Our dramas often portray women as helpless… It’s high time we showcase strong female characters, because our society is full of them.
Laila Zubari’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, support, and self-respect. As Pakistani entertainment continues to evolve, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors looking to carve their own paths with dignity and grace.
MT: Laila, let’s start from the beginning. You embarked on your acting career after marriage, which is quite unusual. Tell us how it all began.
LZ: Well, my connection with media goes back to my childhood. My father was associated with radio, which naturally piqued my interest. I auditioned and got selected, and soon I was working on radio. One of the people I met in those early years was Kazim Pasha. He later became a producer at PTV and was posted in Quetta.
Coincidentally, after my marriage, my husband was also posted in Quetta. One day, my daughter’s teacher, who knew Kazim Bhai, introduced him to us because they were looking for a young girl for a drama. When Kazim Bhai saw me, he immediately recognized me from our radio days. He then told me that he also needed someone to play the mother’s role.
At first, I hesitated. I had my hands full—I was teaching, managing the house, and raising children. But Kazim Bhai insisted, and even my husband encouraged me to give it a try. He assured me that there would be no issues from the family’s side. So, I took on the role in a drama called Abro Naam. To my surprise, the response was overwhelming, and one project led to another.
MT: Given the societal expectations and responsibilities of a married woman, how much of your success would you credit to your husband’s support?
LZ: I would give 90% of the credit to my husband. My nature is such that if I had faced any resistance from home, I would have never pursued acting. But I never faced any objections—only encouragement.
He never made a fuss about my work schedule or household duties. Of course, I also made sure to balance my responsibilities. I structured my career around my family’s needs. For example, when my children had exams, I would take a break from acting. Even now, when my children visit, I prioritize spending time with them. It all boils down to time management. If a woman manages her time well, she can handle her career and home responsibilities efficiently.
MT: Many women struggle with pursuing a career due to family pressures. What advice would you give them?
LZ: Passion and determination are crucial. But at the same time, family support is equally important. If you have the backing of your husband, father, or brother, it becomes much easier to step into the professional world. However, at the core of it all, a woman must have the willpower to pursue her dreams. Without that, no amount of support can help.
MT: The entertainment industry is not always welcoming to women, especially when it comes to maintaining personal boundaries. How did you navigate these challenges?
LZ: inappropriate advances do happen. But it ultimately depends on the individual—how much space she allows others to invade. From the beginning, I made it clear that I maintained professional boundaries. My husband would accompany me in the early days, which also set the tone.
Respect is something you earn for yourself. If you stay firm from the beginning, people understand that there is no room for misconduct. Young women, especially those new to the industry, should set clear boundaries from day one. If something feels inappropriate, they should have the confidence to say no.
MT: There is a perception that success in showbiz often comes at a price. Do you think talent alone is enough to succeed?
LZ: Absolutely! If talent weren’t enough, I wouldn’t have sustained a 40-year career. I never chased after roles or made compromises. Instead, I focused on honing my craft. The industry is vast, and people appreciate genuine talent. There will always be those who exploit, but if you stay focused and professional, success will follow.
MT: Women’s representation in Pakistani dramas has often been criticized for being too regressive. What are your thoughts on this?
LZ: I completely agree. Our dramas often portray women as helpless, always crying and suffering. This is far from reality! Pakistani women are strong, resilient, and independent. I often question production houses—why do you always show women as victims?
It’s high time we showcase strong female characters, because our society is full of them. We have women excelling in every field, from banking to the military, and yet, our dramas continue to depict outdated stereotypes. This needs to change.
MT: The entertainment industry is evolving, with more women entering leadership roles. Do you think this is a positive change?
LZ: Definitely! More women are now working as directors, producers, and scriptwriters. Even in technical fields like set designing, women are making their mark. In my teaching role at ZABIST University, I see young women studying media sciences with enthusiasm. This industry is welcoming more women than ever before, and it’s a fantastic development.
MT: What advice would you give young women who aspire to join the industry but fear exploitation?
LZ: Educated and strong-minded women are difficult to exploit. If you are talented, professional, and maintain your dignity, you will find success without compromising your values. The industry is looking for serious, dedicated individuals. If young women enter with the right mindset and skills, they will thrive.
MT: Lastly, what message would you like to give to aspiring actors?
LZ: This is a great field with enormous potential, but it requires hard work, patience, and integrity. Never think that compromising your values is the only way to succeed—it is not! Respect yourself, and others will respect you too. The industry needs fresh talent, and if you have the skill and dedication, you will surely find your place.
