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In ‘Connectivity One-on-One’, artists will meet each week to support each other.
By Zeeshan Wali | 19 July 2025
After the sad death of actress Humaira Asghar Ali, actors Zhalay Sarhadi and Yashma Gill started a helpful project — a WhatsApp group called ‘Connectivity One-on-One.’ This group is for checking in on other artists and addressing mental health problems. In a special talk with Geo Digital, Sarhadi shared how the entertainment industry can feel very lonely, even with all the fame and big audiences.
In this field, even with others around, artists often feel very alone, she said. Sometimes, even family and close friends can’t connect with you when times are tough. Instead of just crying and being shocked after every bad event, we thought it was important to do something practical.
In ‘Connectivity One-on-One’, artists can meet each week to support each other, talk about their mental health, well-being, and the challenges they are dealing with.
Zhalay said, “We will share where we are, talk about what’s bothering us, and discuss our lives — it’s a place to stay close and support each other.”
She emphasized the need to talk about mental health openly. “Everyone faces mental health issues at some point. The problem is, we have places that can help, but people are afraid to ask because society sees it as a shameful topic,” she said. “Actors have many fans — people admire us for our style, health, and trends.
If we talk about mental health openly, people will pay attention. It’s time we use our influence for important issues.” Zhalay also pointed out the serious issue of loneliness: “Many people suffer alone. If you don’t ask for help, how will anyone know you’re having a hard time?” Actor Umar Alam, who was on a reality show with Humaira Asghar, discussed the extra pressures that newcomers experience.
Newcomers don’t just have mental health problems; they also worry about survival. Financial stress, job uncertainty, and no steady income all add up. He said, “Until you make a name for yourself, it feels like you are always on a tightrope. There’s stress about paying bills, what to tell your family, and settling into a new city — it’s too much to handle.” Umar suggests that new actors should be careful: “If you have another option, don’t rush into acting without thinking. This job needs both passion and a lot of patience. The truth is, it’s much tougher than it appears.” When asked about needed changes in the industry, Umar was clear: “We need change now. We should focus on talent. Right now, social media followers decide job chances. This obsession causes mental health issues and financial problems. If this keeps up, we will continue to see sad situations.”
