Is 'networking' the new 'social climbing'?

Sania Mirza and Mawra Hocane spark debate on ambition, faith and career culture

A social media debate over the meaning of "networking" has gained momentum after former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and Pakistani actor Mawra Hocane criticised what they described as modern career culture driven by influence and calculated relationships.

The discussion began when Mirza shared an Instagram Story questioning whether networking had become little more than "social climbing". The former world No. 1 in doubles suggested that many people now use professional relationships for personal gain rather than genuine connection.

"Can we just acknowledge that the meaning of 'networking' is SOCIAL CLIMBING basically?" she wrote, adding that she had encountered many individuals comfortable with "using other ppl".

Her remarks quickly spread online, especially among young professionals navigating industries where networking is often presented as essential for career growth. The comments also triggered wider conversations about authenticity, ambition and professional survival in South Asia's entertainment and corporate sectors.

Hocane later reshared Mirza's post and agreed strongly with the criticism. The actor called networking "a trap" and urged followers to believe that opportunities and sustenance come through Allah rather than influential people.

"Please have unwavering faith that only Allah, and not humans, will ever give you rizq or opportunities," she wrote, while encouraging young dreamers to work hard without compromising their dignity or tolerating disrespect in pursuit of success.

According to Hocane, many people falsely claim they can shape someone's career, even though "only Allah can". She also advised followers to trust their own path, even if the journey becomes more difficult.

The exchange generated divided reactions online. Some users praised the celebrities for speaking openly about manipulation and opportunism disguised as professional networking. Others, however, argued that the comments oversimplified how careers actually function.

Critics pointed out that networking often involves building healthy relationships with peers, mentors and colleagues rather than exploiting connections. Several users also suggested that Mirza and Hocane's views reflected privilege, arguing that established public figures no longer face the same pressures as ordinary professionals trying to enter competitive industries.

One user wrote that faith and effort must go hand in hand, noting that resumes, interviews and professional contacts still matter alongside belief in destiny.

The debate has since evolved beyond celebrity commentary into a broader conversation about career culture, personal values and the balance between ambition, faith and authenticity in increasingly competitive professional environments across Pakistan and India.