In recent years, many Pakistani actors and actresses have launched their careers in the entertainment industry thanks to the influence of social media. The days of exhausting auditions and relying on connections with producers are gone. Now, if you gain popularity on social media and build a substantial following, you often get opportunities in mainstream projects. Numerous talented individuals have been discovered through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Content creators are successfully transitioning into dramas and films, and many have become prominent figures in the industry.
Here is a list of Pakistani actors who have made it from mobile screens to television screens successfully:
Hania Aamir
Hania Aamir is currently one of the most in-demand actors in Pakistan. She has consistently delivered hit performances, and her strong presence on social media has helped her gain international recognition. Following the unprecedented success of her drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, she has become a sensation. Hania is admired for her beauty, bubbly personality, and dedication to every project she undertakes.
She made her acting debut in the film Janaan, not through a drama series. Hareem Farooq discovered Hania through her Dubsmash videos, which marked the beginning of her career. Today, she stands as one of the top stars in the industry, and Hareem Farooq takes pride in being the one to launch this new talent. Hania Aamir is considered the biggest star to emerge from the social media space.
Dananeer Mobeen
Dananeer Mobeen is another social media sensation turned actress. She is among Pakistani actors who have won hearts in a short period. She was noticed first for her video Pawri Horahi Hai. The video went viral, and it was copied left, right, and center by many celebrities, including people in Bollywood. She was offered her debut role in Sinf e Aahan. The audience felt that she was a winner as Sidra. She later on did dramas like Mohabbat Gumshuda Meri and the recent one Meem Se Mohabbat, which both proved to be blockbusters. Dananeer is pursuing acting seriously, and she is working on improving her craft with every project.
Here is how Dananeer’s journey started in showbiz:
Khaqan Shahnawaz
Khaqan Shahnawaz is a rising name among the younger generation of Pakistani actors who began their careers on social media. He is a content creator known for posting engaging reels on Instagram. In addition to his social media presence, he has ventured into acting, featuring in shows like College Gate, Yunhi, and My Dear Cinderella. Khaqan continues to identify as both a content creator and an actor, regularly sharing reels and videos on his social accounts.
Zarrar Khan
Zarrar Khan is a rising Pakistani actor who has recently entered the entertainment industry. He has appeared in dramas such as College Gate, Jafaa, and Meem Se Mohabbat, and is currently seen in Naqsh. Zarrar started his career on social media, initially working as a fitness trainer. He shared reels and pictures showcasing his training sessions, which eventually led to opportunities in modeling and acting. With the support of Khaqan Shahnawaz, he has developed his social media content as he transitioned into acting full-time.
Abul Hassan
Abul Hassan just made his debut with Parwarish. He is playing Sameer, who is loved by everyone. His comic timing and the way he was able to pick the true essence of Gen Z have made him the most beloved character in the drama. He has a huge following on social media, and his fans love his commentary reels. He has made his debut as a Pakistani actor and hit it out of the park with his first on-screen appearance. He has proved to be another good addition to the industry.
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Laiba Khurram
Laiba Khurram is another content creator who makes videos on Instagram. She makes fun videos and brand content. She also made her acting debut recently as a lead character. She was cast opposite Danish Taimoor in Teri Chhaon Mein. She did an okay job as an actor, and she is continuing her social media journey alongside her acting career.
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Janice Tessa
Janice Tessa is a new addition to Pakistani actors. She is beautiful and talented with a strong screen presence. Social media once again paved the way for her. She used to make TikTok videos and lip sync videos, which people liked. That is how she was approached for acting opportunities. She took it in stride and worked in dramas like Habs and Hasrat. She was noticed for how natural she was in front of the camera, and her shows went viral.
Arsalan Naseer
Arsalan Naseer is a very successful YouTuber and content creator. Many of his comics and video series are a part of Pakistani pop culture. He made his acting debut with Chupke Chupke as Hadi, and his work was well-received. The actor went on to do other dramas like Paristaan and Radd. He has till now been a part of big projects, and he is a successful example of a social media star transitioning to acting.
Ken Doll
Ken Doll is a Dubai-based influencer from Pakistan. He is known for his fashion content and fun videos that people relate to. He is very creative, and he has worked with many other influencers and actors in the social media space. He made his acting debut recently with Baby Baji Ki Bahuein, and it went on to become one of the most viral episodes of the drama.
Romaisa Khan
Romaisa Khan is a rising social media content creator who has successfully joined the ranks of leading Pakistani actors. She has always aspired to be an actress, using social media as her platform to achieve this dream. Before making her acting debut in the drama Chand Tara, she gained popularity on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Since then, she has appeared in several television dramas and made her film debut in the movie John. Here’s a look at her journey from social media to acting:
Which young Pakistani actor do you think has made the best transition from phone screens to television screens? Share in comments!
