A social media debate regarding the true meaning of “networking” has picked up steam after former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and Pakistani actor Mawra Hocane criticized what they described as modern career culture driven by influence and calculated relationships.
The conversation began when Mirza posted an Instagram Story questioning whether networking had essentially turned into “social climbing.” The former world number one in doubles suggested that many individuals now use professional relationships for personal advancement rather than genuine connection.
“Can we just acknowledge that the meaning of ‘networking’ is SOCIAL CLIMBING basically?” she wrote, adding that she had come across many people who were comfortable “using other ppl.”
Her comments quickly spread online, particularly among young professionals trying to navigate industries where networking is often presented as essential for career growth. The remarks also triggered wider discussions about authenticity, ambition, and professional survival within South Asia’s entertainment and corporate sectors.
Hocane later reshared Mirza’s post and strongly agreed with the criticism. The actor called networking “a trap” and urged followers to believe that opportunities and sustenance come through Allah rather than through influential people.
“Please have unwavering faith that only Allah, and not humans, will ever give you rizq or opportunities,” she wrote, while encouraging young dreamers to work hard without compromising their dignity or tolerating disrespect in their pursuit of success.
According to Hocane, many people falsely claim they can shape someone’s career, even though “only Allah can.” She also advised followers to trust their own path, even if the journey becomes more difficult.
The exchange generated mixed reactions online. Some users praised the celebrities for speaking openly about manipulation and opportunism disguised as professional networking. Others, however, argued that the comments oversimplified how careers actually function.
Critics pointed out that networking often involves building healthy relationships with peers, mentors, and colleagues rather than exploiting connections. Several users also suggested that Mirza and Hocane’s views reflected privilege, arguing that established public figures no longer face the same pressures as ordinary professionals trying to enter competitive industries.
One user wrote that faith and effort must go hand in hand, noting that resumes, interviews, and professional contacts still matter alongside belief in destiny.
The debate has since evolved beyond celebrity commentary into a wider conversation about career culture, personal values, and the balance between ambition, faith, and authenticity in increasingly competitive professional environments across Pakistan and India.