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Actor Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui is no stranger to public scrutiny, but during a candid appearance on the Excuse Me with Ahmed Ali Butt podcast, she chose to address one of the questions audiences have speculated about for months: her friendship with fellow actor Sajal Aly — and the complicated reality of relationships within the entertainment industry.

Appearing on the podcast on Sunday, Siddiqui spoke at length about motherhood, spirituality, career choices and personal evolution. Yet it was the subject of friendships, particularly industry friendships, that dominated much of the conversation.

Host Ahmed Ali Butt wasted little time circling the topic many viewers were waiting for. Cutting straight to the point, he asked abruptly, “Sajal kesi hai (How is Sajal doing)?” — referencing the online chatter that followed when the two actors unfollowed each other on Instagram.

Siddiqui replied that Aly was doing well, prompting Butt to immediately follow up with pointed, “Acha (Really)? How long has it been since you guys talked?”

When the Standup Girl actor said they had spoken recently, Butt laughed and responded, “Lie.”

Amused but firm, Siddiqui addressed the speculation directly.

“Okay, I can’t understand how people think that if two have people unfollowed each other then [that means] they don’t talk to each other,” she said, pushing back against the idea that social media activity defines real relationships.

Butt then reflected on his own long-standing friendship with comedian Vasay Chaudhry, noting how disagreements are inevitable in old friendships. Siddiqui agreed, adding that public perception often simplifies complex dynamics — especially when personalities like hers are involved.

“I think it is easier, [to point fingers at] the person who is most flamboyant in the room, to say that ‘He is the killer’, so it is very easy, and I have always had that ‘she is the killer, she said it’ [vibe],” she explained.

According to Siddiqui, both she and Aly have simply grown into different phases of life.

“I think we have gone into many different scenarios now,” she said.

On industry friendships and shifting perspectives

The conversation soon widened into a broader reflection on the culture of the entertainment industry itself.

“I think everybody talks about everybody,” Siddiqui remarked candidly, acknowledging the gossip-driven ecosystem actors often navigate. She added that with time, her own approach to networking and visibility has changed and she no longer feels the need to constantly “grind” the way newcomers must.

Summing up one of her biggest lessons, she said, “Har haath milanay wala dost nahi hota, aur apko ye bhi dekhna parta hai ke aapki ungliyan wapis ayen ya saamne wala le tou nahi gaya apnay saath (Not everyone is your friend, and you should make sure people don’t take everything and leave you nothing).”

The actor also sparked debate with her observation about friendships within the industry. “Men are better friends than girls,” she said, claiming that professional proximity can complicate female friendships.

“I think girlfriends can be great friends if they are not in the vicinity of your field. The moment they are in the vicinity of your field or any such interaction, the whole room changes, the energy changes, and then you’re like ye kya horaha hai (what is happening), but men don’t have that.”

She also hinted at a culture of backbiting, though Butt was quick to add that male actors are not entirely exempt either.

At one point, when asked what she would avoid now, Siddiqui answered simply: “dosti (friendship),” repeatedly emphasising how deeply failed friendships can hurt.

An honest reality check

Siddiqui also spoke about the importance of honest feedback, recalling a moment with actor Yumna Zaidi that forced her to reassess her own craft.

She narrated how, during a gathering at director Asim Raza’s house while she was pregnant, Zaidi confronted her with a blunt observation following the release of Siddiqui’s drama serial Zebaish.

“Tum apnay kaam ko seriously nahi leti na (You don’t take your work seriously, right)?”

The comment stayed with her. Siddiqui later revisited her own performances and realised the criticism was correct and came from genuine concern rather than judgment. During the podcast, she admitted she had taken on the project without properly reading the script, as it was family drama — a decision she now regrets.

“I took myself too easy, whatever fun and games.”

What mattered most, she said, was the intention behind the feedback. It was not meant to demean her, but to offer a wake-up call.

Earlier in the podcast, Siddiqui stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with people who remain honest, who question your decisions and offer constructive criticism instead of empty praise.