Renowned comedian and actor Shakeel Siddiqui has raised concerns over the growing family vlogging craze in Pakistan. He believes social media is being misused in the name of entertainment.
Siddiqui recently appeared on Ahmed Butt’s podcast, where he spoke openly about the trend. He said that family members, especially mothers and sisters, should not be shown unnecessarily for content creation purposes.
Criticism of Social Media Trends
The comedian said social media is a powerful tool worldwide. However, in Pakistan, it has often turned into a propaganda platform. He argued that instead of sharing creativity, people are using family members to gain views and followers.
“Family vlogging has gone too far. Mothers and sisters are being displayed unnecessarily in the name of content,” he remarked.
Concerns About Children
Siddiqui also shared his personal experience as a parent. His 12-year-old son watches family vlogs, which he finds troubling. According to him, this type of content can hurt children’s values and upbringing.
He said that while showing a mother cooking in the kitchen may seem harmless, much of today’s content crosses limits. He worries it sends the wrong message to the younger generation.
“When I see my son watching these vlogs, I take his phone away,” he said, stressing that the practice should stop.
Reflections on the Film Industry
During the discussion, Shakeel Siddiqui also touched upon the decline of Pakistan’s film industry. He believes the industry might not have collapsed if Karachi had been the hub from the beginning.
He recalled how poor dubbing and careless production weakened the industry’s credibility. He stated that a lack of planning and adherence to quality standards had damaged the image of Pakistani films over time.
Respect for Comedians
Rejecting the claim that comedians lack respect in Pakistan, Siddiqui said he has always received love from audiences. This recognition, he noted, also opened opportunities abroad, including in India.
“If I were not respected here, no one would give me a ticket and visa to perform worldwide,” he said.
Past Work and Family Values
The actor admitted he had accepted some roles in the past that he would not choose today. He explained that limited opportunities and a lack of strong roles pushed him toward television work.
Siddiqui also revealed that his younger brother and son are part of the entertainment industry. However, they avoid working together, which he said is out of mutual respect and family values.
A Debate on Content Creation
The comedian’s views have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the family vlogging craze in Pakistan. Many share his concerns about privacy, children’s exposure, and cultural values.
Siddiqui’s comments highlight a growing divide between digital entertainment and traditional family norms. As social media continues to expand, the future of content creation in Pakistan remains uncertain.
