Nauman Ijaz is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most dependable and powerful actors, whose presence alone is often seen as a guarantee of quality. From critically acclaimed dramas like Bismil and Parwarish to his ongoing performance in Shar Pasand, his work continues to set benchmarks in television acting.
However, despite decades of success, admiration, and relevance, Nauman Ijaz has openly expressed disappointment with the showbiz industry.
In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, Nauman Ijaz revealed that when choosing roles, his primary concern is not screen time or co-stars, but whether a character can deliver a meaningful message to society.
“When I select a role, I don’t care who is acting with me. I only ask whether this character can bring moral change, save a home, or make someone seek forgiveness,” he said.
Currently appearing as Firasat Ali Khan in Shar Pasand, Nauman Ijaz portrays a manipulative and hypocritical character who uses religion to create discord within the community. He admitted that he initially believed such characters were rare in real life, but public reaction on social media proved otherwise.
“After the drama aired, I realized these people are very much part of our society,” he explained.
To make the character impactful, Nauman Ijaz deliberately altered his body language, tone, and expressions, investing nearly four months in refining the role. According to him, a conventional portrayal would not have resonated with viewers.
Despite being celebrated for his craft, Nauman Ijaz has frequently been targeted by cancel culture. Whether for blunt opinions about fellow actors or controversial statements in interviews, he believes people often react without understanding context.
“We attack first and think later. People don’t analyze what was said or the state of mind behind it,” he remarked.
He also criticized the growing trend of actors publicly mocking dramas and newcomers on television talk shows. According to Nauman Ijaz, this behavior demoralizes young talent in an industry already struggling with limited resources and creative constraints.
“In a country where actors can’t even change a single word of the script, the focus should be on grooming talent, not humiliating it,” he said.
Although he began his career in films and even practiced law, Nauman Ijaz has consciously stayed away from cinema in recent decades. He believes Pakistani films remain a risky venture due to the lack of strong writing, direction, and structured filmmaking.
Perhaps his most striking statement was deeply personal. Reflecting on his journey, Nauman Ijaz said that if he ever met his younger self, he would advise him not to enter showbiz at all.
“These are not good people. They forget loyalty and only salute the rising sun,” he stated.
Despite the bitterness, Nauman Ijaz maintains that his responsibility lies with those who work hard and strive to improve. For him, meaningful work and integrity still outweigh fame.