Hania Aamir is among the top leading actresses of Pakistan right now. She is a star not just in Pakistan but internationally as well after the mega success of her drama Mere Humsafar. Hania is known for her bubbly and fun personality and she loves hanging out with her friends whenever she travels. Hania was in Manchester and she shared some pictures with her fans on Instagram.
Hania Aamir shared pictures where she was wearing a one-shoulder top. She had her hair in a ponytail while her face was free of makeup. She was flaunting her dimple while she clicked the pictures. Here are the clicks that went viral:
Hania Aamir has also gotten a very cute tattoo which she shared with the fans:
The public is not too happy with Hania’s choice of outfit and she came under a lot of scrutiny. This is what people are saying after the pictures went viral:
For the past many years, we have been waiting to watch Pakistani dramas that diverged from the conventional family politics narrative. The year 2023 proved to be the year when the producers and writers finally introduced new themes in Pakistani dramas. This pivotal year became synonymous with innovation as the industry ventured beyond the familiar, giving viewers who want to watch such dramas enough options to choose from.
All of these attempts were not successful but they can definitely be regarded as a much-needed step in the right direction. These dramas broadened the scope of Pakistani dramas and few of them were exceptionally well-executed as well.
Empowered and Nuanced Female Characters
The bechariaurat has been sold to viewers for many years now. This trend became a norm and even the producers defended it multiple times. The writers were also convinced that the viewers wanted to see women suffering in dramas. We only got to watch strong female characters every now and then. This year, the most refreshing change had to be many empowered female characters in dramas in leading and supporting roles. These characters were layered, well-written and quite a few of them were inspirational as well.
The viewers watched these empowered female characters taking charge of their destinies, breaking barriers, and challenging societal expectations. Their journeys were realistic and each one of them redefined the term empowerment in their own way. This refreshing development is an important step towards a more inclusive and representative era in storytelling, where the richness of women’s experiences is celebrated and acknowledged with the prominence it deserves.
Razia from the mini-series Razia, Zimal from Neem, Shamim and Ayesha from Kabli Pulao, Sofia and Alia from Kuch Ankahi and so many more represented empowered women from different walks of life.
Complex and Unorthodox Male Characters
This year there has been a notable and commendable shift in the portrayal of male characters as well, redefining the very essence of what constitutes a ‘hero.’ While there were still many dramas that banked on the rich and spoiled brats as heroes, there were many others with atypical heroes who possessed distinctive qualities that set them apart. These heroes presented a more diverse and layered representation of masculinity.
Haji Mushtaq from Kabli Pulao definitely takes the lead in this regard since as an unconventional hero he received more love and appreciation than any other. There were many other such characters shown in supporting roles as well. Mannu from Razia, Jeevan Nagar’s Babbar Shah, and a majority of the male characters in Meher Mah fall in the same category as well. Gulzar is another such male lead from Idiot.
Unusual and Meaningful Love Stories
Every story and plot in Pakistani dramas has always had a love story or stories of some kind. However, we rarely get to watch love stories that deviate from the norm. This year, for a change, there were multiple such tracks in dramas. These stories were unlike any other we have seen on our screens before.
The story of young love took center stage in Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri, Haji Mushtaq, Barbeena and Shamim’s love triangle From Kabli Pulao, Shazil, Zimal, and Ashhad’s track was another one which deserves a mention here and then there is Tumharey Husn Ke Naam which has presented an old school love story. Qadar and Hammad’s track from Tinkay Ka Sahara is another example of how love stories were redefined in dramas this year.
I must say that this trend started gradually but it definitely reached its pinnacle this year.
Redefining the Role of Police Officers
This year, we got to see a more diverse, nuanced, and positive representation of police officers in Pakistani dramas. For the longest time, police officers have been stereotyped in our dramas but this year we got to witness multiple such characters which were either a nuanced or a positive representation.
Interestingly enough, there were also multiple dramas in which these officers either played one of the leading roles or were important supporting characters that stood out for all the right reasons. Jhok Sarkar, Pinjra, Tinkay Ka Sahara, Gunah, and many other dramas showed a different side of police officers.
Stories Revolving around Children
In Pakistani dramas, mental health, both in a general context and specifically concerning children, has been a subject that received minimal attention over the years. Despite the fact that some of this year’s dramas that centered around this crucial subject did not fully meet expectations, they undeniably served as platforms to initiate important discussions.
Pinjra definitely tops the list because it attempted to highlight different aspects of mental health and highlighted many parental pitfalls. Idiot addresses more or less the same issue among many others. Daur and Apney Hee Tou Hein were two other dramas this year that had important tracks revolving around children. Mayi Ri would fall into the same category as well even though it failed to do justice to the theme.
Final Remarks
This shift in themes and trends suggests a growing awareness among the producers and storytellers. They understand the need to explore a broader range of subjects that resonate with a more diverse audience. Green TV Entertainment definitely played the leading role in breaking these barriers. However, we still have a long way to go since many of these dramas lacked entertainment and engagement value and some of them even lost the plot in the middle.
Which themes and trends in 2023 Pakistani dramas did you find most refreshing? Share your thoughts.
Mere Paas Tum Ho was a story that touched many hearts. It was the biggest hit in television history when it released and people still croon to its OST and love the drama. The characters Danish, Mehwish and Shehwar played by Humayun Saeed, Ayeza Khan and Adnan Siddiqui are etched into people’s memories. They still hate Mehwish and cry for what Danish went through. The drama has been translated in other languages and aired in different countries due to its impact.
Ali Sufian Wasif is a famous YouTuber and he is loved by many for his comic yet hitting pieces. He recently gave an interview to Ahmed Ali Butt on his podcast and he opened up about his divorce.
References of Mere Paas Tum Ho came in when Ahmed Ali Butt lightly asked if his ex got a Humayun Saeed type man and left him and he said that it was a similar situation and Ahmed then replaced Humayun’s name with Adnan’s as it was Shehwar who took the girl away in Mere Paas Tum Ho.
Ali sent good wishes to his ex-wife and said that he prays that she always remains happy wherever she is. Here is what was revealed on the show:
Famous Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and brilliant Pakistani cricketer Babar Azam are making headlines on social media because of their fans who are expressing their desire for them to get married. Social media posts suggest that supporters of both celebrities are hoping for a marriage similar to that of Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Hania Aamir & Babar Azam Edit
Fans are editing Hania Aamir and Babar Azam in the videos. They have also edited a picture of Hania Aamir which she took with Wahaj Ali during their drama shoot Mujhe Pyar Hua Tha. Here is the edited version of the picture:
Fans Root for Hania and Babar
Fans are commenting on Hania Aamir’s posts about Babar Azam. They are also informing her about Babar Azam quitting the captaincy. A few fans are calling Hania Aamir “Bhabi”. Fans say that Hania Aamir and Babar Azam will make a perfect couple.
Hania’s Viral Video Clip
In Fahad Mustafa’s show Hania Aamir chose Babar Azam as the cutest cricketer. Hania Aamir was asked about the cricketer who looks more cute than her and she answered Babar Azam. Here is Hania Aamir’s viral video about Babar Azam.
Hania Aamir and Babar Azam’s Stance
Hania Aamir has said that Babar Azam is like her brother. She rebuffed the rumors by posting about Babar Azam on Threads. Hania Aamir wrote, “Babar Bhai Hay Bro”. Babar Azam is quiet on these rumours. PCT fans are reporting that he’s set to marry his cousin this year.
Aliza Sehar is a young, famous and talented Pakistani social media celebrity. She has gained fame through her amazing YouTube videos. She rose to fame as a “Village Vlogger”. She showed the simple and beautiful Pakistani rural life to the audience which was liked by Aliza’s fans. Aliza Sehar’s videos gained views in millions and she has 1.3 million plus YouTube subscribers.
Last month, YouTuber Aliza Sehar’s chatting video was leaked on social media by her alleged friend. Fans supported her in the controversy. Now, the YouTuber is happily married. She has just gotten married in an intimate family gathering. The pictures and videos from her wedding functions are doing rounds on social media. Fans are praying for Aliza for staring a new chapter of her life. Here we have collected pictures and videos from her Mehndi ceremony and another function. Have a look at the pictures:
Shahida Mini is a popular Pakistani singer and actor. She has sung many famous songs. Her song “Sasu Mangay Kukri ” was one of her hit songs. She has also done acting for films. The singer was also famous for her brilliant dance performances in Award shows. She is also known for her powerful live singing. She got the title of Melody Queen from Madam Noor Jahan.
Lately, the actress appeared in the show where she revealed her age. She also said that women get young after their thirties, they get younger after forties and they get even younger after fifties. Talking about her age, she said, “I am forty plus, MashaAllah, Alhamdullilah, people don’t tell their age”. She said that she’s lucky that she doesn’t look older. Here is the link to the video:
Fans are passing hilarious comments on her statement regarding her age. They are saying that Shahida Mini is not uttering the truth about her age. A social media user wrote, “I have been watching her since my childhood and now I am turning forty soon. Read the comments:
Hina Altaf and Agha Ali’s divorce rumors created a buzz on social media, the rumours were further intensified by Agha Ali’s solo trip to Europe. Despite the speculations, both actors have chosen not to address the rumors. However, their fans are eagerly waiting for a statement from the actors regarding their current relationship status. Fans are also urging the actors to break their silence and clarify the situation.
Recently, on an Agha Ali’s latest post, a fan asked clarification from him on the general public perception regarding him after his divorce. She also conveyed the feelings of people about him after his divorce rumours. The fan wrote, “Aagha I was a big fan of you and I don’t understand why people call you the red flag ! Need clarification”.
To the questions of fan, Aagha Ali replied, “who people? The ones who don’t even know who I am or what I am ? People will always try to bring you down… the world is full of insecurities, jealousy and that’s sad but is the truth. I don’t pay attention to such people and neither should you. Always trust your gut and believe in your own experiences. Much love. Here is the screenshot of the post:
Syeda Tuba Anwar is a gorgeous and famous Pakistani host and television actor. People know her because of her marriage with famous Pakistani television host Dr. Aamir Liaquat Hussain, who has now passed away. Tuba Anwar debuted in acting through her former husband and made a substantial name in it. She has so far acted in numerous TV dramas like “Dil Pe Zakhm Khaye Hain,” “Bichoo,” “Baby Baji,” “Bharaas,” and more. Her recent drama Baylagaam is also doing good and viewers are liking her acting skills.
The gorgeous Tuba Anwar celebrates her birthday in November, today, on November 16th, she cut her birthday cake with her close friends and family. Tuba Anwar also shared cute clicks from her intimate birthday celebration. She also cut a cake on the set of her ongoing drama, “Baylagaam.” Here we have gathered the beautiful pictures from Syeda Tuba Anwar’s simple and gorgeous birthday bash:
Merub Ali is a new addition to the Pakistani drama industry. She made a strong debut in Sinf e Aahan where people loved her and she went on to do some other big productions like Paristaan and Wabaal. She is engaged to superstar Asim Azhar and their pair as a whole always receives a lot of love and support from the fans. She has not been too active in the drama industry for some time now but we get to see a lot of content from Merub Ali on social media.
Merub was off to beautiful Phuket as she is taking a vacation in Thailand. She is always sure to share her great moments with her fans and she has shared some really cute pictures. Merub looked lovely in some casual style and she seems to have a good time on her vacation. Here are some beautiful clicks of Merub Ali from Phuket:
Maya Ali is beautiful, talented and she is slowly becoming a fashion icon. She knows what suits her body and she wears stuff that inspires others. Maya is also very talented and she has been a part of some really good projects, her latest Yunhi won many hearts and hit the best notes. The actress is also a favourite for the designers as she knows how to carry an outfit with the required oomph and style. We saw her in a dramatic campaign for Muse alongside Hamza Ali Abbasi and she used the moment for another trend.
Maya hopped on the bandwagon and created the viral Just Looking Like A Wow video. Many stars from Bollywood and Hollywood have recreated the trend. Here is the original video that went viral.
Jaisay Aapki Marzi has exposed all the narcissists out there who always end up playing victims after destroying several lives. We have till now seen all that Sherry has done to Alizey and her family and looks like Natasha is all set to replicate the same now. Natasha is played by Kiran Malik and she has nailed the character. Natasha has now found her own husband aka puppet aka Meerab. The wedding finally took place and she has brought Meerab to her home.
Ali Safina is a perfect Meerab and he is conflicted about the behaviour happening right now. He is being belittled by Natasha over and over again and she is not respecting his wishes or his family. Fans obviously want to see Meerab taking a stand against this but nothing of that sort has happened till now.
Here is how people are loving the Natasha-Meerab track and both of them stole the show this week in Jaisay Aapki Marzi:
Behroze Sabzwari is a legend of the Pakistani drama industry. He has been working in showbiz for 40 years now and his whole family is full of stars. His wife’s brothers Javed Sheikh and Saleem Sheikh are stars. The nephew and niece Shahzad Sheikh and Momal Sheikh are big names while Behroze’s own son and daughter in law, Shahroz and Sadaf are also established celebrities. His ex-daughter-in-law Syra Yousuf is one of the top leading ladies. Thus he is surrounded by stars from his family’s side.
Behroze Sabzwari is now a grandfather as well. Shahroz is blessed to have two daughters, Nooreh Shahroz and Zahra Shahroz. Behroze Sabzwari talks a lot about them and he has always loved to share how close their family is.
He was a guest on Mazaq Raat and he shared how his bond is with his grandbabies. He said that his grandchildren are like multi-vitamins for him. The energy and love they both brought in his life is unparalleled. He is very attached to both the girls and he always expresses his love openly for both.
The father of the nation, Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah is considered one of the biggest leaders and politicians by the world. He managed to carve out this beautiful country for us and we got independence from British rule. Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had a very charismatic personality. People used to accept everything he said even in a foreign language that they may not understand. Though Quaid could not lead this country as he left this mortal world soon after independence, his sayings and teachings are still a foundation for this nation and a benchmark to follow.
Quaid e Azam had a distinct speaking style. Though not many clips of his speeches are available, people can still recognize his style and voice as soon as it hits their ears. Here is how Quaid used to deliver his addresses:
Zahid Ahmed is a versatile star and his voice is very famous. He has worked in radio which has given him a beautiful control over his powerful voice. The actor has also worked for theatre, dramas and films and he manages to impress the audience everytime. We will be seeing him soon in Gentleman.
He was a guest on Mazaq Raat and he replicated the style of Quaid e Azam in a perfect way. He revealed that he has been lucky enough to lend voice to Quaid e Azam’s message two times and he performed that live for people on Mazaq Raat.
Here is Zahid Ahmed perfectly replicating father of the nation’s style. Check out:
Aliza Sehar is a popular Pakistani YouTuber. She has gained fame as a “Village Vlogger” by showcasing the beauty of Pakistan’s beautiful rural life. Fans like Aliza’s unique approach of showing the village lifestyle. Aliza Sehar is a competent YouTuber who started producing engaging content which gave her a global recognition and huge following. Aliza Sehar has 1.3 million YouTube subscribers and fans love her vlogs.
Last month, YouTuber Aliza Sehar made headlines on social media because of her unexpected controversy. A private video of the YouTuber was leaked by her alleged friend. The YouTuber Aliza Sehar has recently gotten married in an intimate family gathering. The pictures and videos from her Nikkah are doing rounds on social media. Here we have gathered maximum pictures and videos from her beautiful Nikkah celebration. Have a look at the pictures first:
Here are the beautiful videos from Aliza Sehar’s Nikkah ceremony:
Pakistani entertainment industry always promote the amazing young talent especially. Lately, the talk shows are providing chances to the young Pakistani talented people to showcase their talent. Lately, a video from the famous show Mazaqraat is doing rounds on social media in which a girl is beautifully singing famous Pakistani song in her beautiful voice.
In the video, a girl from the crowd announced that she will sing the OST of Imran Ashraf’s drama Raqs E Bismil. She sang “Kadi Aa Mil Sanwal Yaar We” in her beautiful voice. Zahid Ahmed and Imran Ashraf could be seen stunned to hear her amazing voice. Watch the video:
Fans are liking her voice so much. They are showering praise to the talented singer. Mostly fans are suggesting her to pursue singing as a professional career. Fans also loved the pain in her voice. A few fans said that they want to hear more songs in her voice. Read the comments:
Humaima Malick is a brilliant Pakistani television and film actor. She is known for portraying the challenging characters with excellence. Her notable dramas are Akbari Asghari and Ishq, Junoon, Deewangi. Last year, Humaima Malick garnered huge praise and recognition for her role in the hit Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt. She played the character of Darro Nathni in it. Fans loved her amazing acting skills. She also chose a very unique and different script for making a comeback on television. Jindo was her pick for television after many years. The drama airs on Green Entertainment. Fans are loving Humaima Malick’s impeccable performance in Jindo.
Today, Humaima Malick has posted stories from her close friend Harris Shah’s intimate birthday party which was attended by Humaima Malick. Humaima reached her friend’s house and celebrated his birthday. She also wrote a heartwarming note for her friend. Here we have gathered the pictures and her beautiful note. Have a look at the screenshots:
Yashma Gill is a famous Pakistani television actor. She is admired for her brilliant acting skills. Yashma Gill has appeared in notable Pakistani dramas. She became a prominent name after delivering an excellent performance in Hum TV’s famous drama Pyar ke Sadqay. Fans liked her character as Shanzay in it. Yashma Gill’s other popular dramas are Ab Dekh Khuda Kya Karta Hay, Bebak and Kis Din Mera Viyah Howay Ga. Her recent hit serial was for the ARY Digital network. Fans liked her acting in Tere Ishq Ke Naam. Yashma Gill is admired because of her acting and her flawless beauty. Lately, the actress threw a star studded birthday bash which was liked by her fans.
Lately, a video of Yashma Gill is doing rounds on social media from the UK in which she is dancing on the famous Bollywood song Tere Wastay. She is also wearing a very bold outfit. First watch her video:
Fans didn’t like her outfit and her dance. They are angry at Yashma Gill. Fans said that it was unexpected to Yashma Gill dancing like this. Fans are criticizing Pakistani media stars for losing their grace and decency day by day. A social media user wrote, “even girls in the UK don’t dress up like this”. Fans are saying that showbiz celebrities should think about the situation in Palestine and should stay calm for a few days. Read the comments:
Hassan Ali is a popular and talented Pakistani cricketer. He is a fast bowler. Hassan has been representing team Pakistan for many years. Hassan Ali has contributed to many Pakistani wins including the 2017 Champions Trophy victory. The ace bowler also takes part in cricket leagues including PSL. Lately, he was in India where he spent quality time with his in-laws. He also played for team Pakistan in the World Cup 2023 Matches.
Hassan Ali’s wife Samyah Khan shared a lot of pictures with her family during her memorable stay in India. She has once again posted pictures with her daughter Halena and her sister Kesar Khan. Here we have gathered the pictures for you. Have a look at the pictures:
Amar Khan is a brilliant Pakistani television and film actor and writer. She is the daughter of ace Pakistani actress Fariha Jabeen who has been working in the media industry for decades. Fariha Jabeen is known for portraying challenging roles.
Lately, both Fariha Jabeen and Amar Khan appeared in The Knock Knock Show hosted by Mohib Mirza. In the show Fariha Jabeen talked about her dreams about her daughter. Talking about her struggling life and raising her daughter, Fariha Jabeen said, “I was a C-class actress, it is a known fact, I know this, I remained a C class actor so that I could give my daughter a good life and an A class status. I was never worried about my clothes, my fashion and styling but wanted my daughter to study properly. I was waiting for the day my daughter will complete her studies” Amar Khan said that her mother’s biggest wish was to hear her speaking English on the tv shows.
Fans are praising Fariha Jabeen for her resilience , hardwork and dedication. A social media user wrote, “you are an A class actor”. Read all the comments:
Amar Khan has surely made her mother proud through her iconic performances and brilliant work.
Marriage is work. When young people tie the knot, they are generally fantasizing about this relationship and think that a fairy tale is waiting for them ahead but that is generally not the case. Fazila Qazi and Kaiser Khan Nizamani are a couple that we have always loved and they have navigated their marriage beautifully.
Kaiser was a guest on Nida Yasir’s show and shared his opinion and advice on how to have a successful marriage. He revealed that there are three important things that makes a marriage long lasting and they are giving space to each other in your new relationship, having stable financials as finances are very important in one’s life and lastly to draw lines in your relationship, certain boundaries that should never be crossed.
This is what he said:
He also explained what giving space to your spouse means. He said that if your spouse likes to do something that you don’t want to, just giving them the independence to pursue their hobby is also giving space. All these things are important for a long lasting relationship.
The year 2023 proved to be especially lucky for some of the already-known and accomplished Pakistani actors. Some of the actors who recently started their journey also managed to dominate the Pakistani drama scene owing to the choices they made and obviously their talent. The rise in the stardom of these stars was unprecedented in 2023 when compared to the rest of their acting journey. Being part of a single popular drama can sometimes do wonders for actors. Some of the names on this list garnered popularity not just in Pakistan but also across the border. It is always great witnessing actors who have worked hard being rewarded in the form of wide public appreciation.
This list contains the names of those Pakistani actors who were the talk of the town in 2023. There were so many exceptional performances in Pakistani dramas this year but all of them did not get the appreciation and recognition by the public that these actors got.
Here is a list of those Pakistani actors who dominated the year 2023:
Wahaj Ali
Wahaj Ali’s popularity skyrocketed owing to Tere Bin’s popularity. Murtasim was the talk of the town and Wahaj’s performance was widely appreciated. Even though Wahaj Ali played a more challenging role with the utmost precision in Jo Bichar Gaye last year, Tere Bin proved to be the game-changer for him. His on-screen chemistry with Yumna Zaidi definitely added to the appeal. I must say that personally, I am genuinely happy for Wahaj because he truly deserves the success he got in 2023.
Yumna Zaidi
Yumna Zaidi is a well-established actress who has played quite a few challenging characters in her career. However, the popularity she received as Meerab was simply unprecedented. Playing the lead in Tere Bin was perhaps the best decision made by Yumna who usually opts for more artsy projects. Her stardom is on the rise at a time when most of us thought we had seen the pinnacle of her popularity. Just like Wahaj Ali, Tere Bin proved to be the drama that gave Yumna’s career a new life.
Sabeena Farooq
From getting hatred and being trolled for Tere Bin to being showered with love for Kabli Pulao; Sabeena’s journey in 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride! The year 2023 definitely proved to be a paradigm shift in Sabeena Farooq’s career. She won the viewers over with her portrayal of Barbeena right from the start and continues to enthrall the audience. Sabeena Farooq’s acting journey is off to a brand new start owing to her role and performance in Kabli Pulao.
Muhammad Ehteshamuddin
The way Muhammad Ehteshamuddin won praise and appreciation for his performance in Kabli Pulao serves as a testament to the notion that actors do not have a shelf life. He redefined the term ‘hero’ and did so with the utmost precision. Haji Mushtaq will be remembered for a long time largely due to Muhammad Ehteshamuddin’s impeccable performance.
Aina Asif
Aina Asif was part of two major serials this year. She played an important supporting character in Pinjra and she played the leading role in Mayi Ri. Mayi Ri turned out to be the drama that skyrocketed Aina Asif’s popularity. Her character and performance remained the center of attention even after the drama went off air. The controversial aspect of the drama in a way contributed to her success.
Samar Jaffri
Samar Jaffri is another young actor who got recognition like never before when he played the leading role in Mayi Ri. An actor who had been struggling to be recognized became a household name and dominated drama discussions on social media platforms. This drama definitely opened up more opportunities for these young actors.
Javeria Saud
Sometimes a negative character gives a certain actor more popularity than everything else that they have done in their entire career. This year the character Javeria Saud played in Baby Baji was one such example. The viewers hated the character but loved how well Javeria Saud translated it on-screen.
Samina Ahmed
Samina Ahmed is another actress who has been around for decades yet she continues to impress, enthrall, and dominate the drama scene. This year she played the role of the main protagonist in the soap serial Baby Baji. The viewers rooted and felt for Baby Baji because of Samina Ahmed’s apt portrayal. She was one of the few most talked about leading characters this year.
Rabia Butt
Rabia Butt’s performance in Gunah and Jeevan Nagar was widely appreciated for all the right reasons. In terms of popularity, Rabia Butt definitely outshone all the other co-actors in both these projects. Rabia has also been choosing the projects she is a part of carefully which has added more substance to her standing as an actor.
Nadia Afgan
Nadia Afgan is another exceptional actor who has given many phenomenal performances in the past as well. Her role and performance in Kabli Pulao this year was another feather in her cap which won the viewers over completely. This list will be incomplete without her.
Final Remarks
The names in the list prove that sometimes a single drama can change the way the public perceives an actor. Such popularity also puts added pressure and responsibility on these actors to deliver in the future as well. Right now, Kiran Malik and Mikaal Zulfiqar are on top of their game and strong contenders for this list with their outstanding performances in Jaisay Aapki Marzi. However, I would like to see more of them before giving the final verdict.
Please share your thoughts and feel free to add more names to the list.
Sahiba was one of the top actresses in Pakistani films back when the Pakistani film industry was standing on its feet. She is the daughter of a legendary actress and she is also a wife to a superstar. Sahiba married Rambo at the peak of her career and she later on did not work a lot as she was giving time to her kids. Sahiba and Rambo’s love story and successful marriage is quoted by everyone as they have been together for a long time now.
Sahiba was a guest on Imran Ashraf’s Mazaq Raat and she shared for the very first time that Rambo is not actually her first love. She shared that yes, she left acting and her work after she married Rambo but he was not actually her first love. Sahiba and Rambo share two sons together.
She shared that her first love was showbiz and she always wanted to act but it was Rambo’s love and sincerity which made her say goodbye to her first love. She added that she knew that Rambo is the person who will always love her and will take care of her.
Showbiz is a world of glitz and glamour. The stars are loved by millions and fans always want to meet their favourite stars, spend time with them and learn more and more about their style, beauty and work. There are certain times when many of people’s favourite stars come together on one stage, either that is for awards or there is some event and one such event happened last night in Karachi when many divas were spotted together.
Iqra Aziz, Sadaf Kanwal, Azekah Daniel and many others joined in for Azure’s store opening last night in Karachi. All of them were dressed in their casual chic and gave a light to the opening. Fans like always were delighted to spot so many stars together. Here are some of your favourite starlets at Azure’s store opening last night:
Mannat Murad is a drama that everyone is loving. It has a fresh pair in the lead, something that always pulls eyeballs. Two young stars Iqra Aziz and Talha Chahour are playing Mannat and Murad and people love their chemistry as well as the side plotting that is happening from the families. After ups and downs, the lead pair finally got hitched and the story will move towards new challenges now.
The wedding sequence of Mannat Murad aired last night and we got to see some resemblances to a very beautiful real life celebrity couple’s wedding and it is none other than Saboor Aly and Ali Ansari.
Here are some parallels from Mannat Murad’s reel wedding to Saboor and Ali’s real wedding:
The Dress:
Iqra wore the same Faiza Saqlain outfit as Mannat which Saboor Aly wore for her Nikkah. Talha’s sherwani was different thought but we could see some style inspiration.
The Venue:
The wedding venue looked heavily inspired by Saboor’s Nikkah venue. People loved Saboors’ Nikkah decorations and looks like Mannat Murad makers also got inspired.
Wedding Shoot:
Mannat and Murad’s wedding shoot also had a similar vibe to Saboor Aly and Ali Ansari’s. Check out the happy vibes.
Mannat Murad’s Wedding:
Enjoy Mannat and Murad’s beautiful wedding shoot as they are finally married:
Saboor Aly is not too happy about her big day being blatantly copied in a drama. Here is what she said:
Cricketer Abdul Razzaq is a famous name from the yesteryear cricketers. He has played nicely for Pakistan and now we see him on different shows where he is generally giving his cricket analysis on games. He was a part of a recently held old cricketers presser on the recently concluded World Cup. Though the presser meant to target the captain Babar Azam’s performance, what came out of it was a misogynistic statement by Abdul Razzaq.
The cricketer had passed inappropriate comments about Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai which did not sit well with Pakistani netizens and they harshly criticized him on his choice of words.
Abdul Razzaq has now apologized for his comments. His fellow cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar had also clarified that Afridi did not listen to him when he uttered those words and Afridi later on suggested to him that he should apologize.
Here is Abdul Razzaq’s apology after a social media uproar:
Here is how the public is reacting to Abdul Razzaq’s apology on his comments:
Yashma Gill is a stunning and talented and Pakistani television actor. She is an extremely promising actor who has worked in numerous hit Pakistani dramas. Yashma Gill rose to fame through her drama serial Pyar ke Sadqay. Fans loved her as Shanzay in Pyar Ke Sadqay. Yashma Gill’s other famous dramas are Ab Dekh Khuda Kya Karta Hay, Bebak and Kis Din Mera Viyah Howay Ga. She also appeared in ARY Digital’s recent hit drama serial Tere Ishq Ke Naam. Yashma Gill is loved because of her brilliant acting and her flawless beauty.
In November, the actress celebrates her birthday. This year, Yashma Gill has thrown a grand birthday bash. She invited all the friends from the media including Hania Aamir, Ushna Shah, Mansha Pasha, Iqra Aziz, Yasir Hussain, Hira, Mani, Arisha Razi, Syeda Tuba and others. Here we have collected pictures for you:
Syed Jibran is a brilliant Pakistani actor. He has garnered fame through his iconic performances in hit dramas. His stellar acting is always loved by the television viewers. Fans admire his top notch acting performances. His recent talked-about dramas were Tarap, Jinzada, Darrar, Mere Humnasheen and Neem. Critics loved his performance in Darrar and Neem. In Neem, Syed Jibran has given an award winning performance as the evil Karamat.
Lately, Syed Jibran made an appearance in FHM’s podcast. In the podcast, he shared his experience of assisting in a C-section, in his final year.
Talking about it, he said, “I assisted a C-section. In my final year, I assisted two senior female doctors, I was on the suction pump. I was doing the job with dedication so that it will become easier for the doctors to operate it but the doctors were talking about the lawn suits and shopping and everything. I was super scared but they were pro at it. They were too seasoned and did their task brilliantly, I, then, did the stitching part. Here is the link to the interesting incident shared by Syed Jibran.
Former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq is making headlines for his inappropriate remarks for Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. Yesterday, in a live cricket show, he targeted PCB’s performance by quoting Aishwarya Rai Bachan in a wrong example. He said, “PCB and players need to keep their intentions pure in order to win the trophies, if they think that they will marry Aishwarya Rai and will get a pious generation, it will never gonna happen”. Remember that, Pakistanis are extremely angry on Razzaq’s inappropriate remarks for the brilliant Bollywood actress and they are commenting against it on all the social media platforms.
Today, Shahid Afridi has given his opinion on Abdul Razzaq’s comment as many of the viewers spotted him laughing on those remarks. Shahid Afridi said, “I felt scared yesterday, we were sitting in a conference where Razzaq was saying something, I didn’t hear what he exactly said and started laughing. In my mind, I was sure that he must have cracked some joke as per his nature but when I saw the clip, I felt really bad. I would now text Abdul Razzaq to say sorry on what he said”. Mushtaq Ahmed and Sina Pasha were of the view that the remarks were in bad taste and it should not have happened.
Shoaib Akhtar has also responded to the inappropriate comment. He said, “highly condemn the inappropriate joke/comparison made by Razzaq. No woman should be disrespected like this.
People seated beside him should have raised their voice right away rather than laughing & clapping”.
Syed Jibran is a highly talented and versatile Pakistani television and film actor. He is known for delivering outstanding performances in difficult negative roles. His popular dramas are Tarap, Jinzada, Darrar, and Mere Humnasheen, His excellent acting always leaves a mark. His role in the acclaimed serial Darrar earned widespread praise. In the latest Hum TV drama, Neem, his portrayal of Karamat has garnered immense public and critical acclaim.
Recently Syed Jibran was featured in FHM’s podcast where he addressed his divorce rumors for the first time.
He stated that those rumors about his divorce were baseless speculations, he said that his wife got angry on those hearsays and he had to calm her down. He also revealed that he was once scandalized with Sadia Imam during his early career, the newspaper wrote about their marriage but they were just the rumors. He said, “Now, after a long time, these divorce rumors came to light but this time the platform was different”. He said that everything is perfectly fine in his personal life. Here is the link to the video:
Sunita Marshall is an amazingly talented and gorgeous Pakistani fashion model and actor. She has performed in countless hit Pakistani drama serials. Currently, Sunita Marshall is being admired in her new hit dramas. Her hit dramas include Ghammand, Tum Jo Miley, Qaid E Tanhai, Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3, Mera Saeen, Pinjra and Baby Baji. Sunita Marshall is married to Pakistani actor Hassan Ahmed who has also made his substantial name after working in hit serials like Mushk, Babban Khala Ki Baitiyan and Baby Baji. Sunita Marshall and Hassan have two adorable kids. The adorable couple has a huge fan following on social media and fans love their family. Fans loved Sunita Marshall and Hassan in the hit soap serial Baby Baji as reel life couple as well.
Lately, Sunita Marshall treated fans with gorgeous new family photoshoot. She has also been posting her adorable solo clicks. Hassan Ahmed has also posted his new pictures. We collected a few new family pictures from Sunita Marshall and Hassan Ahmed’s official Instagram account. Have a look at the pictures:
Kiran Tabeir is a beautiful talent in the drama industry of Pakistan. She has done many projects in her career and people simply fell in love with her character Saeeda in Parizaad. In those times, she also got viral for her double role as Shiza and Fiza in a short series episode and it ended becoming one of the most famous memes of the meme world.
Kiran has recently become a mother to little Izzah and she had taken some time off from work since embracing motherhood. She shifted to Islamabad and that is where she is spending time with her daughter and giving her the care that she needs. She also loves to share a lot of pictures with her little one. Kiran Tabeir has once again shared some beautiful pictures with little one Izzah and here they are:
Reema Khan is the superstar of Pakistani film industry. She reigned over the film industry for a decade and later on successfully transitioned towards direction. Reema was an instant superhit with her debut film Bulandi alongside Shaan. The on-screen couple set the screens on fire and Reema Khan has not looked back since. People love her beauty, grace and the way she has handled herself in her long career.
Reema was a guest on PTV Home at Asim Yar Tiwana’s show and she talked about maintaining her career peak and being relevant over the decades. Reema Khan is still a star after three decades and people can still feel her stardom when she walks in on an event. She talked about how people today are not able to achieve the level of stardom that she had.
She said that she never says anything negative and that is not in her nature. But people actually loved stars back in the day as there was an air of mystery around them. Today stars are accessible to the public completely and that is what has killed the stardom that was present back in the day.
Usman Peerzada is one of the best talents to have come out of the industry. He is a writer, director, producer, actor and he also introduced many big names of the industry as he has an eye for gauging good talent. He is married to veteran star Samina Peerzada and they still make one of the biggest power couples in the industry.
Usman Peerzada was a guest on Fuchsia and he shared how he actually eloped at the time with Samina. The couple has been together for 50 years, married for 48 years and they are still going strong. Usman revealed that he was 21 and Samina was merely 17 when they got married. One day Samina asked him if they could get married that day and Usman said yes. They went to a mosque near their friend’s house and got Nikkahfied. They however, returned to their own homes with sweets. At first Samina’s mother was really angry but Usman called his mom to Karachi and she talked to Samina’s mother. They got properly married a few days later with the blessings of their families.
Here is what Usman Peerzada revealed:
He also gave valuable advice on how to save a marriage. Usman said that there will be disagreements between two people and that is fine. He shared that if you want to save the relationship then respect each other’s individuality and have forgiveness. He added that families from both sides also have to put in the effort to make a marriage successful.
These are his opinions:
Usman and Samina welcomed their first daughter after 12 years of marriage and he revealed what a miracle happened just before. They were shooting for a project while Samina Peerzada was expecting and they did not know. So, one day when they were coming back, Samina Peerzada sat in Usman’s car instead of the other she was travelling in and unfortunately that car got into an accident. After they came back from that, the couple found out that they were expecting their first child.
Rasikh Ismail Khan is a big name in the hospitality industry. He is also friends with many big stars in the entertainment industry and they are generally spotted at his establishments. It was his birthday and it ended up becoming a big star-studded event. Fans are always looking forward to seeing their favourite stars off-screen as they are in their natural element.
Many of these stars posted wishes for the birthday boy and shared some fun pictures they clicked at the celebration. We got to see Iqra Aziz, Yasi Hussain, Zhalay sarhadi, Umer Aalam and many other artists as they came to congratulate Rasikh on his birthday. Check out some of the birthday moments from the celebration:
Pakistani cricketers have been criticized in the past for not thinking before they speak multiple times and the latest one to put his foot in the mouth is none other than ex-cricketer Abdul Razzaq. Recently, Pakistan Cricket Team had a dismal performance in the World Cup 2023 and as is the tradition in Pakistan, old and new cricketers are grouping up to sit on live television and analyze performance of the captain and get him sacked from the position. One such big presser was held last night with big names from old times Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Abdul Razzaq and Misbah sitting together and giving their two cents.
Abdul Razzaq was also giving his analysis when he decided to launch himself on a misogynistic and embarrassing tirade and made some really inappropriate comments about Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai.
Here is what he thought would be appropriate to utter on a public platform:
Pakistani dramas have come a long way in the past few years. The year 2023 is drawing to a close and looking back at this year I can say with confidence that this was a productive year for the Pakistani drama industry. There were a number of remarkable dramas that broke stereotypes. Compiling a list of these noteworthy Pakistani dramas was, in itself, a testament to the revival of Pakistani television.
Not all of these dramas managed to stay true to the standard they set in the first 10 weeks or so therefore many of the dramas did not make it to the best list. However, since 2023 brought with it a diverse array of dramas that offered substance therefore I will be adding those Pakistani dramas in this list as well under a different subtitle.
The absolute best Pakistani dramas are obviously those that captivated audiences with their exceptional storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. These were the kind of dramas that transcended mere entertainment, leaving a lasting impression and perhaps even reshaping the landscape of the Pakistani dramas.
Here is the recap of Pakistani Dramas 2023:
Best Pakistani Dramas 2023
Jannat Se Aagay
Writer: Umera Ahmed Director: Haseeb Hassan Channel: Geo Entertainment
Jannat Se Aagay has made its way to the top of the list because of obvious reasons. It is the comeback by Umera Ahmed that most of us have been waiting for. Compelling storyline, unpredictable script, meaningful and most of all engaging right till the end – Jannat Se Aagay definitely deserves a spot on the top of this list for all these reasons. Apart from novelty and quality script, performances, etc. another aspect of this drama that cannot be overlooked is its entertainment value. Jannat Se Aagay was one such drama this year that has kept my interest alive and even now after all these weeks, I find myself looking forward to it more than any other drama.
Although Jannat Se Aagay is not picture perfect if you are a Umera Ahmed fan who loves her classic writing style, Jannat Se Aagay is a must-watch. I feel that a drama that starts out slow but picks up pace and momentum, later on, is better than dramas that start with a bang but lose their momentum after a few episodes.
Kabli Pulao
Writer: Zafar Mairaj Director: Kashif Nisar Channel: Green TV Entertainment
Kabli Pulao was one of those Pakistani dramas in 2023 that literally changed the entire dynamic of Pakistani dramas. Starting from its first episode right up till now Kabli Pulao broke stereotypes by providing the perfect entertainment for those viewers who prefer watching dramas that are out of the box. There is a reason why Kabli Pulao did not make it to the top of the list. I personally feel that the story lost its momentum in between and the over-emphasis on Ghaffar and Chammo made it difficult for me to sit through some of the episodes.
This drama, overall, has an exceptional storyline and script. Kashif Nisar has given impeccable treatment to Haji Mushtaq and Barbeena’s unusual love story. The phenomenal performances of the lead and supporting cast will also be remembered for a long time. Kabli Pulao definitely set the bar high and it could have been the absolute best had the producers kept it shorter and focused entirely on the main track.
Razia
Writer & Director: Mohsin Ali Channel: Express TV
Although Razia was a mini-series and not a drama serial it deserves to be on this list because of its impressive script and the impact it had on the audience. We have watched many dramas recently and in the past that highlighted the plight of women, Razia established a high precedent by addressing every minor and major problem faced by women in Pakistani society. The writer’s thought-provoking and no-nonsense approach definitely took us all by surprise. This script can easily be termed as the most pleasant and impactful surprise of 2023.
Even though Razia had some really strong contenders this year, it managed to stand out. Razia also brought forward new actors who left a lasting impression on the viewers. Razia is the story of resilience which should not be missed since it set a new trend for Pakistani dramas.
Jeevan Nagar
Writer: Awais Ahmed Director: Kashif Nisar Channel: Green TV Entertainment
Jeevan Nagar is another one of those 2023 Pakistani dramas that has managed to hold my interest up until now even though the story has taken so many unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes it is difficult to wrap my head around these unforeseen changes but they keep me coming back for more. Sohail Ahmed’s performance and Kashif Nisar’s direction are two of the most impressive features of the drama. Jeevan Nagar is a creation of the writer’s imagination; an out-of-the-box idea executed brilliantly by the director. This drama also makes the most of Sohail Ahmed’s exceptional acting skills. It is one of the few Green Entertainment dramas I still tune into and am never disappointed.
Sar-e-Rah
Writer: Adeel Razzaq Director: Ahmed Bhatti Channel: ARY Digital
Sar-e-Rah was one of those mini-series this year that proved to be a breath of fresh air. The writing, execution, and performances were on point throughout. Sar-e-Rah also had a brand new approach. Each episode had a new character that represented a specific section of the society. It is always great to watch dramas that empower women and Sar-e-Rah was one such attempt that was a success.
Saba Qamar’s exceptional performance and beautiful cinematography added to the overall appeal of Sar-e-Rah. Muneeb Butt also got a chance to showcase his variation as an actor through the role he played in this series. This mini-series proved that a streamlined and focused approach in the production of such issue-based Pakistani dramas can lead to a more potent and resonant storytelling experience.
Other Notable Pakistani Dramas 2023
There were many Pakistani dramas this year that brought with them novelty. These dramas revolved around subject matters that have rarely been of interest to writers and producers. Unfortunately, many of these dramas were over-stretched, leading to a failure in sustaining the viewers’ interest. While rounding off drama discussion this year these dramas surely deserve acknowledgment because of their content and certain other aspects. These dramas could have delivered but they fell short of expectations because of the reasons mentioned below:
Neem
Writer: Kashif Anwar Director: Shahzad Kashmiri Channel: Hum TV
Neem was an exceptional drama for almost 10 weeks and then it turned into a complete train wreck. Zimal’s decision to marry her husband off, the change in Shazil’s character, and Ashhad finding fortune were the worst twists and turns in a drama that could have been an all-out hit for many reasons. The writer had good intentions but he completely failed to keep the story on track after a few episodes. However, the good thing is that Neem ended on a good note.
It is rather unfortunate that a drama with a different script that set out to highlight the importance of education and educators went off track the way it did. However, Mawra Hocane deserves tons of appreciation for breathing life into Zimal. And after watching this serial, I am waiting to see more of Mawra and Ameer Gillani.
Pinjra
Writer: Asma Nabeel Director: Najaf Bilgrami Channel: ARY Digital
Pinjra was another one of those promising Pakistani dramas of 2023 that I watched with high hopes. This was Asma Nabeel’s last script which she was not able to complete therefore Pinjra’s script was completed by other writers. The first few episodes of the drama were fast-paced and the storyline was anything but run-of-the-mill. It showed how parental neglect and undue pressures on children affect their self-esteem and can have catastrophic consequences.
However, just like other ‘notable dramas’ from 2023, this one was stretched to a point that even an ardent follower such as myself lost interest and had to make a conscious effort to stay connected to the story. The drama also ended up being too dark and depressing. In my opinion, the purpose of this drama could have been fulfilled in a more effective manner if the makers decided to keep it short and to the point.
Kuch Ankahi
Writer: Mohammad Ahmed Director: Nadeem Baig Channel: ARY Digital
Kuch Ankahi was another Pakistani drama this year which aimed to provide quality entertainment. Just like Neem and Pinjra, the writer had the best intentions and Kuch Ankahi did manage to raise some interesting questions as well. It also defied many stereotypes right from the get-go. However, I personally felt that the writer’s attempt to highlight too many issues in a single drama fell flat.
Unlike Razia which managed to do so with precision, Kuch Ankahi left a lot to be desired. Apart from this, the repetition and the slow pace of this drama took away the entertainment factor. Despite my sincere efforts to follow Kuch Ankahi, the series failed to captivate my interest.
Jhok Sarkar
Writer: Hashim Nadeem Director: Saife Hassan Channel: Hum TV
It won’t be wrong to say that the writer Hashim Nadeem and the actors Farhan Saeed and Asif Raza Mir were the main reasons why many viewers tuned into Jhok Sarkar. Jhok Sarkar’s story revolves around a power struggle in a feudal setting. What sets it apart from other dramas with the same theme is the role of the main lead; a committed police officer set out to make a difference. Even though Jhok Sarkar has all the right ingredients, personally, I never warmed up to it. For me, Hiba Bukhari was the weakest link in the drama and the production values leave a lot to be desired.
Guru
Writer: Likhari Director: Bilawal Hussain Abbasi Channel: Express TV
Guru was another drama serial this year that had the most promising start. Even though Guru lost its initial appeal as the story moved to a different direction and was stretched needlessly, it is still a drama that I follow and there are still some aspects of it that are heart-warming. This drama has an unusual storyline just like all the other dramas in the ‘notable’ category but the story lost its initial spark within a few weeks therefore it did not make it to the best list. However, Guru has changed the way viewers perceive Ali Rehman as an actor.
22 Qadam
Writer: Zeeshan Ilyas Director: Anjum Shehzad Channel: Green TV Entertainment
Like many other Pakistani dramas airing on Green Entertainment 22 Qadam is another drama with an unorthodox storyline. The drama shows how a young girl’s enthusiasm, love, and knack for cricket lead to a journey towards the accomplishment of her dreams. This drama is notable and deserves acknowledgement because of the main plot which is unlike any other. While Hareem Farooq has given her character her best and has made it likable, there isn’t much to like about the other characters. Even an actor such as Wahaj Ali does not stand out in 22 Qadam.
This could easily have been a remarkable mini-series with so many refreshing aspects. However, it does not have enough content or substance to be on air for as long as it has been on air. This was one of those dramas I was genuinely rooting for yet I find myself forwarding much of what is being shown and hoping for a decent ending soon at this point.
Tumharey Husn Kay Naam
Writer: Sara Qayyum / Story & Screenplay: Umera Ahmed Director: Saqib Khan Channel: Green TV Entertainment
Tumharey Husn Kay Naam is another drama that falls into the notable category primarily because of its writing and overall feel. I did not initially warm up to Tumharey Husn Kay Naam perhaps because of the fact that the main lead was extremely unconvincing for the roles they were playing and the pace of the story. Once the story moved forward and our protagonists stepped into real life, things definitely started getting more interesting.
Like many other Umera Ahmed’s concepts, Tumharey Husn Kay Naam deals with the human psyche and interactions. The reason why Tumharey Husn Kay Naam did not make it to the top list is that some of the performances and the overall execution are not always up to the mark. Also, it is not the kind of drama that will cater to everyone’s taste because it has an old-school feel to it.
Nauroz
Writer: Kashif Anwar Director: Shahzad Kashmiri Channel: Green TV Entertainment
The ‘notable’ list will be incomplete without Nauroz because this drama started off so strong that I was convinced it was going to make it to the best category effortlessly. However, just like many of the other dramas on the list once it went off track, there was no going back! Nauroz highlighted the pros and cons of social media in an unconventional manner. It also had the best beginning which was the perfect combination of mystery and entertainment.
However, the writer completely lost the plot in the middle by trying too hard to tackle too many issues. Like many other dramas written by Kashif Anwar, Nauroz had a great beginning and a decent end but it lost its essence and entertainment value in between.
Jurm
Writer: Shah Yasir Director: Mehreen Jabbar Channel: Geo Entertainment
Jurm was another mini-series this year which cannot be overlooked. It was the first mini-series of its kind which had it all – drama and mystery. Jurm also marked Mehreen Jabbar’s comeback to television and she made her presence felt. However, Jurm’s underwhelming end was the worst part of this series. A series that delivered every single week left me completely disappointed in the end. It was the kind of last episode that actually made me feel as if I had completely wasted my time watching this series.
Jindo
Writer: Qurban Ali Rao Director: Anjum Shehzad Channel: Green TV Entertainment
Jindo took experimentation to a whole new level with not just a different story but by introducing characters we do not normally see in dramas. Jindo is another powerful story about women’s empowerment set in an area where men have the final say. This is Humaima Malick’s comeback play which makes her intentions pretty clear; she wants to be taken seriously as a performer!
While Jindo’s idea and script are novel, the drama is not faultless. The execution and some of the performances are not entirely up to the mark. There are however many actors who have impressed the viewers with their powerful performances in the drama. The language barrier is another reason why Jindo did not get as much attention and popularity as some of the other novel dramas.
Meher Mah
Write: Akhtar Qayyum Director: Najaf Bilgrami Channel: Express TV
Meher Mah has an interesting plot and some of the most refreshing supporting characters. It starts off with mystery and intrigue and continues to deliver. This was one of my favorite dramas until like most of the ‘notable’ dramas this year, it lost its charm due to unnecessary dragging. The story has taken an interesting turn in the past few weeks therefore anyone who gave up on this one can definitely tune into it now.
Fan Favorite Pakistani Dramas 2023
Tere Bin
Writer: Nooran Makhdoom Director: Siraj-ul-Haq Channel: Geo Entertainment
Tere Bin was the ultimate fan favorite in 2023 which is why it is on top in this particular category. Unlike many other Geo Entertainment dramas that get ratings from a specific group of viewers, Tere Bin was literally an all-out success among drama buffs. It was the most talked-about drama after Mere Pass Tum Ho. Tere Bin’s organic success added to Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi’s fandom. It was a drama serial that aired for 58 weeks owing to its popularity. Even though it was stretched beyond the limit, the fans did not give up on it right till the last episode.
Personally, every time I tuned into Tere Bin I was left wondering why these viewers were so invested in the drama! I am still confused about the Tere Bin fandom! Should I be tuning into Tere Bin now? I would love to hear your suggestions.
Baby Baji
Writer: Mansoor Ahmed Khan Director: Tehseen Khan Channel: ARY Digital
Baby Baji was another fan favorite this year which gave the viewers a great deal to discuss and look forward to and that too for 65 weeks. Rarely do soap serials get as much success as Baby Baji did. The fact that this was a family drama definitely added to its appeal. The viewers’ love for Baby Baji added to Samina Ahmed’s popularity. Javeria Saud’s performance in a negative role also won the fans over. Baby Baji also had fans from different age groups because of the main storyline of the drama.
Mayi Ri
Story & Concept: Sana Fahad Director: Meesam Naqvi Channel: ARY Digital
Mayi Ri was criticized, loved, followed, and discussed to an extent that it literally proved to be a game changer for many of the stars who played leading roles in the drama. It was a major breakthrough for Aina Asif and Samar Jaffry. Mayi Ri also proved to be the perfect comeback drama for Maya Khan.
Most viewers tuned into Mayi Ri because they were certain that the drama would highlight the problems related to child marriage. However, the content of the drama turned out to be quite controversial and many of the viewers felt that it was glorifying child marriage. Even with all the criticism, the drama had a massive fan following. There were many fans who defended the storyline and did not find it problematic.
I watched a few episodes of the serial and watched many of the clips and never found it interesting enough to seriously tune into it. Also, some of the clips I watched were disturbing and they did suggest that the issue was not tackled sensitively. The public however gave its verdict through social media platforms and the ratings spoke for themselves. This was one of the few soap serials this year that turned out to be more popular than many of the other dramas on the channel.
Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha
Writer: Sidra Sehar Imran Director: Badar Mehmood Channel: ARY Digital
The initial appeal of Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha lay in its captivating original soundtrack and the stellar ensemble cast. Since Wahaj Ali was at the top of his game when this drama aired, his fan following was one of the few reasons many viewers tuned into the drama. Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha was a fan favorite even though in my opinion it was a complete waste of star power. It was also one of those dramas I tried to watch but the weak script made it impossible for me to take Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha seriously!
Jaisay Aapki Marzi
Writer: Naila Jaffri Director: Saba Hameed Channel: ARY Digital
Among the current dramas, Jaisay Aapki Marzi is another fan favorite. It isn’t just another one of those dramas that is getting the ratings but it is one many women viewers in particular can relate to. Each episode of the drama is followed by discussions on social media. Even though there is a lot of repetition already, Jaisay Aapki Marzi definitely keeps you hooked as long as you don’t approach it with a critical perspective. Many of the women who have been in similar situations as Alizey are finding the scenarios extremely relatable and some of the performances have won the viewers over. Mikaal Zulfiqar and Kiran Malik performances definitely stand out as exceptional.
Final Remarks
Honestly speaking, when I set out to compile this list, I was certain that I would have many names to add in the ‘best’ category. But as it turns out, yet again, even with all the novelty and variations that Pakistani dramas offered this year, there were few dramas that made it to the ‘best’ list since this list obviously comprises dramas that struck a chord with me throughout or for the most part. However, it was definitely refreshing watching so many different themes in dramas this year.
There were also so many dramas that made it to the notable list for the reasons stated above which basically gives hope that the writers and producers are headed in the right direction. To sum up, we need more mini-series or dramas that end in 12 weeks because most of the dramas in the notable list only lost their spark and direction because they were stretched. At the end of the day not only is content the king but the way this content keeps the viewers glued is the determining factor.
Do share your thoughts about the Pakistani dramas of 2023. Which ones made it to your ‘best’ list and which ones in your opinion missed their mark?
