Hajra Yamin says TV industry hierarchies should not undermine actors’ confidence

ISLAMABAD: Actor Hajra Yamin has said that entrenched hierarchies in the television industry should not diminish an actor’s belief in their own talent, as she reflected on her experience in the profession during an appearance on Buzz with Hassan Choudary.

Yamin, who is appearing in the new series Doctor Bahu, spoke about success, industry practices and the way traditional structures continue to shape how actors are treated on set. She said she remained certain that her work would be noticed, stating, “One thing I am confident in and have full faith in is that I will be seen. You cannot ignore me.”

Discussing the kinds of parts she has taken on, Yamin said she is often cast in younger character roles, though she has also performed other parts and does not want to limit herself to a single category. She stressed that actors should be valued regardless of whether their roles are large or small.

She also described what she sees as a long-standing hierarchy within the industry. “ In the industry, it is well known that there is a hierarchy system that has been passed through tradition, such that side characters do not get over-filmed or overshadow main actors,” Yamin said. She added, “This hierarchy is in the minds of the directors, the DOP, and everyone involved.”

According to Yamin, the issue is rooted in the system itself. She said it is a “mental thing embedded in the system,” and added, “it’s because they are focused on one product, not on the whole thing.”

Offering advice to newer performers, Yamin said actors should remain assured of their own abilities. “I tell every actor that you should have enough confidence in yourself, your ability, and your talent that you will not be missed,” she said.

She also rejected the idea that some performers simply have “less talent”. “They are still seen,” she said.

Social media, casting and the business side of fame

Yamin said the entertainment field has increasingly become driven by commercial considerations and metrics. “we are working in an industry where everything has become a business, it’s all about numbers now,” she said.

She noted that social media visibility can influence casting decisions, even though that aspect of the profession does not appeal to her personally. “for me, as an individual and an artist, the Instagram life bothers me but some people have hacked that - if their numbers on social media are good in a way, they’ll get casted,” she said.

At the same time, she acknowledged that those approaching the field from a commercial standpoint may be benefiting from the current environment. “people who are thinking in a business perspective, I’d say they are winning,” Yamin said.

Even so, she made clear that her own approach is different. “I’m not a business person, I really just follow my heart,” she said.

Yamin also spoke about self-awareness and artistic commitment, saying that performers who understand their strengths and weaknesses can work accordingly. “People who know their weaknesses and strengths, they play by that. I do believe at the end of the day, if you are true to your art, nobody can stop you,” she said.

She added that she does not usually watch her own performances and instead relies on feedback from producers. “If the producer says I did good, I take his feedback to where I should approve,” she said.

“One thing I am confident in and have full faith in is that I will be seen. You cannot ignore me.”

Her remarks centred on confidence, the treatment of supporting actors and the growing role of social media numbers in an industry she said is increasingly shaped by business considerations.