Reality of Stage Dancers and Stage Drama Industry
In a heartfelt interview, renowned comedian and stage artist Naseem Vicky opens up about the dark side of theatre, exploitation of the Stage Dancers, financial losses, and why he chose to keep his children away from the field.
The Hidden Struggles of Stage Artists: A Glimpse into Naseem Vicky’s Journey
Renowned Pakistani stage actor and comedian Naseem Vicky recently shared a deeply emotional and eye-opening account of his personal and professional struggles. In a candid podcast interview, he touched on the harsh realities of the theatre industry, including exploitation, societal judgment, financial challenges, and the lack of recognition for genuine artists.
Stage Dancers Plea Behind the Curtain
Vicky began by sharing a touching story of a female Stage Dancers whose bold dances led to her being banned from performing. He confessed that while he disapproved of such performances, his heart ached when the woman reached out to him in desperation.
She wrote a lengthy message describing her dire situation—children without food, no money for diapers or milk—and pleaded for help.
“As I read her message, I felt immense pain. She had children to feed, and this was her only means of livelihood. But when she came on stage, the makeup masked all her pain,” Vicky recalled.
He questioned society’s double standards, asking what alternatives are given to these Stage Dancers and actors if they’re banned without support or opportunity. “People don’t come to support art, they come to buy helplessness,” he said.
Financial Sacrifices for the Sake of Stage Drama Industry
Vicky revealed that after a particular show ended, he ventured into theatre production to bring about positive change. However, it came at a high cost:
“From small setups to big productions, I have personally lost 7 to 8 million PKR from my own bank account trying to revive theatre.”
Despite his efforts, he received no recognition or appreciation from institutions or authorities. In fact, he claims some within the industry even began undermining his work out of jealousy.
Toxic Culture and Internal Sabotage
He lamented how people from within the theatre circle start filing complaints instead of supporting those trying to improve the system. “They want to shine their own shops by dimming others’ lights,” he said, highlighting the toxic competitiveness in the industry.
Why Naseem Vicky Kept His Children Away from Stage Drama
Despite his lifelong commitment to stage performance, Vicky strongly discouraged his own children from entering the field.
“My son is studying business accounting in Leicester, UK. My daughter just became a psychiatrist. The youngest one is still young but has no interest in this field.”
Even his wife, once a stage artist, left the field after marriage due to Vicky’s request.
When asked why he would not support his own children joining the same industry that brought him fame, his answer was blunt:
“Because I know what actually happens behind the scenes. I can’t let them face the same ugliness.”
He explained that women in the theatre often face exploitation, and their vulnerabilities are taken advantage of. Although the platform is good, the work environment often isn’t.
The Ugly Side of Fame: Public Shaming and Social Media
Vicky also recounted a disturbing experience after his family appeared on The Kapil Sharma Show. A clip of his daughter went viral, and while it seemed innocent, the comments were filled with hatred, character assassination, and vile assumptions.
“I was in deep stress for 3–4 days. People wrote things about my daughter that no father should ever read. It broke me.”
He added that despite being religious and raising his children with values, people on the internet judge without knowing anything about someone’s personal life.
Losing Respect for the Sake of Views
The discussion turned to social media influencers who, in pursuit of fame, produce vulgar or disrespectful content, destroying cultural values in the process. Vicky blames this on the vacuum left by genuine artists who have either stepped back or been pushed out.
“Stage is Beautiful, the People Make it Ugly”
In a powerful closing remark, Vicky clarified:
“The stage itself is not bad. The work being done on it is bad. Exploitation is not everywhere, but it does exist, especially where the vulnerable are not protected.”
He expressed hope that genuine and respectful stage actors will once again take the spotlight, bringing dignity and honor back to the performing arts.
