Naumaan Ejaz Challenges Nepotism Debate Over Son Zaviyar

ISLAMABAD: (Showbiz Desk) – Veteran Pakistani actor Naumaan Ejaz has opened up about nepotism in the entertainment industry, saying he deliberately chose not to use his influence to establish his son, actor Zaviyar Naumaan Ejaz, and instead encouraged him to build his career independently.

A video clip from Naumaan’s recent podcast appearance has gone viral on social media, in which the acclaimed actor discussed his views on acting, success and the advantages his son has inevitably received as the child of an established showbiz personality.

Naumaan said he had a candid conversation with Zaviyar when his son decided to pursue acting.

“In acting, nepotism doesn’t work like that. I told Zaviyar, ‘I will not support you. You have to make your own path,’” he said.

The veteran actor explained that he believes artists develop their abilities through hardship and by experiencing the challenges that come with establishing themselves in the industry.

“As long as you haven’t been through the grind, you cannot become refined. You also have to go through all these ups and downs,” Naumaan remarked.

Reflecting on his own career, he acknowledged that his son did not have to begin from the same position he did.

“I started from scratch, and here I am. He is not starting from scratch. He has been given everything from the beginning,” he said.

According to Naumaan, this difference was one of the reasons he wanted Zaviyar to face the challenges of building a career on his own rather than depending on his father’s influence.

The Sang-e-Mar Mar star also criticised the way the term “nepotism” is commonly used in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

“People in this country keep talking about nepotism, nepotism, but they don’t even know what the word means,” Naumaan said.

His remarks have reignited the ongoing debate over nepotism, privilege and opportunities available to children of established celebrities in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

While Naumaan maintains that he has not provided Zaviyar with direct financial or professional backing, some social media users questioned whether being the son of a prominent actor itself provides an advantage through greater access to producers, directors, casting opportunities and industry networks.