Faysal Quraishi is one of Pakistan’s most renowned actors. He started his career as a child actor. He worked in a few films at the very beginning of his career and later transitioned to television. He has been among the main faces of television for three decades now, and he still pulls the audience towards any project that he stars in.
What makes Faysal Quraishi different from his contemporaries is his ability to pick scripts based on their stories. He doesn’t have to look like a millionaire CEO every time. He has played older characters when he was young. He has taken on characters that many were scared to take on. Faysal has appeared in around 200 projects in his career. Here is a list of dramas that prove he is the king of versatility and no one does it better than him:
Boota From Toba Tek Singh
Boota From Toba Tek Singh is where it all started for Faysal Quraishi. He became a household name. A character so different from his real life, Boota put him on the map. The story of a rural man still lives rent-free in the minds of Faysal Quraishi fans. He was not having a great run in films when Toba came into his life, and here is where the star’s journey started.
Meri Zaat Zarra e Benishan
Meri Zaat Zarra e Benishan is a difficult watch. It was never going to end gloriously for Faysal Quraishi’s character. He was at the top of his career when he decided to work on that show. He was playing a weak man who was not able to trust his love. He made her suffer all her life. Faysal not only picked up that role but also made it believable. Though Meri Zaat Zarra e Benishan did not have a conventional hero, Faysal chose to become a part of a classic.
Man o Salwa
Man o Salwa is another classic starring names like Resham, Nauman Ijaz and Faysal Quraishi. It is another strong script, and Faysal was an integral part of it. He was a lead but an anti-lead. The actor knows how to make us hate him. His character held the power to shape how the story ends, and he did not miss his strong performance in a single scene. All Faysal Quraishi and Nauman Ijaz fans should give this one a try.
Aashti
Aashti was a drama that was way ahead of its time. For those who have not witnessed this masterpiece, this show has Humayun Saeed, Fahad Mustafa, Faysal Quraishi and Resham together. It was based on the lives of the Bengali community and something that makers do not even think of making nowadays. Close to reality and performances that will make you forget who these stars are, Aashti is a show you will enjoy. Faysal also played a Bengali man and once again gave his 100%.
Qaid e Tanhai
Qaid e Tanhai stars Faysal Quraishi and Savera Nadeem. A very sensitive story that will stay with you for a while. Faysal Quraishi played the father of Neelam Muneer when he was very young. The OST of this drama is still a hit. Another performance where half the time you will hate Faysal, while you will feel for him for the other half.
Main Abdul Qadir Hoon
Main Abdul Qadir Hoon is an iconic drama. It showed how capable Fahad Mustafa was, but Faysal Quraishi also stole the show. He appeared in the special role of Faiz Rasul. The character became an instant hit. His jolly nature, the turns he brings in Abdul Qadir and the way he lit up the screen were a treat to watch. This shows how a smaller character can leave a lasting impact and more screentime does not equal more applause.
Bashar Momin
We get to see people complaining about angry and toxic heroes on our television screens. Danish Taimoor and Feroze Khan are both put into that category. But Faysal Quraishi is the one who actually set the trend with Bashar Momin. Half of these toxic characters can still not hold a candle to Bashar. Where Faysal Quraishi excelled was that he did not get stuck in that character. He kept experimenting and did many great roles after that.
Rang Laaga
Rang Laaga is another drama where Faysal Quraishi played an outrageous character. He keeps marrying, and he is a colourful character who you cannot even hate. He is flamboyant, out of control, and he was able to bring chemistry with all three actresses Saima Khan, Zhalay Sarhadi and Neelam Muneer. This shows his versatility as the same actor has played Neelam’s father very convincingly in Qaid e Tanhai when they were both very young.
Khaie
Khaie is a masterpiece that broke many barriers. It was an experiment in a time when dramas were only being shot in drawing rooms. Faysal Quraishi played a killer Chinar Khan, and people ended up falling in love with him. A strong story with a very strong cast, Khaie is one of Faysal Quraishi’s best works, with considerable re-watch value.
Raaja Rani
Raaja Raani is an ongoing project on Hum TV, featuring Faysal Quraishi and Hina Afridi. The show has received a lot of criticism, but Faysal Quraishi has taken on a unique role as a mentally challenged man who embodies childlike behavior. His mannerisms and portrayal of this condition are exceptional. Fans are eager to see where the story will lead, and once again, his acting has been outstanding.
Behroopia
Behroopia is a project in which Faysal Quraishi has set a remarkable record. He portrays Mikail, a character with multiple personality disorder, and has taken on eight different roles within the same drama. He has done an excellent job in each one, effectively highlighting this mental condition. Once again, the actor has demonstrated why he is regarded as the king of versatility.
Sabz Pari Laal Kabootar
Sabz Pari Laal Kabootar is a dark story. This comes highly recommended from one of the cast members, Sami Khan. The drama shows the harsh realities of our society and how economic problems can push people to extremes. Faysal Quraishi’s character is based on a real-life story where a father slaughtered his daughters.
Faysal Quraishi’s career demonstrates that he has never been limited to just playing glamorous hero roles. He has consistently supported strong characters, even while being a star himself. He has taken on negative roles, and he shows no signs of slowing down. His filmography serves as a lesson to young actors who are often confined to playing wealthy characters in suits and driving luxury vehicles.
Which one of these Faysal Quraishi dramas is your all-time favorite? Share your thoughts.
