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Veteran actor Juveria Abbasi recently sat down for a candid conversation, laying bare her unfiltered thoughts on the Pakistani entertainment industry, social media culture, and her own personal growth. The outspoken star did not hold back as she addressed everything from ageism in casting to superficial industry friendships and the repetitive loop of television storytelling.

Opening up about how scripts are written, Juveria pointed out a major flaw in the creative process, stating that roles were currently dictated strictly by numerical age rather than the actual depth of the character. She noted that this mindset kept television dramas running in a repetitive loop. “Roles should be written for the character’s age, not just for the sake of making someone a ‘heroine.’ Right now, the dramas keep going around in the same loop all the time,” she expressed.

This led her to address the infamous Firdous Jamal controversy, highlighting how deeply his words affected her. She warned that “if such mindsets prevail in society, the age of our screen heroines will keep on reducing.” Taking a sharp, sarcastic dig at societal double standards, she added, “If you are a confident, accomplished, and happy woman, you are not a ‘good woman.’”

Juveria didn’t hold back when addressing her male peers. She emphasised that established male leads need to find their voice and actively protest against casting choices that pair them with heroines literally half their age. “The male leads in our industry need to stand up and voice their concerns against the casting age. They should speak up about why heroines half their age are being cast opposite them,” she shared.

Turning her attention to the content being produced, she argued that modern dramas are strictly written for TRPs and hype, calling for an immediate end to repetitive storylines centred around kitchen politics, class divides, and social status. According to Juveria, the industry is dying due to this creative and ethical stagnation. Her proposed solution: “Producers should hire new directors” to breathe fresh life into television.

The conversation then shifted to the superficial nature of showbiz friendships and the rising trend of fake relationships specifically public marriages that quickly end in divorce for the sake of publicity. However, the negativity fell flat on Juveria. She said that the people commenting didn’t change her views or destroy her happiness because she chose to put her own peace before them.

On the art of letting go, Juveria shared a deeply spiritual perspective. She explained that she is extremely grateful for the things that weren’t meant for her and were taken away by the will of God, viewing it as protection. She also smiled through her mentions of long-time friends and industry peers like Shahood Alvi and Madiha Iftikhar, celebrating the genuine bonds that have stood the test of time.

Closing the interview with absolute confidence, Juveria affirmed, “No matter what anyone says, it doesn’t affect me. I am content in my life.” Leaving a vital note for the next generation aspiring to enter showbiz, she concluded with a piece of practical advice: “One should complete their studies before entering the acting field.”

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