Merub Ali praises social media for introducing fresh talent

Pakistani actress Merub Ali has praised social media for helping young talent enter the entertainment industry, saying digital platforms have created opportunities for aspiring actors who might otherwise struggle to establish themselves in television.

The actress, who began her journey as a social media influencer before making her television debut in 2021, believes platforms such as Instagram have played an important role in bringing new faces into the entertainment world. According to her, social media allows talented individuals to showcase their abilities and gain recognition without necessarily having connections within the industry.

During a recent appearance on a television talk show hosted by Hasan Chaudhary, Ali discussed the growing connection between social media influencers and television actors. She explained that the distinction between the two professions can become less clear when influencers possess genuine acting skills.

Ali highlighted Dananeer Mobeen as one of the strongest examples of social media personalities successfully transitioning into acting. Mobeen gained widespread attention online before entering television and later appeared alongside Ali in the drama Sinf-e-Aahan.

Expressing her admiration for Mobeen, Ali said she was pleased that social media had helped introduce such talented individuals to the entertainment industry. She described Mobeen as a gifted performer and suggested that her journey demonstrated how digital platforms could open doors for aspiring actors.

Ali also reflected on her own career, explaining that entering the entertainment industry would have been considerably more difficult without social media. She noted that young people without industry connections often face challenges when trying to find opportunities and establish themselves professionally.

However, she acknowledged that audiences and industry professionals can be critical of individuals who transition from social media to television without demonstrating adequate acting abilities. According to Ali, aspiring performers must prove their talent to earn recognition and establish their place in the entertainment world.

Discussing another social media personality who has ventured into acting, Ali praised Romaisa Khan for her performance skills. She described Khan as a beautiful actor and highlighted her expressive eyes and ability to portray different emotions.

Ali’s comments reflected her belief that social media has introduced several promising performers who might not otherwise have received similar opportunities. She suggested that an individual’s talent ultimately determines whether they can successfully build a lasting career in television.

The actress also addressed nepotism, a frequently discussed issue in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. While acknowledging that personal connections can help newcomers secure initial opportunities, she argued that such advantages have their limits.

According to Ali, having influential connections might help someone obtain two or three projects, but maintaining a career requires genuine ability and consistent performance. She suggested that individuals who fail to demonstrate their talent may struggle to remain relevant, regardless of how they initially entered the industry.

Ali further pointed out that television audiences frequently see the same actors appearing in multiple projects. She believes the industry would benefit from introducing more fresh faces, as repeatedly casting familiar performers can leave viewers with limited variety.

Earlier in the programme, actor Atabik Mohsin, who worked with Ali in Izzat, also discussed the challenges newcomers face when trying to enter the entertainment industry.

Mohsin described accessibility as a major problem, explaining that aspiring actors without family connections often lack information about auditions, casting opportunities and the people they need to approach.

He shared that his own experience involved similar difficulties because he did not have anyone within the industry to guide him through the process.

Despite these challenges, Mohsin encouraged aspiring performers to remain determined and continue pursuing their ambitions. He expressed optimism that opportunities remained available for those willing to work hard and persist.

Both actors highlighted the importance of making the entertainment industry more accessible to emerging talent. Their comments also underscored the growing influence of social media in discovering performers and helping them take their first steps towards television careers.