Renowned comedian and actor Shakeel Siddiqui has expressed concern over the trend of family vlogging in Pakistan, saying that mothers and sisters should not be brought onto social media in the name of content creation.

Siddiqui, who appeared on Ahmed Butt’s podcast recently, said while social media is a powerful platform, in Pakistan it has largely been turned into a propaganda tool.

“Family vlogging has gone too far. In the name of entertainment, mothers and sisters are being shown unnecessarily,” he remarked.

Concerns over family vlogging

The comedian stressed that although showing a mother cooking in the kitchen may be acceptable, much of the current content in family vlogs goes beyond boundaries and sends the wrong message to children.

He revealed that his 12-year-old son also watches family vlogging, which worries him about the type of upbringing and values the younger generation is receiving through such content. “When I see my son watching these vlogs, I take his phone away,” Siddiqui said, adding that such practices should stop.

Reflections on film industry

During the podcast, Siddiqui also shared his views on Pakistan’s film industry, saying it might not have collapsed if Karachi had been the center from the beginning. He recalled how poor-quality dubbing and careless production decisions destroyed the industry’s credibility over time.

Rejecting the impression that comedians lack respect in Pakistan, Siddiqui said he received immense love from audiences at home, which later earned him opportunities abroad, including in India. “If I wasn’t respected here, why would anyone give me a ticket and visa to perform around the world?” he asked.

Acknowledgment of past mistakes

The actor admitted to having taken on some questionable roles in the past, though he avoided naming specific projects. He added that he worked on television primarily due to limited opportunities and lack of quality roles.

Siddiqui mentioned that his son and younger brother are also part of the entertainment industry, but they avoid working together. According to him, this is out of mutual respect and adherence to family values.