Pakistani actress Alizeh Shah has openly criticized the entertainment industry’s reliance on connections and favors, often referred to as “parchi,” to secure roles. In a recent Instagram story, she emphasized her commitment to earning roles based on merit, stating that she has never compromised her self-respect to advance her career.
Shah highlighted that such practices are prevalent in Pakistan’s entertainment sector, where professionalism is sometimes equated with compliance to these methods. She observed that those who oppose these methods are frequently unjustly categorised as lacking respect. This critique sheds light on the challenges faced by artists who choose to uphold personal integrity over industry norms.
Known for her candidness and bold fashion choices, Shah has frequently been at the center of public discourse. Her recent social media activity, including the deletion of all Instagram posts and an announcement of a break from the platform, has sparked conversations about the pressures faced by public figures in maintaining authenticity while navigating industry expectations.
