Digital creator, comedian and actor Umar Saleem joined The Chatroom with Shizza to discuss his career journey, the evolution of Pakistan's digital content industry and the challenges of building a lasting presence across social media, television and live comedy.

Reflecting on his early years, Saleem said pursuing a career in entertainment was difficult because of his family's traditional expectations.

"I belong to a Sheikh family, they don't allow us to be a part of media," he said, describing the resistance he faced before establishing himself in the industry.

The conversation explored Saleem's transition from freelance work and online content creation to acting in Pakistani television dramas, as well as the changing dynamics of viral content and the pressures creators face to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

Discussing his career decisions, Saleem also recalled leaving his radio programme because of family pressure. "I quit radio show because of my family," he said.

The interview further examined the state of Pakistan's stand-up comedy scene, with Saleem arguing that while local comedians have the talent, audiences are still developing an appreciation for live comedy as an experimental art form.

He also discussed the opportunities and challenges facing Pakistan's growing creator economy and the importance of adapting to changing digital trends.

Watch the full episode of The Chatroom with Shizza to hear the complete discussion.

content creation

The Chatroom: Umar Saleem on comedy, viral content and breaking conventions