Why Parveen Akbar initially opposed her daughter Rabya Kulsoom’s acting career

Veteran Pakistani actress Parveen Akbar recently appeared on a talk show hosted by Benish Parvez, where she candidly discussed various aspects of her personal and professional life. One of the most intriguing topics she addressed was her initial disapproval of her daughter Rabya Kulsoom’s desire to pursue acting.

Parveen Akbar revealed that her son, Faizan Sheikh, was the first among her children to express interest in becoming an actor. However, she did not immediately support his ambition. Instead, she advised him to complete his education before considering a career in the entertainment industry. Her stance was grounded in her firm belief that education should always come first, regardless of one’s passion or talents.

She applied the same principle when it came to her daughter, Rabya Kulsoom. At the time Rabya showed interest in acting, she was studying dentistry. Parveen strictly told her daughter to focus on completing her academic journey before stepping into the entertainment world. Rabya not only honored her mother’s wishes but also went on to open her own dental clinic, demonstrating a commitment to her professional path outside of acting.

Parveen shared that while Rabya was running her clinic, she received an offer to appear in a jelly advertisement. Recognizing that it was a small, non-disruptive opportunity, Parveen allowed her daughter to take part in the commercial. However, she remained firm in her decision not to permit further acting projects at that time.

Things began to change after Rabya got married. Parveen recounted that Rabya continued receiving offers for drama roles even after her marriage. Fortunately, her in-laws held liberal views and were supportive of her artistic interests. With their encouragement, Rabya finally made her way into television dramas and established herself as an actress in the Pakistani showbiz industry.

Parveen Akbar admitted that her initial resistance to her daughter joining the entertainment world stemmed from her own experiences when she began her acting career. She implied that the industry conditions during her early years were not ideal, and she was reluctant to see her daughter go through similar struggles. However, she did not delve into the specific circumstances that shaped her reservations.

Today, Rabya Kulsoom is an active participant in the entertainment world, continuing a legacy initiated by her mother, but with a modern and supportive family backdrop that allows her to balance personal and professional responsibilities.

Parveen Akbar herself remains a beloved figure in Pakistani television, frequently portraying maternal roles. Her notable performances include roles in dramas such as Ishq Jalebi, Hasrat, Mannat Murad, and Yeh Zindagi Hai. Her story serves as a reflection of a mother’s cautious love and her eventual acceptance of her daughter’s dreams once they are backed by education, stability, and the right environment.