Namra Shahid calls out industry hypocrisy and PR-driven fame game

Actor speaks out on favouritism, PR culture, and how social media often overshadows real talent today

In a recent conversation, actor Namra Shahid didn’t hold back while talking about the reality of the industry, especially the clear gap between talent and recognition.

While she touched on her role as Asiya in Muamma, the bigger focus remained on what happens behind the scenes.

“Awards don’t really go to the most deserving,” she said, adding that many times it comes down to “PR, contacts, and followers.”

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She pointed out how social media has started to matter just as much as acting itself.

“If you’re not active online, people think you’re not working,” she shared, hinting at the pressure actors now face to stay visible all the time.

For her, this shift feels unfair, especially for those who focus more on their craft than their online image.

Talking about favouritism, Namra kept it real. “There is favouritism, of course there is,” she said, without sugarcoating it.

According to her, the system often rewards those who play the game right rather than those who put in the most effort on screen. It’s something she has experienced first-hand, especially when it comes to award shows and recognition.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the same time, she made it clear that good work still exists. Recalling her experience working with Saba Qamar, she said, “She’s very professional and makes you feel comfortable,” showing that not everything in the industry is surface-level.

After taking a two-and-a-half-year break, Namra returned to a space that felt different. “Things have changed a lot,” she noted, especially with how much importance is now given to image and online presence.

Even when she spoke about learning Saraiki for a project with Kashif Nisar, she hinted at how such hard work often goes unnoticed. “You work so hard on a role, but that’s not what gets highlighted,” she said.

Through it all, Namra’s tone stayed honest and grounded, calling out the system, but still holding on to the importance of real acting.