Shaista Jabeen Opens Up About Rejecting Films, Romantic Roles & Choosing a Life Without Marriage

Shaista Jabeen

Veteran actress Shaista Jabeen, known for her powerful performances in countless Pakistani dramas, has recently opened up in a candid interview about her personal choices, career decisions, and the sacrifices she made along the way — offering a rare and heartfelt glimpse into her private life.

I Rejected Films Because of Unrealistic Romance

Shaista Jabeen revealed that she received numerous offers from the film industry, many of which came at the peak of her acting career. However, she consistently turned them down, citing one specific reason — the unrealistic and exaggerated portrayal of romance in films.

I always found romance in films to be artificial and overdone,she shared during the interview. It didn’t feel natural to me. That’s why I chose to stay within the drama industry, where the stories, emotions, and expressions were closer to reality.

Shaista emphasized that her preference for realism in storytelling and her personal values prevented her from stepping into roles that demanded on-screen intimacy or dramatic romantic plots, which are often a staple of South Asian cinema.

A Life Without Marriage — By Circumstance, Not Choice

Opening up further, Shaista Jabeen also spoke about her personal life and the reason she never got married. In a society where marital status often becomes a point of unnecessary discussion, her words carried grace, strength, and quiet sorrow.

I always wanted to marry according to my parents’ wishes, she said. But after my father passed away, I had to take care of the house, and slowly, time just passed me by.

She went on to explain that her commitment to her family and responsibilities became her primary focus, and before she realized it, the window for marriage — at least the way she had envisioned it — had closed.

It’s not that I didn’t want to marry. I just never wanted to go against my family’s values or rush into something for the sake of it,she explained.

Facing Judgment from Society and Relatives

Shaista also shared how her decision not to marry led to hurtful judgment and strained relationships with relatives and people within her community.

Unfortunately, many people don’t understand when a woman decides to live alone,she said. Some relatives even cut off ties with me, simply because I didn’t follow the path they expected me to.

Despite these emotional setbacks, Shaista Jabeen has no regrets. She believes in living a life with dignity and independence, and though her path wasn’t traditional, it was one she walked with pride and honesty.

A Trailblazer in Drama Industry

While she stayed away from the glitter and glamour of cinema, Shaista built a stellar reputation in the drama industry, with countless performances that left lasting impressions on viewers. Her ability to portray emotional depth, complex characters, and traditional values made her a household name.

Fans admire her for staying true to her principles in an industry that often demands compromise. Whether playing a self-sacrificing mother, a strong-headed matriarch, or a heartbroken daughter, Shaista has always delivered performances rooted in sincerity.

In an age where celebrities are often idolized for their glamour and personal choices are frequently judged, Shaista Jabeen stands out as a woman of substance, strength, and integrity. Her journey serves as an inspiration for many — especially women — who may feel pressured by societal norms but long to live life on their own terms.

By choosing simplicity over stardom and dignity over compromise, Shaista Jabeen proves that success doesn’t always come with fame, and fulfillment isn’t always found in marriage. Sometimes, it’s in quiet strength and staying true to yourself — no matter what the world expects.