Alizeh Shah, one of Pakistan’s most cherished actresses, this was her reality. Known for her captivating roles in dramas like Ehd-e-Wafa and Ishq Tamasha, Alizeh has been a household name, her innocent charm and talent winning hearts across the nation. But recently, fans noticed her absence from TV screens, sparking curiosity and concern.
Why would a star at the peak of her career step back? In a candid recent interview, Alizeh finally shared the reasons behind her decision to pause her work in Pakistani dramas, offering a raw and honest look into her struggles. Her words not only surprised her fans but also shed light on the unseen challenges of fame, making her story a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health.
Alizeh’s journey in the entertainment industry began with a spark. Born in Karachi on June 9, 2000, she debuted as a child artist in 2016 with a small role in Choti Si Zindagi. Her breakthrough came in 2018 with Ishq Tamasha, where her portrayal of Palwasha earned her a Hum Award for Best Television Sensation. She soared to fame with Ehd-e-Wafa in 2019, playing Dua, a role that made her a national favorite.
Dramas like Mera Dil Mera Dushman, Hoor Pari, and Tanaa Banaa followed, showcasing her versatility and cementing her status as a leading actress. Yet, behind the glamour, Alizeh faced challenges that dimmed her spark. In her interview, she revealed that the drama industry’s demanding environment had become overwhelming, pushing her to prioritize her well-being over her career.
The drama industry, Alizeh explained, is a whirlwind of long hours and high expectations. Filming schedules often stretch into the night, leaving little time for rest or personal life. For Alizeh, the grueling pace was only part of the problem. The pressure to meet public expectations, coupled with relentless criticism, took a heavy toll. Social media, a double-edged sword, amplified this stress.
With over 4.3 million Instagram followers, Alizeh’s every move—her outfits, captions, or even personal choices—faced scrutiny. Negative comments flooded her posts, from critiques of her bold fashion choices to baseless rumors about her personal life. “People forget we’re human too,” she said, her voice tinged with vulnerability. The constant judgment chipped away at her confidence, leaving her feeling sad and drained. For someone who poured her heart into her craft, this negativity was a painful blow.
Beyond the public’s gaze, Alizeh faced professional challenges that added to her burden. In her interview, she echoed sentiments shared by other actors, like Syed Mohammad Ahmed, about delayed payments in the industry. Alizeh revealed she sometimes waited months for her cheques, having to repeatedly ask for what was rightfully hers.
This lack of professionalism, combined with rumours of her being “unprofessional” or “arrogant,” painted an unfair picture. Alizeh has always maintained that she never compromised her self-respect for roles, refusing to rely on connections or favours to advance her career. Yet, the industry’s unethical practices and the pressure to conform weighed heavily on her. She also faced personal attacks, like the resurfaced 2022 controversy with actress Zarnish Khan, who called her “disrespectful” on a show, causing emotional distress to Alizeh and her family. These incidents, piled on top of public trolling, made the industry feel like a battleground rather than a creative space.
What makes Alizeh’s story so compelling is her courage to step back. She admitted that the constant negativity didn’t just hurt her emotionally—it began affecting her physical health too. In April 2025, she shocked fans by deleting all her Instagram posts and announcing a break from social media, calling it “hell.” She even had to address disturbing death rumours, updating her bio to “Not Dead” to counter false claims. “The trolling, the criticism—it’s pushed me to the edge,” she shared. Her decision to pause her drama career wasn’t about giving up; it was about survival.
Alizeh needed space to heal, to rediscover the joy that acting once brought her. She spoke of wanting to focus on herself, to spend time with her family, and to nurture her mental and emotional health. This choice, though difficult, was a powerful act of self-care, showing that even stars need time to breathe.
But Alizeh’s story isn’t one of defeat. She made it clear she hasn’t closed the door on acting forever. “I love acting,” she said, her eyes lighting up with the passion that first drew her to the screen. “I’ll come back when I’m ready, when I feel strong again.” For now, she’s exploring other creative outlets that bring her joy without the weight of public judgment. Whether it’s spending quiet evenings with her family, working on personal projects, or simply finding moments of peace,
Alizeh is rebuilding her life on her own terms. Her honesty about her struggles resonates with many, especially young people navigating their own challenges in a world quick to judge. By sharing her truth, she’s not only humanized the life of a celebrity but also sparked a conversation about mental health in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Fans have rallied behind Alizeh, flooding social media with messages of support. Many praised her bravery for speaking out, recognizing that choosing mental health over fame is no small feat. “Your peace matters more than anything,” one fan wrote, echoing the sentiments of thousands. Others shared how her openness inspired them to prioritize their own well-being. In a society where mental health is often stigmatized, Alizeh’s vulnerability is a beacon of hope.
Her story challenges the idea that celebrities must always appear strong, reminding us that they, too, face struggles. It also highlights the need for a kinder online culture, where criticism doesn’t cross into cruelty. Alizeh’s fans hope to see her return to dramas one day, dazzling audiences with her talent, but for now, they stand by her, wishing her the peace and happiness she’s seeking.
Alizeh Shah’s journey is a powerful reminder that fame comes at a cost. Her decision to step away from dramas isn’t just about one actress—it’s a wake-up call for an industry that often overlooks the human side of its stars. It’s a call for fans to reflect on the impact of their words and for society to value mental health as much as success.
As Alizeh takes this time to heal and rediscover her spark, her story leaves us with a question: How can we create a world where talent can shine without being dimmed by pressure? For now, Alizeh is finding her answers, one step at a time, and her fans are cheering her on, hoping she’ll return when the time is right, stronger and brighter than ever.
