Naseem Vicky— known for his famous comedic and acting skills on stage or in films— has recently spoken about some frustrations with Pakistani audiences. “One of my biggest disappointments with Pakistani audiences is that they are ‘not’ hesitant to criticize artists behind their backs,” Naseem articulated in a recent interview on the Asif Jutt Podcast. He anywhere started to question show business and whether it was something he wanted for his children or wanted them to pursue.
Hard Work Meets Harsh Judgment
Years into his career, both in Pakistan and abroad, Naseem Vicky made a bittersweet observation: his career gave him fame, but he confronted some hard truths. He commented to me that even some of the biggest names in Pakistan (for example Nauman Ijaz) would receive just enough respect. He said:
“Pakistanis do not make a star. They will start pulling people down… … Nauman Ijaz is such a great actor but he did not become what his potential was.”
According to Naseem, this culture of criticism wears poorly on creative spirits, driving many to consider careers perceived as safer or more stable.
Why He Questions Showbiz
Asked why he hasn’t encouraged his own children to follow his artistic path, the actor offered a direct answer:
“This field has given me stardom but I know how people speak about them behind their backs.”
He’s steering both his daughter (a practicing doctor) and son (in higher studies) away from entertainment, believing they might face similar scrutiny—despite their talents or discipline.
Cross-Border Controversy & Regret
Naseem Vicky also shared regrets about working in Indian comedy shows such as Comedy Nights with Kapil. Despite participating actively, even writing scripts for Kapil Sharma’s programs, he says the experience invited more backlash than benefit. ARY News quoted him as saying it “was the biggest mistake of my life.”
Though grateful for international exposure, Naseem lamented how critics at home framed his efforts as compromising loyalty or exploiting national sentiment.
Cultural Reflections on Talent
His remarks offer a broader critique of Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Naseem argued that a lack of formal scripting, rehearsals, and investment in emerging talent has hindered growth. He observed:
“Theatre artists have stopped reading and learning. Young actors have stopped doing rehearsals… our comedy is bound to be based only on cuss words.”
In doing so, he highlighted systemic issues that suppress originality and stunt the evolution of performance art.
Looking Forward: Change at Hand
Naseem’s honest reflections can act as a wake up call:
Critique vs. Support: The audience should choose to create hope and not hate.Professional Development: There should be formal scripts, rehearsal culture, and mentorship.Artist Respect: There is no political tool in art, when we celebrate ability, effort, and even beyond our borders.
Final Thought
Naseem Vicky’s personal journey from the stage to the podcast to the retrospective is a reminder of an important conversation: how do audiences in Pakistan retain cultural pride and yet support an artist while they celebrate? We cannot continue to deliver that kind of honest sometimes irreverent support—or we risk losing our next generation of storytellers and creators. It is time to change how we think about and reward the creative community we so often abuse.
