Print

    TikTok and Drama Casting: Is it Worth it?

    Written by: Hurmat Majid
    Posted on: April 18, 2023 | | 中文

    Kinza Hashmi and Khushal Khan

    TikTok has become a game-changer in the entertainment industry, providing an avenue for new actors to showcase their talents and gain recognition. However, as social media fame continues to rise, concerns are now being raised about the quality of actors being cast in major productions.

    Alizeh Shah

    Over the past few years, there has been a trend of social media influencers being cast in TV shows and films. While this has given new talent a chance to be discovered, production houses have often prioritized social media popularity over acting skills, resulting in sub-par performances that negatively affect the quality of productions. The success of TikTokers in the entertainment industry is primarily due to their enormous social media following, which they use to promote their work and increase viewership. Some people argue that this trend undermines the importance of traditional acting skills, while others believe it provides a platform for new talent to be discovered and cultivated.

    Khushal Khan

    One of the first prominent examples of this trend in Pakistan was Alizay Shah, who landed a significant role in Ehd-e-Wafa after gaining popularity on TikTok. While her acting skills were scrutinized in subsequent shows, she is not alone in her journey from social media to television. Other TikTokers who have made the transition to acting include Shahveer Jafry, who debuted in the TV series Baarwa Khilari, and Amna Yousufzai, who appeared in the drama Fairytale and Romaisa Khan, who is appearing in the Ramazan drama Chand Tara. Although Jafry's acting skills were deemed questionable, he landed a major ad campaign after the series aired, thanks to his social media following. Similarly, Yousufzai and Khan’s acting abilities remain uncertain, despite her success in modeling and short skits on social media.

    Amna Yousufzai

    However, not all social media picks have been controversial. For instance, Dananeer Mobeen, who gained fame with her "Pawri Ho Rahi Hai" video, displayed excellent acting skills in the drama Sinf-e-Aahan. She has now been cast in several other plays. Similarly, Khushal Khan Khattak, who starred in ISPR's telefilm Aik Hai Nigar, has done a few television dramas, showcasing his range as an actor. Tamkeenat and Taimoor, who debuted in the comedy play Kala Dorya, have also received praise from viewers. They are known for making comedy skits on TikTok.

    Dananeer Mobeen in Sinf-e-Aahan

    Despite the mixed results of casting TikTok stars in television and film productions, it is undeniable that social media has created a new avenue for aspiring actors to showcase their talent. However, while these platforms provide ample exposure, they do not guarantee the development of an actor's skills or ensure their qualifications for a role. Therefore, production houses should start conducting casting calls and auditions, especially when seeking to cast new talent in particular roles. This will help weed out the actors who lack the necessary skills, and ensure that only talented actors are cast in major productions.

    Shahveer Jafry

    Even established actors have complained about losing out on roles because they do not have a certain number of followers on social media platforms. This has led to some legendary actors in the industry lip-syncing to trending TikTok audios and following social media trends, even when they are ridiculous and unbecoming of an actor of their stature.

    While we criticize this trend in Pakistan, it must be noted that casting TikTokers in television and film productions is not limited to our country alone, as it is increasingly common in other parts of the world. However, in other parts of the world, even TikTok stars have to go through auditions and screen tests before landing roles.

    Romaisa Khan

    So, to sum it up TikTok and other social media platforms have brought a large pool of fresh talent to production houses and given producers access to vast audiences that they can easily target through social media platforms. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between utilizing social media exposure and prioritizing acting ability and potential. Producers should aim to incorporate casting calls and auditions as part of their selection process, to ensure that they are not only hiring skilled performers but also individuals who are a good fit for the project and have the necessary chemistry with the rest of the cast.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021