You can't learn acting from your parents'

Express Tribune

27-03-2025

Shahzad Sheikh and Momal Sheikh, siblings from Pakistan's celebrated Sheikh family, have carved their own paths in the entertainment industry. As children of the legendary actor Javed Sheikh, they inherited a media legacy but also faced immense expectations. While Shahzad has delivered hits like Raaze Ulfat and Deeware Shab, Momal's standout performances in Mushk and Darrar have earned her acclaim.
On Monday, the sibling duo appeared on a local channel's Ramazan transmission hosted by Danish Taimoor and Rabia Anam. In a candid conversation, they opened up about the challenges of being "star kids."
Shahzad shared, "Being a celebrity's child has more negative impacts than positive ones. People expect so much because of your background. Yes, you might get a platform easily, but you can't learn acting from your parents. In the end, success depends on your own struggles." He credited his father for emphasising hard work and sustainability over chasing instant fame. "He gave me valuable tips for surviving in the industry," Shahzad added.
Momal, on the other hand, revealed that acting wasn't always part of her plan. "I became an actor because of my husband, Nadir," she admitted. "A friend of his, Phoebe Haroon, offered me a sitcom role. Nadir encouraged me to audition, and I got selected. I asked him to talk to my father too because acting had never crossed my mind before."
Despite their fame, both siblings pushed the importance of humility. Shahzad admitted, "I sometimes try to throw tantrums, but it's just not in my nature. I can't act arrogant or feel like I'm somebody special." Host Taimoor attributed this grounded attitude to their father, who remains a model of humility despite his success.
A legendary actor, Javed has had a remarkable career with hits like Chief Saab and Na Maloom Afraad. On the same day, he opened up about his struggles and unwavering faith during Express TV's Ramazan transmission.
"In 2000, Allah took everything from me," the veteran actor revealed. "All my films flopped, and I had no work. People said, 'Javed Sheikh is finished.'" Facing criticism and isolation, he could have fallen into despair but chose resilience instead. "I never stopped going to the studio. I would go, sit, and meet my friends."
Javed attributed his survival to his strong belief in God. "I trusted His power. One day, a financier gave me PKR50 million for a film, which became a super hit," he said.