Namra Shahid speaks out on favoritism in the drama industry

Actress Namra Shahid has been winning praise for her performances in major dramas, from Muamma to Aik Aur Pakeezah. With her growing screen presence and rising popularity, she continues to leave a strong impression on viewers. In a recent appearance on Hina Niazi’s Suno To Sahi, she spoke openly about the realities of the drama industry and shared her honest views without hesitation.

Namra said she stepped away from the industry for nearly three years after getting married. At the time, she had not formally announced her break and was not working on any major projects. When she returned, she found that the industry had changed significantly.

She pointed out that social media following has now become a major factor in casting decisions. Although she disagrees with this trend, she said it has become a clear reality in the television industry.

She also addressed favoritism, saying that lobbying and personal connections are very much part of the system. According to her, these are challenges artists repeatedly face, and strong public relations often carry more weight than talent alone.

Namra added that it is common to see actresses landing major roles because of their PR, even when their previous performances have not been particularly impressive. In her view, this reflects the way the drama industry currently operates.