Veteran Pakistani actress Seemi Raheel recently voiced her concerns about the growing emphasis on looks over talent in the entertainment industry. Appearing on Wasi Shah’s talk show Zabardast, she reflected on how the definition of beauty and success has changed in showbiz.
“Acting is Not About Being Pretty”
Seemi Raheel, known for her impactful roles in dramas like Dastaan, Baaghi, Sammi, and Ishq-e-Laa, believes acting should be judged on performance, not appearance.
“An actor has nothing to do with beauty. What does an actor’s face have to do with acting?” she said.
She emphasized that if audiences remember your character and performance, that is real success and beauty.
Nostalgia for a Diverse Era
Seemi fondly remembered her contemporaries such as Uzma Gilani, Roohi Bano, and Khalida Riyasat — actors who brought unique styles and didn’t rely on glamour.
“We didn’t all have the same faces or the same eyebrows. Everyone looked different, and that was beautiful,” she added.
She expressed concern that modern actors often appear too similar, with little visual diversity.
A Lifetime of Embracing Growth
The actress also shared her personal journey in showbiz.
“I’ve enjoyed every stage of my age. We embraced our wrinkles, our greys — and our growth.”
Seemi Raheel’s reflections offer a powerful reminder that true artistry in acting comes from soul and skill, not symmetry and surface.
