Komal Aziz content with life beyond fame

Former actor reflects on family pressure and harsh realities that led her to leave showbiz behind

KARACHI:

Actress-turned-entrepreneur Komal Aziz has opened up about her battle with mental stress and the difficult journey that led her to leave show business at the height of her career.

Speaking in a recent television interview, Komal revealed that she underwent several therapy sessions to restore her mental health before deciding to step away from acting.

The actress, known for her strong opinions and candid reflections, said that her struggles began early in her career when she faced pressure from her own family over her decision to pursue acting.

"I come from an educated family, and my relatives thought I was making a mistake by choosing acting after earning a degree in the United States," she said. She explained that this disapproval left her feeling torn between her ambitions and the expectations.

She said therapy helped her regain clarity and confidence, allowing her to move on from the entertainment industry. "It wasn't an overnight decision," Komal said. "I had to go through a long process of reflection and therapy sessions to understand what I truly wanted - and peace of mind mattered more than fame."

Komal, who now runs her own business, previously spoke about her decision to quit acting, citing what she described as a toxic and unprofessional atmosphere within the industry.

In an earlier interview in September, she stated that the "showbiz environment was not favourable for educated people," explaining that long working hours, poor hygiene conditions on set, and internal politics made it difficult for her to continue.

She had clarified that her decision was not driven by financial reasons. "Money was never the problem," she said. "I was earning well from my business, but the industry's atmosphere was becoming increasingly unbearable. Fame is not everything."

Komal said she felt more content after leaving the field, adding that she neither had close friends in showbiz nor on social media because of what she described as the industry's competitive and isolating nature.

Komal's openness about her mental health and professional challenges also connects to her earlier reflections on personal independence and societal pressures. In April this year, she spoke about her fears regarding marriage, describing it as "the last fear I haven't conquered."

Appearing on a morning show, Komal said that growing up, she observed marriages that were "not bad, but not inspiring enough" to make her dream of the institution.

She had emphasised her belief that women should be financially and emotionally independent before marrying, noting that many women still lose their freedom after marriage. "I've seen women leave their jobs once they get married, and that's something I never want for myself," she said.

From discussing mental health and family pressure to questioning social expectations of women, Komal Aziz's journey reflects a larger conversation within Pakistan's entertainment industry - one about personal choice, well-being, and the cost of fame.