Pakistani stars have faced a hierarchical system in the industry. Many actors and actresses have spoken about it from time to time. Artists are often categorised and typecast from then on. They are not allowed to showcase their talents in other categories. A supporting star will only play supporting roles, and an actor who excelled in a negative character will only get offered negative roles. Even lead stars get similar characters one after the other, and artists are not allowed to experiment with their roles and showcase their range.
Some Pakistani stars, like Imran Ashraf, get that breakout role and shine in lead characters. Imran Ashraf broke from supporting to lead category when he played Bhola in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi. Since then, more actors and actresses have reached the coveted lead position, and some great new faces are here to stay.
Ali Raza
Ali Raza is a young Pakistani star who started his career in modelling. He has appeared in several projects and has been discerning in his script choices. He was widely noticed for his role in Mohabbat Gumshuda Meri. From then on, he appeared as a lead. In Noor Jahan, people liked his role. He was able to win the audience with a small appearance in Duniyapur. He became a household name, however, when he played the politician Shahnawaz Shah in Iqtidar. Ali Raza is now a heartthrob who has successfully joined the most loved young stars, and his fans are looking forward to more from his side.
Nameer Khan
Nameer Khan is another young Pakistani star who has managed to win hearts in a very short time. He planned out his moves to pursue his passion for acting. He started his career with a debut as Rayyan Jaffar in Mein in 2023, where people noticed his presence. His second appearance as Ammar Bakhtiyar in Qarz e Jaan turned him into an overnight star. He was able to become a lead in his very second project and proved himself with his hard work. His next appearance will be in Main Manto Nahi Hoon, and his fans are eagerly waiting for his arrival.
Shuja Asad
Shuja Asad is another Pakistani star who gained popularity recently. He has worked hard to get to this point, and he has faced rejections along the way. Shuja is now among the actors whom fans look forward to watch on their screens. His role as Barlas Khan in Khaie made him a fan favourite. He chose to play even more diverse characters after that in dramas like Aye Ishq e Junoon and Tan Man Neelo Neel. The actor will be appearing alongside Kubra Khan next.
Momina Iqbal
Momina Iqbal is one of the rising stars of the Pakistani entertainment industry, steadily carving out a place for herself since her debut in 2018. Despite entering a competitive field, she has faced her fair share of struggles and proven her mettle through persistence and passion. Over the years, she has transformed into a dependable and bankable actress. She is equally committed to her styling, often receiving praise for her elegant and relatable on-screen looks. Her recent drama Do Kinaray is a testament to her growing star power; the audience has increasingly begun tuning in specifically for her, highlighting the loyalty she commands.
Hina Afridi
Hina Afridi is another new entrant in Pakistani dramas. She started her career as a model and is now appearing in dramas. She was noticed when she played her first supporting role in Pehli Si Mohabbat. She has since started appearing in lead roles. She was seen as the main lead in Raja Rani, and now she will be seen opposite Imran Ashraf and Zaviyar Nauman Ijaz in Ghulam, Badshah, Sundari.
Anika Zulfikar
Anika Zulfikar is a new Pakistani star who has worked her way up to starring in dramas. She worked in theatre and music videos in Canada. She appeared in several YouTube videos with Shahveer Jafry. She came to Pakistan and started her journey in dramas. She was noticed in Namak Haram as the sister of Sarah Khan. She went on to play a beautiful character in Qarz e Jaan. She will soon appear as a lead in Geo’s Uraan and another drama with Muneeb Butt.
Reham Rafiq
Reham Rafiq is another rising Pakistani star who is multi-talented and passionate about her craft. She started her acting career with the film Khel Khel Mein. She went on to star in several dramas. She played negative characters in shows like Kaffara and Judwa, but her stint as Amal Suleman in Parwarish is what has put her on the map. The audience is loving her, and she has successfully transitioned into one of the main characters in the drama, which is driving the story.
Laiba Khan
Laiba Khan is a new-age Pakistani star, and she has worked from the grassroots. She has performed in supporting roles, and now she is a highly loved leading star. Her dramas Kaffara and Aas Paas broke viewership records and cemented her position as a new-age heroine.
Fajr Sheikh
Fajr Sheikh is an actress who started her career in theatre. She is an experienced theatre actressand she has now transitioned to television. Her stint in Qarz e Jaan has put her on the map. Fans are loving her, and her strong performance became the reason for her new position, both in the drama industry and in the hearts of fans.
Agha Talal
Agha Talal is a rising Pakistani actor. He is still relatively new to the drama industry. Although he has appeared in other projects, his role as Shaheer in Do Kinaray grabbed attention. He plays the second lead in the drama and has done a fabulous job. His character shifts from obsessive to evil, and he portrays both sides convincingly.
Which Pakistani celebrity, in your opinion, nailed their career shift? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
