her acting skills.

In 2021, she removed most of her pictures from her social media and announced with a video that her family supports her decision to “turning to Allah”.The star said, “Those following the religious path have such pure hearts. Everyone is congratulating and welcoming me to the right path with beautiful words. And everyone is ready to teach me from the Quran. So much motivation already! May Allah guide us all!”

2. Rabi Pirzada

The former singer, music composer and songwriter had bid farewell to the industry amid her controversy. In 2019, allegedly a few girls who were living with the artist leaked private videos of her online. The videos went viral and the controversy led to Rabi changing her lifestyle. She left the entertainment industry and turned towards religion.

In a recent interview with Neo Digital, Mujhe Ishq Hai singer admitted that she used to be arrogant and haughty in terms of her character. Also, she had a habit of picking on other actors for their scandals. The singer said, “I used to let people down because I believed they were less than human. Later, I started to regret bragging about my moral superiority as it became my downfall. Allah punished me for my arrogance”.

3. Sana Khan

A former Bollywood celebrity, popularly known for dancing videos and her participation in Bigg Boss 6, changed her lifestyle completely when she started preaching Islam. In 2020, Khan announced on her social media that would "serve humanity and follow the order of her Creator." Soon after, she got married to an Islamic scholar Mufti Anas Sayed.

Since then, she has become a global motivational speaker and entrepreneur. She often posts images with her husband, including a recent trip to Makkah for Umrah.

4. Zaira Wasim

Another Indian actor, Zaira Wasim, who had a short but impactful career in the entertainment industry quit Bollywood citing religious reasons. Wasim made her acting debut in Dangal alongside Aamir Khan, but soon after she announced her dissociation from acting. While sharing her decision she said Bollywood led her to a “path of ignorance” and her “religion was threatened”.

5. Abdullah Qureshi

After going on a short social media hiatus, singer Abdullah Qureshi announced that he has quit the music industry. A year before leaving, the singer was accused of harassing women by sending them DMs on Instagram. He apologised in a statement he reshared on Instagram and blamed it on his “fetishes”. He released two songs; Hasda Rehnda and Sajna with Yashal Shahid after the controversy. He also worked on the re-recorded national anthem that was released on Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day.

However, later last year, he posted on Instagram that he felt lost for a long time and from now on he will only take campaigns that align with his religious values.

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