Veteran theater actor and comedian Naseem Vicky has opened up about the harsh realities of stage plays, claiming that many girls and even male dancers perform under compulsion.

He also spoke about personal losses and his concerns for the next generation entering theater.

During a recent podcast, Naseem Vicky shed light on the pressures faced by theater performers, saying that girls and boys often dance not by choice but due to circumstances.

He explained, “If the theater remains closed for even a week, those dancing on stage may go hungry at home. They are all dancing under compulsion. Some girls have a sick parent, someone has to feed their children — everyone has a story.”

Financial losses after Punjab dance ban

The actor revealed that the Punjab government’s ban on dance in theater plays caused him significant losses. “I suffered a loss of up to 8 million rupees in seven months. I can even show my bank account details to prove it,” he said.

He criticized the government for imposing bans without providing solutions, saying officials should not restrict activities based solely on someone’s advice.

Personal life and family decisions

Naseem Vicky shared insights about his family, saying his wife was a former stage actress. He married her on the condition that she would leave theater to become a full-time housewife.

He added that he will never allow his children to join the theater, citing the industry’s challenges and wrongdoings. His son studies in London, his elder daughter recently became a psychiatrist, and his younger daughter is still in school.

The actor emphasized that he does not give new girls a chance to work in theater, choosing only to work with actresses who are already active. He said this is to protect them from potential harm, highlighting the difficult realities of the field.

He also mentioned that many critics fail to understand the pressures performers face, including financial and family responsibilities that force them onto the stage.