In a recent appearance on the popular TV show Gup Shup, hosted by Vasay Chaudhary, Pakistani actress Nawal Saeed offered a candid insight into her dramatically different experiences working alongside her co-stars. During the interview, she shared her insights on the dynamic between male and female actors and shed light on the challenges she faced in the industry.
Nawal began by expressing her positive experiences with male actors. She noted that male actors generally tend to be more cooperative and friendly with their co-stars than their female counterparts. The actor praised his colleagues, highlighting positive experiences with his male colleagues such as Shahroz Sabzwari and Zahid Ahmed, and emphasized the ease of cooperation and mutual understanding during their work together.
“My experience with male teammates is good,” Nawal said. “The few bad experiences I’ve had are with female co-stars. I recently worked with Haris (Waheed) and I really liked him. We worked together, we had an easy discussion. Shahroz is nice, Zahid is nice. There are many .”
However, the conversation took a more introspective turn as Nawal delved into the challenges she faced working with some of her female colleagues. She admitted that her initial experiences were difficult and cited instances where she felt a lack of camaraderie. Nawal also revealed instances of professional jealousy, saying that during casting discussions, some actresses suggested that the directors cast someone other than herself. Additionally, she revealed awkward situations where fellow actresses questioned her wearing a wig, showcasing the competitive nature of the industry.
“When I started, this is what happened,” Nawal said, shedding light on her unpleasant experiences. “Sometimes you hear some actors say your name during casting…If there’s a story with two women, the actor will say you should cast someone other than Nawal. I recognize.” When asked why this is so, the actress replied that she has no idea what caused such reactions.
“Sometimes they go to the makeup artist and ask if Nawal is wearing a wig,” the actor shared, adding that he tells his makeup artist to confirm, “if it makes them happy.” Nawal said her contemporaries often think she is “hiding something” and uncovering her secrets becomes a must for these stars. Nawal’s transparency in discussing these challenges reflects the evolving environment for players in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Despite the obstacles the star faced early in her career, Nawal has emphasized personal growth and a more positive work environment in recent projects.
In another instance, during a show hosted by Naumaan Ijaz, Nawal acknowledged that her attractive looks and charming, innocent personality contributed to the many projects she received. Her candid reception sheds light on the industry’s emphasis on external attributes and the challenges artists face in navigating these expectations.
It is evident that Nawal’s revelations offer insight into the complexities of Pakistan’s entertainment industry. The interview serves as a platform for discussions about gender dynamics, professional relationships and the evolving nature of the industry.
