Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi, celebrated for roles in The Legend of Maula Jatt and Pyaray Afzal, is facing scrutiny over his theatrical origins. Theatre director Dawar Mehmood, appearing on Ahmed Ali Butt’s podcast, claimed Abbasi’s early success stemmed from privilege rather than merit. He recounted a production of Phantom of the Opera where Abbasi allegedly secured the lead role because his family could offer accommodations to director Shah Sharabeel, while actor Zahid Ahmed—whose family owned a guesthouse—was sidelined.
Mehmood asserted that Abbasi’s contemporaries never regarded him as skilled, a sentiment he claims persists in theatre circles today. To emphasize his point, Mehmood imitated Abbasi’s voice mockingly. The revelation has ignited debate about nepotism in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, where connections often influence casting decisions.
Social media erupted following Mehmood’s comments. Abbasi’s defenders dismissed the claims, citing his later success: “Talent shines eventually—look at his filmography!” Critics, however, agreed with Mehmood, with one user stating, “This explains why some actors struggle despite being talented.” Others redirected focus to Zahid Ahmed, lamenting missed opportunities due to unfair casting.
The controversy underscores ongoing discussions about meritocracy in Pakistani media. While Abbasi’s stardom is undeniable, Mehmood’s allegations raise questions about how many actors face systemic barriers. As debates rage online, the incident serves as a reminder that behind glamorous careers, unresolved issues of equity linger.