Veteran actor and writer Fazila Qazi has been known for speaking her mind, and her latest appearance on a digital talk show was no exception. In a candid conversation, she reflected on the realities of fame, the importance of personal boundaries, her philosophy on parenting, and why she deliberately keeps her distance from the social circles often associated with showbiz.

Having spent decades in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, Fazila said her habit of sitting quietly on production sets is often misunderstood. Far from being unfriendly, she explained, it is a conscious choice rooted in self-preservation.

When asked about her reputation for staying detached from industry circles, Qazi challenged the idea that every professional connection should be considered a friendship.

“Every hand you shake is not a friend,” she said. “For me, a true friend is someone in whose presence I can be completely myself without filtering my thoughts. It’s someone I can call at any hour without worrying about being a burden. By that standard, very few people qualify.”

According to Fazila, maintaining that distinction helps her navigate what she described as the often superficial nature of the entertainment industry.

The discussion later turned to the culture of luxury brands and status symbols that frequently dominate celebrity lifestyles.

Fazila offered a contrasting perspective, saying she has never been drawn to labels for the sake of prestige. “I have never deliberately gone out and bought something just because it was a brand,” she said.

Instead, she argued that confidence and individuality define style far more than expensive clothing or accessories. “Whatever we choose to wear becomes the brand. If I wear a Rs600 outfit with confidence, that outfit carries value because of how I wear it.”

Her views on materialism are closely linked to her understanding of barkat (divine blessing), a concept she believes is often misunderstood.

“People think barkat means having billions in your bank account,” she said. “It doesn’t. Real blessing is finding peace and contentment in what you have, having enough to meet your needs and still being able to share with others.”

Fazila also spoke about her marriage to veteran actor Kaiser Khan Nizamani and the parenting choices they made while raising their children.

She revealed that during the early years of their marriage, when finances were limited, they prioritised experiences over property and possessions. “When the children were young, I told Kaiser, ‘Money will come and go anyway. Let’s show them the world instead,’” she recalled.

She explained that even modest trips can broaden a child’s perspective and foster greater understanding of different cultures and ways of life. “Even if your budget is small, take them to another city or another province. Open their minds,” she said, adding that exposure to diverse environments can help channel curiosity in positive directions.

The actor also addressed her approach to work, stressing that she has never been willing to compromise her values for professional opportunities. “Rizq (sustenance) and izzat (honour) are promised by God,” she said. “Why should I stand before another human being and beg for work? Whatever is written in my destiny will reach me at the right time.”

Concluding the conversation, Fazila warned those who may interpret her professional boundaries as arrogance. “I am a giver, and I love deeply — whether it is my family, my work or even my cooking,” she said. “But I have boundaries. Don’t mess with me.”