There is no denying the fact that the Pakistani drama industry is filled with talented actors. Pakistani dramas have always done well in terms of popularity because of the way they are conceived, written, and executed. However, one of the major factors that play a role in making or breaking the drama is the performances done by Pakistani actors. In the last decade, the Pakistani industry has produced a lot of quality dramas and has brought back the glory they deserved. However, as much as the writers, producers, and directors get together for the joined effort, another level of responsibility lies on the actors because they end up being the main face of the character whose story is being shown.

In order for an actor to give a memorable performance; a lot of hard work, dedication, and homework is required. Their job is demanding because every character requires a unique treatment and especially when the actors embrace their characters, they get to give such performances that stay with the viewers for a long time. This past decade was no different. Pakistani drama viewers got to see a lot of memorable performances done by male actors because of which they also got to prove their craft and skills, also earn love and appreciation of their fans and followers.

It is a great way to start a discussion and walk down the memory lane, and especially because all these actors have done such commendable work, that they deserve another round of appreciation for giving some of the most memorable performances of the decade.

Most Memorable Male Performances of Pakistani Dramas – (2010 to 2020)

2010

Fahad Mustafa – Abdul Qadir (Main Abdul Qadir Hoon)

Fahad Mustafa played a character in Main Abdul Qadir Hoon that went through so many different experiences and emotions. He did exceptionally well enacting every aspect of this character’s personality on screen. He was faultless as the confused and neglected young man. He was equally convincing as someone who had finally made up his mind and wanted to live his life on his own terms and conditions. Fahad Mustafa’s solid performance added to the value of his character, without it Abdul Qadir’s journey wouldn’t have had the same impact.

Adeel Hussein – Junaid (Daam)

Adeel Hussein natural approach towards acting and his unique style attracted the viewers instantly when he played Junaid’s character in Daam. He made this character even more likable by bringing out the romantic side of Junaid’s personality in the best manner possible. Not only this, but he was also quite convincing when he was sick and tired of Maliha running his life for him. This was another character which went through several ups and downs, Adeel Hussein did complete justice to all these emotions.

Fawad Khan – Hasan (Dastaan)

Just like Bano, the name of Hassan has been engraved in the minds of the viewers. Fawad Khan’s undeniable screen presence and overall appeal made his performance in Dastaan memorable. The character of Hassan was reserved and serious, there was this aura about him that Fawad Khan created perfectly, doing complete justice to the nature and behavior of Hassan which was the demand of the character. Although Hassan chose a different path, the love and utmost respect he had for Bano was evident every step of the way, through each and every expression of his. Fawad Khan gave a memorable performance as Hassan and showed through all that was going on his mind skillfully.

Faysal Qureshi – Arfeen Abbas (Meri Zaat Zara-e-Benishan)

From being love-stricken to bitter, angry, and then remorseful. The journey that Arfreen lived wasn’t easy and had a huge emotional turmoil that kept on increasing as the days passed by. Faysal Qureshi portrayed the character of Arfeen with a lot of finesse. The story was narrated in flashbacks, therefore to see him aged and then back to the younger self was explanatory of how hard Faysal Qureshi worked in order to do justice to both the time frames and stages of Arfeen’s life. It was a complex character to play that had so much emotionality to it. The love Arfeen had for Saba was absolutely special and he realized her value after he couldn’t be with her. This aspect of his journey was perfectly portrayed because it was obvious that Arfeen regretted turning her back on the one he loved wholeheartedly. Faysal Qureshi’s performance in Meri Zaat Zarra e Benishan definitely is memorable.

Imran Abbas – Jawad (Malal)

The candidness and ease with which Imran Abbas portrayed the character of Jawad went to show that he not only embraced it, but lived and felt it. Jawad was a competent, happy-go-lucky guy who knew when to take a stand and how to prove himself. Jawad never believed in making tall claims but when it came to the practicality and materializing his dreams, he was a go-getter. Imran Abbas’ top-notch performance made this character even more special. It was obvious that Mehreen Jabbar briefed the actors to be at their absolute natural self, because of which they’d be able to do justice to the essence of these characters and it actually worked because Malal happens to be one such drama in which Imran Abbas acted effortlessly, making it one of the memorable performances of the decade as well as his career.

2011

Imran Abbas – Moeez (Mera Naseeb)

Imran Abbas has played only a handful of negative characters in his career and this was one of them. Moeez was an abusive husband who had no respect or love for his wife. Although Imran Abbas fits perfectly often in romantic character, he also nailed this negative character. His portrayal was convincing throughout. He made the viewers hate his character and it was also easy to understand why Moeez was so twisted.

Faysal Qureshi – Moiz (Qaid-e-Tanhai)

Faysal Qureshi is one of the most versatile and naturally gifted actors. His role in Qaid-e-Tanhai stayed with the viewers for a really long time since he played a flawed role to perfection. This was a character that showed Moiz as a young and rather naive man. The story also showed how his personality changed as he grew older and learned the truth. Faysal Qureshi’s performance was so apt that even though his character was not likable, the viewers could relate to his character and were interested in his journey.

Imran Abbas – Akbar (Akbari Asghari)

This has to be one of the cutest performances of Imran Abbas’s career. The character of Akbar was unique, he was an introvert who lived in his own bubble. A practicing Muslim who didn’t hold back in sharing what he felt every time he saw something that was not in line with his thoughts. However, the best part about Akbar was that he strived to make himself a better person and didn’t really focus much on what others did. Despite coming from such a big family, he always minded his own business. Imran Abbas made the character of Akbar look really sweet and the irritated expressions made the viewers feel for him even more. His love story was based on honesty and that was another endearing part of his journey. Imran Abbas played the character of Akbar to perfection and gave a memorable performance.

2012

Waseem Abbas – Murtaza (Zindagi Gulzar Hai)

Waseem Abbas has played many such characters in which he was shown as the selfish father and husband who never realized where he had gone wrong. He has always excelled at playing such characters but he was truly exceptional as Murtaza since his character served the purpose of showing how daughters are looked down upon and how some men can never see just how wrong they are. He was particularly impressive when it came to showing the self-righteous side of his character. He was equally convincing as a ruthless father and husband.

Syed Muhammad Ahmed – Sami (Durr-e-Shehwar)

Would Abba’s character be as memorable as it was if it weren’t for Syed Muhammad Ahmed? We are pretty sure that it wouldn’t have been as gentle and powerful at the same time had Syed Muhammad Ahmed not been so precise in his portrayal. His dialogue delivery made those well-written letters and face-to-face conversations even more emotional. It was because of Syed Muhammad Ahmed’s heartfelt performance that this character became memorable.

Mikaal Zulfiqar – Mansoor (Durr-e-Shehwar)

Mikaal Zulfiqar experiments rarely and his performances are usually more or less the same. Mansoor was like a breath of fresh air as far as Mikaal’s performances are concerned because the way he translated this character on screen was different from what he has usually done. Mansoor made some mistakes but Mikaal made sure he also brought out the slightly funny and lighthearted side of his character stand out as well even though these scenes were few. Mikaal’s overall look for this role and his acting both made the young Mansoor an unforgettable character.

2013

Noman Ijaz – Mian Ghulam Fareed (Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi)

Noman Ijaz has played all kinds of characters in his career but it can be safely stated that none of his characters were as vile and twisted as Mian Ghulam Fareed. He played a man overcome by greed, lust, and selfishness so convincingly that the viewers despised his character throughout. He completely owned this character which made his performance memorable and his scenes chilling!

Sohail Ahmed – Ishaq Malkana (Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi)

Sohail Ahmed is known more for his comic timing and wit but the role he played in Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi was completely opposite from his reputation as a comic actor. Sohail Ahmed truly outshined in a dark and painfully realistic character when he played the role of a feudal who was void of feelings and his ego came before everything else.

Waqas Khan – Ghazanfar (Bari Aapa)

Waqas Khan is rarely seen in dramas when he played Ghazanfar’s role in Bari Aapa, there were so many viewers who wanted to know who he was! He added the kind of charm to his character which very few actors can and made his performance memorable. He left the viewers in awe of his personality and acting both.

Danish Taimoor – Akmal (Rehaai)

Danish Taimoor was so well-suited for playing Akmal’s role in drama serial Rehaai. He nailed this character by bringing out the caring, sensitive, and at times scared side of his character on screen. Out of all the characters he has played to date, this was the most simple yet the most appealing one.

Adnan Jaffer – Janu Baba (Talkhiyaan)

Janu Baba’s character was problematic, it showed how men are raised differently and they can get away with everything. Adnan Jaffer’s performance was outstanding. He looked perfect for the role and translated Janu Baba’s sense of superiority in such an impeccable manner that this continues to be his best performance even now.

Adeel Hussain – Ehtasham (Shukk)

Adeel Hussain owned the character of Ehtasham and gave such a mature and measured treatment. Ehtasham was an ideal husband but his patience was tested and he was put through a lot, which forced him to see life differently. He had to learn some very important lessons along the way and the shift in her attitude and behavior showed how much he had changed. Adeel Hussain continued to bring all these changes in his performances which helped viewers understand Ehtasham’s thought process and ordeals better with every passing stage. Adeel Hussain gave a very strong performance in drama serial Shukk.

Noman Ijaz – Farman (Bari Aapa)

Noman Ijaz played the role of a submissive husband who despite doing so much was always made to feel he wasn’t doing enough. This developed the feeling of wanting to be treated with respect in Farman who eventually found it after getting married the second time. Farman had a lot of emotions but he could never channel them out in front of a controlling wife like Zubeida. Noman Ejaz showed Farman’s mental and emotional state in the best manner possible. It was a layered character that needed a specific treatment to leave an impact and Noman Ijaz’s performance did exactly that.

2014

Hamza Ali Abbasi – Afzal (Pyaray Azfal)

Not only this drama changed everything for Hamza Ali Abbasi, it gave him a chance and a golden opportunity to prove himself as a front-runner. Hamza Ali Abbasi took such a challenging role and did justice to the way the character of Afzal was written. It went through a lot of struggles and met a tragic end. This performance of Hamza Ali Abbasi as Afzal was so impactful that after the last episode aired, it broke the internet and people couldn’t stop talking about both Afzal and Hamza. It was after a long time when the drama viewers took it on social media to trend the drama after it ended, showing how emotionally invested they were in Afzal’s journey. Hamza Ali Abbasi definitely deserves the entire credit for acting this character out brilliantly and making it memorable with his skillful performance.

Noman Ejaz – Bhatti Sahab (Jackson Heights)

Bhatti Sahab was such a fun character with a perfect and complete personality. He was one of a kind and had the aura of being the center of attention. The way Noman Ejaz portrayed the life of a taxi driver in the USA, hailing from Punjab was absolutely brilliant. It won’t be wrong to say that his character and performance was the best aspect of the drama. Noman Ejaz showed what owning and embracing a character looks like because one could not see the character and the actor apart. It definitely is one of the most memorable performances of Noman Ejaz’s acting career.

Syed Jibran – Numair (Chup Raho)

Numair was the first negative character played by Syed Jibran. The viewers were used to watching him in a completely different avatar before this. Although Numair was evil, Syed Jibran’s performance made it the kind of character which grabbed the attention of the viewers. This performance was appreciated so much that Syed Jibran kept on getting offers to play negative characters after the play went on air. He had a difficult time breaking free from the impression this performance left on everyone.

Noman Habib – Bunty (Bunty I Love You)

The person responsible for casting Noman Habib in Bunty’s role deserves as much appreciation as Noman for giving this role his 100 percent. He fit like a glove in the role and was especially convincing when it came to translating Bunty’s naive and carefree side on the screen.

2015

Zahid Ahmed – Rameez (Alvida)

It was the first time Zahid Ahmed took a negative character and did complete justice to it. Right from the beginning, Zahid Ahmed created that mysterious aura about Rameez where despite looking perfect seemingly, it was obvious that there were some issues with his personality. Every expression, every move of Zahid Ahmed was calculated which showed his skills as an actor. In the later stages of the drama when Rameez came to the forefront and his true colors were exposed, Zahid Ahmed left no stone unturned in covering all the intricacies and complexes of Rameez’s personality, making it a memorable performance which paved a way for Zahid Ahmed’s success.

2016

Ahsan Khan – Imtiyaz (Udaari)

It won’t be wrong to say that by far it was the best performance of 2016 given by Ahsan Khan. He was known to be a part of love stories, this is why when viewers got to see Ahsan Khan in such a different avatar, doing completely different to what he was known for before, they were pleasantly surprised. Ahsan Khan also challenged himself and acted brilliantly. Playing the role of a pedophile and then of a criminal was not easy. His performance kept on getting better, although the beginning was convincing in the second half of the drama after the time-lapse, the way Ahsan Khan showcased the physical and neurological injuries that Imtiyaz suffered from was phenomenal and took it to the next level. It won’t be wrong to say that despite being such a negative character, Ahsan Khan succeeded in making a positive impact because he started the conversation and made parents a lot more cautious about child abuse. This definitely has to be one of the most impactful performances of the decade.

Noman Ijaz – Gulistan Khan (Sang e Marmar)

Noman Ijaz knows the art of acting better than anyone else. He is constantly improvising and experimenting because he wants to stay relevant. This is the reason why we saw him in another different avatar in drama serial Sang-e-Mar Mar. His impressive performance and his overall outlook for the drama won him even more fans. This performance restored the fans’ faith in him once again since he made Gulistan Khan the highlight of the drama.

Paras Masroor – Tora Khan (Sang e Marmar)

This was probably the most complex, dark, and layered character of Sang e Marmar and to portray it with finesse was no easy feat. The way Paras Masroor approached this character went to show that he understood it like no other and portrayed it like it truly deserved. Right from the beginning, Paras Masroor made the viewers look forward to what Tora Khan was up to and what he was planning to do next. To have a smile on your face, acting to be innocent all this while your blood is boiling seeing your enemy leading such a comfortable life was what Tora Khan’s journey was all about. Paras Masroor gave one of the best performances of his career and proved himself to be the finest character actor of the Pakistani drama industry.

Tipu Yorguc Sharif – Saif ur Rehman (Sang e Marmar)

Tipu Yorguc Sharif gave one of the most memorable performances of his career in Sang e Marmar as Saif ur Rehman. Right from the beginning, the way he embraced this character was extraordinary. He owned it and gave such a soulful performance. All the shades of Saif ur Rehman’s personality were brilliantly conveyed because he was this over-protective and strict brother who then failed to understand the tacts of his wife. The particular scene in which he is shot got etched in the minds of the viewers because of the particular expression of his. This has to be one of the best performances given by Tipu Sharif to date.

Farhan Saeed – Arsh (Udaari)

Farhan Saeed started his career as a singer but he has also established himself as a versatile actor over the years. He played the role of a young and reckless boy who grows up to be a mature and responsible man in drama serial Udaari. Since this was a coming of age story, Farhan had to change his look and acting depending on the change in the personality of his character. He did so successfully and got himself recognized as a serious actor.

Imran Ashraf – Dastageer (Dil Lagi)

Imran Ashraf was absolutely delightful as the fun and emotional friend in drama serial Dil Lagi. The bromance between him and the lead Mohid was the highlight of the show. Imran Ashraf’s performance was on point, he never went overboard which made Dastageer’s character stand out. This character wouldn’t have had the same impact had Imran Ashraf not performed it so well.

Asif Raza Mir – Mehmood (Muqabil)

Asif Raza Mir has played some of the most dignified roles in his career yet in drama serial Muqabil he decided to play a role which was anything but dignified. Mehmood was an evil man who raped his boss’ daughter and continued to act like he was loyal to them. Asif Raza Mir translated all the shades of this twisted character’s personality impeccably on screen. The viewers couldn’t even have imagined that someone with his personality would be able to pull off such a negative character but he performed so well that he made it one of the most outstanding performances of his career.

Mohsin Abbas Haider – Armaan (Muqabil)

Mohsin Abbas Haider is an organic actor who makes sure that the viewers get to watch him as the character he is playing in all its glory. Armaan’s character was layered, it had an interesting back-story and Mohsin Abbas Haider’s performance made it come alive on screen. The viewers felt for Armaan and he kept them engaged throughout. This was definitely one of Mohsin Abbas’ best performances.

Farhan Saeed – Faisal Khan (Teri Chah Mein)

Farhan Saeed played a different character in Teri Chah Mein, a young man who married a woman much older than her and eventually gets frustrated with her insecurities. Farhan Saeed’s performance was solid throughout the play. He understood his character and made it stand out. His acting was extremely realistic which made Faisal Khan’s character memorable as well.

2017

Feroze Khan – Mir Hadi (Khaani)

Mir Hadi definitely gave Feroze Khan a new recognition. It was a meaty role which brought out the best in this young actor. Feroze Khan was so convincing that in the end, even the viewers were willing to forgive this murderer! The reason for that was that Feroze ensured that Mir Hadi’s repentance and regret were translated as well on screen as his dark side. This was Feroze Khan’s best performance so far.

Sami Khan – Faris (Tau Dil Ka Kya Hua)

Sami Khan has the ability to express emotions through his facial expressions in such a manner that sometimes his acting says more than the dialogues do! When his amazing acting skills were complimented with Khalil-ur-Rehman’s mind-blowing dialogues, Faris became a character the viewers couldn’t help falling in love with. Some of these scenes were so well acted that they will be never forgotten.

Sajid Hassan – Sadiq (Mubarak Ho Beti Hui Hei)

Sajid Hassan has played all kinds of characters in his vast career and every time he adds something unique to these characters, that is why his performances almost always leave a lasting impression. In drama serial Mubarak Ho Beti Hui Hei he played a negative character of a man who kicks his wife out of the house because she keeps on giving birth to girls and he wants a son. Sajid Hasan’s portrayal of a cruel father and husband will always be remembered as the perfect example of all such people who mistreat their daughters and do not value them.

Sami Khan – Hamza (Aisi Hai Tanhai)

Sami Khan’s performance in Aisi Hai Tanhai was the best part of the drama. His character’s development and the journey was really engaging and emotional, Sami Khan made it memorable by breathing life into this character. Some of these scenes were so powerful that the viewers who watched the drama will never forget Sami Khan’s performance in these scenes.

Imran Abbas – Hammad (Khuda Aur Mohabbat)

Imran Abbas was in both the seasons of Khuda Aur Mohabbat, this is why his performance was on the next level when the second season aired because he well and truly understood the character of Hammad, his struggles, his emotions and most importantly, his love for Emaan. Imran Abbas gave such a soulful performance that made the viewers feel for Hammad every step of the way. His expressions were calculated and in so many instances, his eyes spoke louder than words. This character was not easy to portray but Imran Abbas not only gave a phenomenal performance but made it a memorable one as well.

Noman Ijaz – Joyee (Dar Si Jati Hai Sila)

Noman Ijaz is one of the finest actors of the Pakistani drama industry, therefore it is always expected from him to give one best performance after another. However, in Dar Si Jati Hai Sila, he outdid himself and yet again proved that he is Nomaz Ejaz, one of the best actors of the country. The character of Joyee was creepy, he was a pervert while still having a humane side to him which only emerged when he saw the young boy he assumed was his own child. His expressions, the overall getup, and even the body language were molded to fit the character of Joyee and only Noman Ejaz could do that, making it a memorable performance of the decade.

Sami Khan – Hassan (Khudgarz)

In Khudgarz, Sami Khan came to the forefront like never before. Although Sami Khan has played a variety of roles in Khudgarz, his performance was on another level. Sami Khan is a measured and very mature actor, therefore it was easy for him to portray such a difficult and complex character of Hassan to perfection. Sami Khan made the viewers resent Hassan for his selfishness and negativity but in the end, he still made it easy to feel for him when he started walking on his way to redemption and rediscovery. All those scenes where Hassan shed tears either out of sheer anger or out of regret were some of the best moments of the drama. Sami Khan definitely gave a brilliant and memorable performance as Hassan in Khudgarz.

Imran Ashraf – Shammo (Alif Allah Aur Insaan)

Imran Ashraf has always been known for being one of the best character actors the Pakistani drama industry has produced. He always puts his heart and soul in all the characters that he plays. It was only Imran Ashraf who could play the character of Shammo with so much finesse that he made Shammo come across as an absolutely beautiful character who was finding his path and identity. In the later stages of the drama when Shammo becomes a famous makeup artist, that entire change in his body language, his mannerisms, and personality showed how keenly Imran Ashraf studied this character and adapted it. Shammo’s character was one of the best aspects of Alif Allah Aur Insaan.

Azfar Rehman – Parvez (Nazr e Bad)

Driven by the obsessive love for his cousin Maham, Parvez ends up resorting to the unforgivable sin of becoming a black magician. Parvez does everything to bring miseries in Maham’s life so that she ends up with him. Azfar Rehman showed all the shades of Parvez’s personality flawlessly. He was always a complex and complicated soul who just had one goal in life, which was to get married and give Maham the life he thought she deserved. Parvez never thought about the rights and wrongs and that was his biggest flaw. All the scenes where Parvez did magic and then transformed into a regular husband madly in love with his wife when to show his range as an actor as well as his grip on the character. This was definitely a very strong and memorable performance given by Azfar Rehman because he was the one who kept the audience hooked to the drama right until the end.

Ehtashaamuddin – Abbi (Yakeen Ka Safar)

Ehtashamuddin is not only an ace director but he proved what a refined actor he is when he played the character of Abbi in Yakeen Ka Safar. The flow of his dialogues with a very distinct accent showed that he embraced this character and was very much into it so that he could translate it on screen effortlessly. Abbi’s character was not at all ideal but the performance given by Ehstasshamuddin absolutely was. He was a strict husband who never truly understood what it meant to be an ideal partner. He just saw his wife as a doormat and treated her like a nobody. He thought the monetary comfort was enough of a compensation for all that he put her through but after her death, he realized how wrong he was. It in all honesty was a treat seeing the range of emotions Abbi’s character offered throughout his journey.

Adnan Jaffar – Jimmy (Ye Raha Dil)

Adnan Jaffar played the role of a fashion designer and personal stylist of fashion models in Ye Raha Dil. His character was all about sass and style. The way Adnan Jaffar approached and portrayed this character was fantastic because only he could make Jimmy look so cute. There was not even a single instance in the entire drama where Adnan Jaffar took his execution as Jimmy overboard, he stayed within the realm of reality and still portrayed Jimmy with a lot of elegance and quirk, making it a memorable performance of his career this decade.

2018

Imran Ashraf – Bhola (Ranjha Ranjha Kardi)

There’s no denying the fact that this particular performance of Imran Ashraf broke all the records and brought him the attention he well and truly deserved as an actor. Although Imran Ashraf had already established his name and himself as a refined character actor, in drama serial Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, he took his performance and acting skills to the next level. The way he portrayed every single emotion of Bhola with minute precision and intricacy showed that he truly believed in getting the story of this character heard. Imran Ashraf did not just perform Bhola but wanted to start a conversation about it. This has been one such performance which is a rarity on Pakistani television, therefore it is going to stay with the viewers for a long long time.

Kashif Mehmood – Nusrat (Ranjha Ranjha Kardi)

Kashif Mehmood portrayed the character of a selfish and manipulative person who didn’t mind using people as a stepping stone to get ahead in life. Nusrat had no shame in acquiring the wealth that didn’t belong to him, that too at an expense of his nephew’s mental and physical health. Kashif Mehmood is also a famous character actor, therefore it was expected of him to give a convincing performance. However, in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, he outdid himself to an extent that he actually made people look forward to his scenes and all that Nusrat’s character was planning.

Mohsin Abbas Haider – Dabeer (Meri Guriya)

Mohsin Abbas Haider’s performance and character both in drama serial Meri Gurya were terrifying. His mind-blowing performance in the drama made his character look as vile as it needed to look. Sometimes actors underplay negative characters but Mohsin Abbas definitely did not do that. His chilling performance made it difficult for some of the viewers to sit through his scenes because they were so disturbing.

Farhan Saeed – Arsal (Suno Chanda)

Farhan Saeed’s comic timing and the way he delivered the dialogues in Punjabi in Suno Chanda won him more praise than any other character he has played. He proved that he could do comedy just as effortlessly and impressively as serious acting. (Genuineleatherjackets) He made Arsal’s character an absolute delight to watch.

Syed Jibran – Sahir (Ranjha Ranjha Kardi)

Syed Jibran’s performance in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi kept the viewers guessing for the longest time. The viewers were wondering right till the middle whether Sahir was the good guy or the bad one! Later on in an interview, Syed Jibran revealed that the director had asked him to do just that and it goes without saying that he excelled in it. Sahir had the viewers undivided attention partially because of the way Syed Jibran translated this character on screen.

Sami Khan – DJ (Suno Chanda)

Pakistani drama industry is blessed with many talented child stars but there are few which truly leave their mark. Sami Khan is one such child star, who truly proved to be the star of the show in Suno Chanda. His overflowing confidence went so well with the fun and bubbly character he played in the drama. His portrayal was thoroughly entertaining and never over the top which is why viewers looked forward to DJ’s scenes.

2019

Adnan Siddiqui – Shehwar (Mere Pass Tum Ho)

It won’t be wrong to say that Adnan Siddiqui always impresses whenever he plays a character such as Shehwar’s. This time around however his screen presence was even more remarkable so much so that even at this point in his career he won more appreciation for this performance than he had for any other in the past.

Ahmed Ali Akbar – Shehryar (Ehd-e-Wafa)

Ahmed Ali Akbar was simply adorable as Shehryar. His performance gave him new-found recognition and love from the viewers. He made the viewers relate to his journey even when his character was not getting a lot of screen time. His expressive eyes translated the true emotions of his character superbly.

Ahad Raza Mir – Saad (Ehd-e-Wafa)

Ahad Raza Mir can make you hate his character and love him at the same time! He makes sure that his performances or the characters he plays are never black and white. He was outstanding as Saad right from the beginning. He showed how Saad was like as a friend, son, and as someone who was in love with precision.

Wahaj Ali – Shariq (Ehd-e-Wafa)

All of us who have watched Ehd-e-Wafa will never forget that one scene in which Shariq’s sister hits him. But that wasn’t the only scene that showed Wahaj Ali’s brilliant performance in Ehd-e-Wafa. He performed superbly in the entire drama and made Shariq’s journey worthwhile.

Rehan Sheikh – Hafiz Illyas (Inkaar)

Rehan Sheikh is a remarkable actor who never ceases to impress. He was especially amazing as Hafiz Illyas in Inkaar. He helped the viewers feel the internal struggles of a father and also his courage. This was a beautifully written character and Rehan Sheikh did justice to it.

Sami Khan – Shayan Malik (Inkaar)

Sami Khan’s warm and powerful performance in Inkaar will never be forgotten. Even when he is playing a character which isn’t faultless, he does great but this character was actually written in such a way too that it was easy rooting for Shayan. Sami Khan obviously added those emotional touches to his character which made his performance memorable.

Humayun Saeed – Danish (Mere Pass Tum Ho)

Humayun Saeed had to showcase the pain of a husband who got betrayed by his wife and also the only woman he loved with all his heart. It was well established how much he had loved Mehwish and how his entire life revolved around him. It was heart-breaking for him to find out that his love was not and never enough for her and that was something he found hard to deal with. Although after Mehwish leaves, Danish tries to move on in life but the pain and the emptiness in the eyes of Humayun Saeed was a depiction of how broken Danish was despite all the attempts of trying to take his mind off and come to terms with the truth. Humayun Saeed lived this character and it was evident every step of the way as Danish’s story progressed, making it a memorable performance of his career.

Zahid Ahmed – Sameer (Ishq Zahe Naseeb)

Zahid Ahmed has always been one of those actors who do not shy away from challenging themselves when it comes to their skills and craft. Zahid Ahmed knew he was picking up such a character which was a rarity to have been seen in Pakistani television. It was obvious that the team of Ishq Zahe Naseeb did not know what to expect but the way Zahid Ahmed performed the characters of Sameer, as well as Sameera, was so convincing that people could not stop holding back and got interested in his journey. It was because of his phenomenal performance that the audience showed acceptance towards a character like Sameer because he made the multiple personality disorder come alive on the screens as well as showed what a person goes through. Zahid Ahmed has given the strongest performance of his career in Ishq Zahe Naseeb.

Ahad Raza Mir – Amaanullah (Ye Dil Mera)

Amanullah was suffering from PTSD because as a child he saw his entire family getting killed. It was after his entire world was turned upside down, Amaan used the hatred for Meer Farooq Zaman as a fuel to keep going. As much as Amaanullah strengthened himself, he had those moments where he felt weak and vulnerable because he could not cope up with the burden of losing his family and on top of that witnessing their brutal killings. Ahad Raza Mir is also one of those few young actors who believe in challenges and variety, this is why it was very much expected from him that he would perform it brilliantly but as the drama progressed, Ahad Raza Mir kept on outdoing himself. Despite being a dark and grey character who got married due to his ulterior motives, all the things that Amaan did seemed justified.

Hamza Ali Abbasi – Momin (Alif)

As soon as the casting of Alif was announced, the fans who had read the novel were already excited because they were of the opinion that Hamza Ali Abbasi will be able to do justice to the character of Momin. It rarely happens that the drama ends up exceeding the expectations of the novel readers because of its perfect execution and team Alif did leave any room for error and ended up pleasing the viewers. Those who had read the novel knew about the character but those who were only watching the drama without the hint of what the story was about, even they could understand why Momin’s character was like that. Hamza Ali Abbasi embraced the character and lived it every step of the journey, which helped him in conveying it so beautifully.

Saleem Mairaj – Sultan (Alif)

Saleem Mairaj is a refined and measured actor of the Pakistani drama industry. All the performances that he has given so far have always been flawless and the same goes for his performance in drama serial Alif as Sultan. Saleem Mairaj played the role of a makeup artist and a confidant of Husn e Jahan who was madly in love with her. There were nuances that clearly depicted all the things that Sultan wanted to confess but never had the courage to do so. Sultan was a loyal friend who kept his promise. This character was not only warm but beautifully written. Saleem Mairaj’s flawless portrayal made it one of the best performances of the decade.

Muneeb Butt – Ahmed (Kaisa Hai Naseeban)

Muneeb Butt has worked really hard to prove his mettle as an actor. He has appeared in a lot of dramas, sometimes as a protagonist, and at times as second lead. Muneeb Butt has come a long way and after playing such varied roles, he put his experience to good use when he played the character of Ahmed in Kaisa Hai Naseeban. The character of Ahmed was the kind that the viewers have already seen before but the way Muneeb Butt made it look so real and natural was a showcasing of his talent. Ahmed was a complex character who didn’t mind oppressing the weak. There was some niceness in him but it could not come through because his negativity dominated his personality. Muneeb Butt portrayed this character with a lot of finesse, making it a memorable performance of his career so far.

Usman Mukhtar – Altamash (Anaa)

Anaa was Usman Mukhtar’s first play and the character he played was actually quite complex. His unique acting style went so well with this character. There were so many fans who were in awe of his cold yet appealing portrayal. He made Altamash’s character charming and mysterious at the same time. It was at times likable and at other times you did not want Izza to end up with someone like him! An interesting package overall, Usman Mukhtar made the most of it and that is why this list would be incomplete without him.

2020

Syed Muhammad Ahmed – Mehmood (Ruswai)

Syed Muhammad Ahmed has the ability to make you fall in love with his characters almost effortlessly. In Ruswai he did just that. The viewers felt an instant connection with his character and watching his character die was one of the most heart-wrenching parts of the drama.

Omair Rana – Sarwar (Pyar Ke Sadqay)

Omair Rana made the viewers hate Sarwar’s character so much that many of us continued to watch the drama just to find out how Sarwar was going to be punished in the end. He also added the much-needed charm in his character which made it easier for the viewers to understand why Mansoora fell for his lies for so long. This was definitely one of those performances which will be remembered for a long time.

Bilal Abbas Khan – Abdullah (Pyar Ke Sadqay)

Bilal Abbas Khan was actually reluctant when he was offered this project but the way he acted made it look like he was so sure about what was expected from him. His facial expressions and certain gestures went so well with this confused and timid character. Bilal Abbas Khan proved his versatility by nailing this character and making it memorable.

Mohib Mirza – Hatim (Dushman e Jaan)

Dushman e Jaan was the kind of drama that aired and became the talk of the town. The character of Hatim was flawed and had a lot of layers but the best part about him was that he believed in making amends and becoming a better person. The character of Hatim went through a drastic change in his life, his entire journey was full of ups and downs but all of it was a slow transition. The way Mohib Mirza adapted this character and portrayed it soulfully not only impressed the viewers but allowed them to see him in a completely different light. Mohib Mirza dominated the entire show and continued to wow the fans of Dushman e Jaan. Mohib Mirza is one of the finest actors of the Pakistani drama industry, however, this performance put his name on the map and showed that he is a force to be reckoned with.

Waseem Abbas – Imtiyaz (Kashf)

It won’t be wrong to say that in a grim melodrama like Kashf, the way Waseem Abbas has naturally brought in the element of comic relief is absolutely phenomenal. The way Imtiyaz’s meanness and selfishness have been portrayed by Waseem Abbas makes it a treat to watch him. From someone who had zero aspirations to now being the one who dreams big and continues to push through is an entire journey. Waseem Abbas is a phenomenal and finest actor of Pakistan but his performance in Kashf is on another level.

Danish Taimoor – Sultan Durrani (Deewangi)

When the drama began, no one actually could imagine that Sultan Durrani would turn out to be a tragic hero. He is a layered and dark character who has ruined his life because he failed to see the other side of the picture. Driven by ego and hatred, he ended up committing a lot of mistakes but one thing that remained constant in his life was the love that he had for Nageen, which he realized when it was already too late. Sultan wants to be with Nageen but he also holds her responsible for all of the losses he had to bear in his life, and that puts him in a very confused state of mind. At one moment he is feeling concerned for Nageen but the very next moment he just wants to own her so that he can control her and put her through misery again for the hardships that he has faced. This entire thought process and shifts in his behavioral patterns have been portrayed with so much clarity by Danish Taimoor that it definitely is one of the best performances of his career to date. Although Danish Taimoor takes up more or less similar roles the character of Sultan gave him a lot of margin to perform and outdo himself, which he successfully did.

With this, we complete the lists dedicated to the memorable characters and performances of the decade. We hope you had a great time reading and revisiting these memorable characters. Which of the performances were unforgettable for you? Please add more to the discussion.

Zahra Mirza & Fatima Awan

Pakistani drama industry has seen a huge shift in the last 10 years. This entire decade, the Pakistani drama industry went through a revival and brought back the glory our dramas deserved. It was a struggle at first because the television viewers were used to watching Indian content and the few dramas that were being made were not getting a lot of viewership. However, the leading channels came together and decided to bring back the quality content and make the viewers fall in love with Pakistani dramas once again, and fortunately, they succeeded.

In the past decade, Pakistani drama viewers got to see a lot of superhit dramas. All these dramas had a lot of memorable characters because their stories were told in such a convincing manner. With the decade coming to an end, it is befitting to revisit all these beautiful and memorable characters that have stayed with the viewers for the longest time. For any character to be memorable, it doesn’t have to be necessarily a positive character, sometimes the negative ones also linger in the fragments of our memories because of the impact they make.

We are pleased to revisit the dramas from this decade and start a conversation with our readers about all the characters that were memorable in one way or the other. The list covers all the dramas from 2010 to 2020 so far. A few that ended in 2010 have also been included.

Most Memorable Female Characters of Pakistani Dramas – (2010 to 2020)

2010

Bano – Sanam Baloch (Dastaan)

Bano is the kind of character that has stayed with the viewers for the longest time. The journey of a girl coming from an affluent background getting exposed to the struggles she never saw coming was not only heart-wrenching but emotionally consuming too. This is the reason, the lonely ending Bano got haunted the viewers and they couldn’t help feel for her. Sanam Baloch was definitely the only star who could do justice to all the emotions that Bano had to offer.

Maham – Mehwish Hayat (Mere Qatil Mere Dildar)

After Mere Qatil Mere Dildar aired, viewers and the fans of the drama started referring to Mehwish Hayat as Maham. Her character was strong and showed that no matter what came her way, she fought back and in the end, she was the one who took the final decision and didn’t allow anyone to choose the course of life for her. The journey of Maham was all about finding courage and strength amidst the chaos and this is why it was a memorable character.

Saima Chauhdry – Bushra Ansari (Baraat Series)

Bushra Ansari’s character Saima Chaudhry from the popular and innovative Baraat Series won many hearts. This character made people laugh throughout the series. Whenever we talk about comic characters from recent dramas Saima Chaudhry is always on top of the list. A wannabe designer with an interesting personality, Saima Chaudhry was the highlight of the show. Even though Saima’s character was mostly light-hearted, she had a larger-than-life and layered personality. Her confidence and antics both were the main reason why many people tuned into this drama. It was a well-written character with a definite screen presence that can never be forgotten.

Saba Kareem – Samiya Mumtaz (Meri Zaat Zara-e-Benishan)

Saba Kareem’s character’s journey was an inspiring one. Like many other female characters written by Umera Ahmed Saba went through many trials and tribulations but it was her strong faith in God that kept her going. She is falsely accused and she chooses not to compromise on her faith and principles in order to prove her innocence. As a result of this she loses all those people who she had so much faith in but that is when she becomes more resilient than ever and chooses to lead a life which she had never imagined would be her destiny. Through her character, the writer effectively sent across the message that patience and faith ultimately make you a winner.

Maleeha – Aamina Sheikh (Daam)

Unlike some of the other memorable characters on this list, Maleeha was not a positive character but it was a well-etched-out negative character that drove the plot forward more than any other character in Daam. Maleeha’s character transformation and the way some of the choices she made completely ruined her ‘best friend’s’ life were some of those developments in the story which can never be forgotten. Through this character, the writer showed how jealousy and selfishness can ruin relationships. Maleeha’s character was layered and not all black, she basically put her own happiness before everything else and just like every other such character, she was sure that she was justified in doing everything she did. Maleeha’s ending was shown gradually and unlike other such characters, the writer convincingly showed that you just cannot build your happiness on someone else’s pain.

Zeenia – Deepti Gupta (Malaal)

Zeenia’s character’s entire story and the way it evolved through the drama made it the most memorable character of 2010. She was someone who was brought up by relatives and friends because she came from a broken home. Having lived that kind of life, Zeenia always thought that pleasing people was the only way to win their love. Zeenia’s character was kind, soft-hearted, fair but she also had some exceptional strong qualities spoke her mind without hurting anyone. She was shown as a wise woman who gave honest advice to others. Deepta Gupta’s perfect portrayal of Zeenia definitely added to the charm. Umera Ahmed has written a few such female characters which were both progressive, wise, and sensitive.

2011

Saman – Saba Qamar (Maat)

It was probably the first time viewers got to see sister rivalry in a very different manner. It won’t be wrong to say that because of Saman’s character, viewers were invested in Maat and looked forward to it. She was a negative character but she owned everything she did and was unapologetic about it. After creating havoc in her sister’s life, she too didn’t really get it all. Saman’s character surely was one-of-a-kind and stayed with the viewers for a long time.

Khirad – Mahira Khan (Humsafar)

Humsafar’s popularity is unprecedented. It was a blockbuster and this is the reason, the names of Ashar and Khirad are engraved in the minds of the viewers. Their love story was special and this drama paved a way for the biggest stars of the Pakistani showbiz industry. Although the character of Khirad was a victim of a lot of conspiracies, in the end, she found peace because of her child. The appeal of this character and screen-presence of Mahira Khan made Khirad memorable.

Eman – Nadia Jamil (Mere Pass Pass)

Sometimes the most simple characters can be the most appealing as well. Eman was one such character in Mere Pass Pass. A young lady who loved her husband dearly even though both of them were poles apart. Someone who enjoyed simple things in life and did not take anything too seriously until she was forced to give up her unborn child. When Eman decided to take a stand for her unborn child, her marriage fell apart but then that is when her new life also begin. A sweet, kind, and loving soul, Eman will always be remembered for all the right reasons. Her story and journey were engaging and powerful in its own way.

Nazia – Syra Yousuf (Mera Naseeb)

Nazia from Mera Naseeb was one of the best characters played by Syra Yousuf. A young girl who is brought up in a really strict environment who sometimes has to pay the price for her sister’s mistakes as well, Nazia was always selfless, positive, innocent, and wise beyond her years. Nazia showed maturity even when was married against her wishes even though she had someone in her life who loved her whole-heartedly. Nazia’s level-headedness was her biggest strength which made her a balanced and strong female character.

Zubeida – Savera Nadeem (Bari Aapa)

Everyone who has watched Bari Aapa will agree that Zubeida’s character was complex in many ways. She was literally the bari aapa who likes to take control of everything yet it was this controlling nature of hers which in the end proved to be the reason why she was left alone. The writer Samira Fazal through this character showed that relationships require love and nurturing. Zubeida had double standards and thought she could get away with everything. Even though the character itself was not in any way likable but without this character Bari Aapa wouldn’t have been such an amazing drama.

2012

Durr e Shehwar – Sanam Baloch (Durr-e-Shehwar)

Durr e Shehwar’s character was all about patience and the path that she walked through in order to find the mental and emotional peace that she deserved. The journey of Durr e Shehwar had everyone invested in it because of all that she went through. This character was memorable because a lot of viewers found it very easy to relate to her struggles. Sanam Baloch’s realistic performance gave it a perfect treatment and made it stay with the viewers for a long long time.

Safia – Saba Faisal (Durr-e-Shehwar)

Saba Faisal played the role of a typical and strict mother in law which made people resent Safia. It is a fact that this character was a depiction of all those mothers in law who tested the patience of their daughters in law in the early years of marriage. The cold and aloof behavior while being a demanding mother in law made viewers hate Safia and despite being a negative one, she indeed was a memorable character for sure.

Naani – Samina Peerzada (Shehr-e-Zaat)

Naani’s character in drama serial Shehr-e-Zaat truly left a lasting impression. The way she interpreted everything, her strong faith in God, and most importantly her loving and caring nature made her the most memorable character of the decade. Naani’s dialogues were written so beautifully that they were a source of inspiration and guidance for everyone out there. There are few characters that give you as much to reflect upon as this character did.

Bilquees – Bushra Ansari (Bilquees Kaur)

Bilquees from drama serial Bilquees Kaur was most certainly one-of-a-kind. We have rarely seen such layered and entertaining characters on screen. Everything from her back-story to her personality traits was really interesting. Bilquees was a Sikh woman who ran away from her home with a Muslim man and was now settled in the US. Bilquees strong and unapologetic personality coupled with her insecurities and vulnerabilities made her character memorable. This was such a brilliantly penned down character that for the longest time it was because of Bilquees that most viewers tuned in to the drama.

Kashaf – Sanam Saeed (Zindagi Gulzar Hai)

When you think about Kashaf, you are reminded of her hard work and struggles because from a very young age, she stopped living in a bubble and saw life through a different lens. Kashaf’s struggles were a part of her life but grace and elegance were a part of her personality. She never settled for anything less and didn’t let anything sway her from the goal that she had set for herself. It was refreshing to see a character like Kashaf who was so sorted and continued to push through every obstacle that came her way. Her success was purely hers and she was an inspirational and one of the memorable characters of the decade.

2013

Kiran – Sanam Baloch (Kankar)

Sanam Baloch played the character of Kiran to perfection. Kiran’s life turned upside down when she came across an abusive husband who believed in compensating her with all the luxuries for the mental, emotional, and physical trauma that he put her through. Kiran took a stand for herself against all odds and in the end, found closure because she did not allow anyone to treat her disrespectfully. Her journey showed how taking a stand comes with a hefty price but those who are courageous enough set themselves free.

Husna – Aunn Zara (Hina Bayat)

Husna’s character was an embodiment of what mothers are like and what motherhood is all about. Husna understood that her son had some shortcomings but she never once tried to brush them under the carpet, in fact, she became a supportive mother in law who assisted her daughter in law whenever she found herself in trouble. Husna’s character had her own emotional baggage but continued being a binding force of the entire family.

Shamim – Samina Peerzada (Rehaai)

Shamim has to be one of the most diverse and outstanding characters Samina Peerzada has played in her long career. Rehaai dealt with the issue of child marriage and Shamim was a mother who was also married to a man much older than her at a really young age. When her son chooses to do the same, she does whatever she can to stop him but her efforts prove to be fruitless. Although she is unable to stop this marriage from taking place, she plays a pivotal role in eventually taking a stand for herself and her daughters-in-law. Shamim’s character was multidimensional and her journey was inspiring.

Bibi – Sanam Saeed (Talkhiyaan)

Bibi’s character was the most unconventional female character we have seen in Pakistani dramas. A woman who chose to marry out of her faith and nationality ends up coming back to live with her toxic parents once her marriage falls apart along with her two kids. She has to put up with a lot and along the way she questions the double standards prevalent in her house. She also unravels hidden secrets and along the way understands the bitterness behind some of the people in her house. Bibi’s unconventional journey was wholesome and extremely engaging.

Appu Ji – Hina Bayat (Talhiyaan)

Appu Ji was another character who was anything but run-of-the-mill! A spinster who derives pleasure out of making Bibi and her children’s life hell, she also had an interesting story to tell! Her back-story revealed the reasons behind her bitter behavior and even though Appu Ji was anything but dignified, it was an absolute pleasure watching this unusual, original, and gripping female character on screen.

2014

Farah – Ayeza Khan – (Pyaray Afzal)

Ayeza Khan herself is of the opinion that Farah’s character changed everything for her. It was probably for the first time she was getting to play such a substantial character that goes through a lot of emotional shifts and transitions to understand what true love actually means. The character of Farah paved the way for Ayeza Khan and opened new domains for her.

Shano – Mahira Khan (Sadqay Tumhare)

The way Khalil ur Rehman Qamar wrote this character made all the viewers fall in love with Shano. Her existence, her beauty, her character, her nature; it was obvious that in his imagination, she was perfect and this is exactly how Mahira Khan did justice to Shano. Through her subtlety, she made the viewers feel for her and understand her emotions. She was wise and mature for her age. She never wished ill for anyone and never thought of doing anything that would cause distress to her family, this is why her tragic end left the viewers broken-hearted because they truly wanted to see her happy with the love of her life.

Madiha – Mansha Pasha (Mera Naam Yousaf Hai)

Madiha’s character was the most lovable character in the play. At the beginning of the drama, this character was so appealing that it stood out more than Zulekha’s character, who was the main lead. In the end, too Madiha’s sacrifice and the way she proved that true love indeed is selfless was an unforgettable twist in the story. This was also one of those few characters in our dramas that go through the most convincing and impactful transition. Madiha was the one who kept the viewers guessing until the end and had the most impressive ending to its credit.

Rasheeda – Samiya Mumtaz (Sadqay Tumhare)

Rasheeda’s character and background were pivotal to the story since she was the one who determined the fate of Shano and Khalil’s unforgettable love story. Even though this character was a negative one but there were also times why you understood where this bitterness came from. It won’t be wrong to say that Rasheeda kept most of the viewers glued to their television screens for weeks. She left the viewers haring her, wanting to see more of the malice, hurt, and vengeance that she felt throughout.

Aafiya Begum – Hina Bayat (Mera Naam Yousaf Hai)

Aafiya begum was an intelligent and strong woman who was married to a man who always put her down and even went ahead and got married to someone else. In the end, Aafiya begum chose not to forgive her husband and in front of a court declared that she did not want to lose any more of her precious time on this man who clearly did not divorce her. Everyone out there who thinks that Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar shows women as the weaker gender should definitely watch this drama and how Aafiya begum gives her husband a reality check in the end. Aafiya chose to be free of a marriage that did more harm than good.

Dania – Saba Qamar (Bunty I Love You)

Dania was another complex but highly appealing character. She got married to a wealthy man old enough to be her husband after he ‘bought off’ the person she was madly in love with. It was after the demise of her husband that Dania desperately looked for love and attention in all the wrong places. Without realizing it, she also became the kind of controlling and selfish person her husband was. Her love for Bunty, the intensity, and the selfishness attached to it made this character unforgettable.

Farida – Saba Qamar (Digest Writer)

The character of Farida played beautifully by Saba Qamar perfectly depicted what it means to dream big and fulfill all those dreams with sheer commitment and hard work. Farida’s journey was full of personal struggles and hardships because although she did well professionally, in her personal life, she was unable to find true love for that she longed for. Although Farida always put everyone ahead of her, what proved her as a selfless person was when in the end, despite having the option of being with the one she loved, she chose to stay with her husband for the sake of her children and their happiness. This made her character realistic, impactful, and memorable.

Shakeela – Aiman Khan (Digest Writer)

The character of Farida’s younger sister who always encouraged and uplifted the morale of her eldest sister was absolutely sweet. She showcased the beauty of the sibling relationship. Despite being young, Shakeela was opinionated and she always took a stand for her sister, showed her direction, and helped her with perspective-altering.

Qurat ul Ain – Maya Ali (Shanakht)

Qurat ul Ain’s character was all about giving and never expecting anything in return. Through this character, it was showcased how one person can bring a change in the life of those around them, and then the circle keeps on getting bigger. It was a rarity where Qurat ul Ain’s character showed that her Hijab was her strength and did not get in her way of pursuing a full-fledged career and living life to the fullest. Her character was inspiring and memorable.

2015

Goshi – Hira Mani (Preet Na Kariyo Koi)

It was a challenging character that was portrayed perfectly by Hira Mani. Goshi wanted to live life on her own terms, due to which she made her own decisions which upset her family as well as those who loved her. Goshi’s journey was full of struggles because she also found herself landing in hot waters but she owned everything and continued to push through. In the end, she finally found the peace that she was after. It was definitely a unique character that isn’t often seen in Pakistani dramas.

Fareesa – Sarah Khan (Alvida)

Fareesa was the antagonist in drama serial Alvida. It rarely ever happens that a negative character actually helps keep your interest alive in the drama and Fareesa did just that. In some ways, Fareesa’s character was quite typical and didn’t have novelty to offer yet it was a memorable one since she made her presence felt in the drama. Fareesa also probably did more to impact the lives of the people around them than any other character.

Malika Aaliya – Maria Wasti (Malika-e-Aaliya)

This had to be one of the most negative characters in Pakistani dramas yet Malika Aaliya was the sole attraction of a drama which was not extraordinary otherwise. As the name suggests, Malika thought of herself as a queen and ran the show throughout. It was actually entertaining watching how she had everyone wrapped around her finger. The character was amusing and comic at times as well. Malika’s antics were entertaining and since she was the only character in the drama which had a definite appeal, she deserves to be on this list.

2016

Zebo – Areesha Ahsan (Udaari)

The child artist playing the character of Zebo made all the viewers fall in love with her. She was a sweet young girl but the most endearing part of her personality was the affection and sensitivity she had towards her mother. Zebo despite being so young knew how hard her mother’s life as a single parent was and she wanted to achieve so much for the sake of her mother.

Zulekha – Saba Hameed (Dil Lagi)

Saba Hameed’s character in Dil Lagi was one-of-a-kind. She was not a typical mother in law but the authority that she was used to practicing often got in the way of how Anmol and Mohid’s marital life shaped up. The trait that set her character as a mother in law apart was the fair and just treatment that she believed in. It was a substantial character of a strong mother who had a lot of influence but never believed in misusing it.

Meeran – Urwa Hocane (Udaari)

We rarely get to see strong, level-headed, and committed female characters in our dramas. Meeran was one such character whose journey kept the viewers glued to their television screens. Meeran went through many ups and downs but all through that, she made sure she stayed strong. She also supported others around her and there wasn’t an ounce of jealousy in her. Her character had so many positives and it will always be remembered as one of the most progressive female characters.

Anmol – Mehwish Hayat (Dil Lagi)

Anmol’s character was intense, powerful, unapologetic, and difficult to grasp at times! Anmol was introduced as a headstrong young lady who was fierce and as her journey progressed some of her strengths turned into her weaknesses. This was the perfectly fleshed-out character which gave the viewers so much to talk about. Some of the viewers had a difficult time accepting this fiery heroine, others fell in love with her instantly.

Sitara – Saba Qamar (Mein Sitara)

Sitara was the star of the show right from the time she made her first appearance in the drama. Sitara’s journey spanned over a few decades. She went from being a simple, innocent, bubbly girl to a woman who no longer cared about right or wrong. Sitara’s journey was full of emotions, ups, and downs. This character was so impactful that it remained fresh in the viewers’ memory long after the drama ended.

Jharna – Aisha Gul (Mein Sitara)

Jharna’s character in Mein Sitara went through so many different phases and each one of these phases was equally impactful. Jharna was a strong woman who believed in supporting other women but her life took a turn for the worse when her husband fell in love with the girl they had brought up together, someone Jharna loved unconditionally. This character was inspired by a real-life heroine therefore it was even more impactful. The viewers couldn’t help feeling for Jharna every step of the way.

Mishi – Saba Qamar (Besharam)

Sarwat Nazeer wrote this character in order to break stereotypes about working women belonging to the fashion industry. Through her character, she showed that Mishi was ready to put everything on hold in order to make her marriage work. Mishi was strong, financially independent but more than that, she was absolutely capable of running a family and be a binding force for it. Mishi believed in honesty and clarity, which helped her a lot and made her a memorable character.

Aneesa Begum – Saba Faisal (Zara Yaad Kar)

The aspect that made Aneesa Begum’s character memorable was her outlook on life. The dialogues that Khalil ur Rehman Qamar chose for this character were absolutely powerful. Aneesa Begum was faced with a challenge in her life where as a single parent, she had to do the upbringing of her children on her own. Her eldest daughter continued to make one mistake after another but Aneesa Begum did not let her motherly emotions cloud her judgment. She never shied away from calling spade a spade and held her daughter responsible for her poor choices.

2017

Zubia – Sajal Aly (Yakeen Ka Safar)

Sajal Aly made the viewers fall in love with Zubia’s character. Zubia came from a dysfunctional background and looked for love elsewhere but because of her poor judgment, she learned a lesson in life. After that, Zubia walked on the eggshells until she ended up proving herself. The overall journey of Zubia was beautiful and this character had a complete personality, making it memorable.

Anji – Sanam Chaudhry (Ghar Titli Ka Par)

Sanam Chauhdry gave one of the best performances of her career in Ghar Titli Ka Par as Anji. She made the viewers resent this character while still making it thoroughly enjoyable to watch Anji’s antics. Anji was mean, she was selfish but she was unapologetic about it. She continued to cross the limits and in the end paid the price but to watch her journey was worthwhile. She was a negative character but a unique one at that.

Nadia – Kiran Haq (Dar Si Jati Hai Sila)

Kiran Haq played the character of Nadia to perfection. She had the kind of aura that one could easily see her as a gullible young girl but she was far wiser than the elders of the family combined. She was observant and that’s what made her see-through things quickly. Nadia ended up being the voice of reason in this family and being an outsider, she knew she didn’t have much to lose and she could say what others were hesitant to. Her character was memorable for sure.

Zaini – Aamna Malick (Dar Si Jati Hai Sila)

Zaini could easily pass as a considerate sister of Sila who found it hard to take a stand for herself. It was refreshing to see a character like Zaini who never made Sila feel less human by pointing out her shortcomings, in fact, she believed in building her confidence and helped her in overcoming her fears. Zaini’s character was opinionated and strong, she was a breath of fresh air.

Khaani – Sana Javed (Khaani)

Khaani has to be the strongest yet the most vulnerable character played by Sana Javed. Khaani’s story was inspired by real-life incidents that was perhaps the reason why this character left a lasting impression. Khaani’s life turns around for the worse when her brother is shot dead by a wealthy and influential man. Things get even worse when this man falls in love with Khaani. She fought a long and hard battle to get justice for her brother and through it, all the viewers got to witness so many different shades of her personality.

Aapa – Sakina Samo (Dar Si Jati Hai Sila)

Aapa was the head of Noor Manzil and she made some really bad choices along the way. A know-it-all dictator who wanted things her way, Aapa made the worst decision of her life when she decided to take Joi, an orphan as her own, and loved him more than anyone else in her life. Joi gave her life meaning, the feeling of motherhood since she did not have any children of her own. In the end, when she finds out the ugly truth about Joi, her character gets the much-needed reality check and also entailed an important message.

Noor Jahan – Aisha Khan (Noor e Zindagi)

It won’t be wrong to say that there were times when Noor Jahan was too perfect and sensible but once in a while, it is good to watch such characters in dramas! Noor Jahan was so wise that she could easily find a way out of any difficult situation at all and had the capability of turning things around. Noor can easily pass as one of the most level-headed, sweet, sensible, and likable characters of the decade.

Bibi Sahiba – Saman Ansari (Dumpukht Aatish-e-Ishq)

Bibi Sahiba’s character had so much going for it. She had the most graceful personality and she always came across as an enlightened woman who was also spiritually enlightened. A really intelligent woman who goes out of her way to save someone she is not even remotely related with. Bibi Sahiba was a strong woman with a heart of gold. It was a beautiful character which was the highlight of the drama Dumpukht.

2018

Ulfat – Neelam Munir (Dil Mom Ka Diya)

Ulfat’s character opened new domains for Neelam Munir and put her name on the map where people started seeing her as a mature actor. The character of Ulfat was toxic and continued to make one mistake after another but in the end, her tears explained her regrets. She ended up with a terminally ill husband but didn’t leave him, seeing it as her redemption. Till the time the drama lasted, Ulfat was the talk of the town and despite being a negative character, it succeeded in staying with the viewers.

Noori – Iqra Aziz (Ranjha Ranjha Kardi)

Noori had to be one of the most intriguing, appealing, and layered female characters we saw in Pakistani dramas in this decade. She had some really likable positive traits and like many other heroines of Faiza Iftikhar, she had a fierce personality. Noori’s entire journey covered so many different aspects of her life. From trusting the wrong people to getting married to someone she was not compatible with, Noori faced all these challenges head-on and proved to be an exceptional character. The best thing about this character was that it had more than its fair share of flaws but even then it was quite appealing.

Tabbasum – Nadia Khan (Zun Mureed)

Tabbasum’s character was written so well that through this character the writer Amna Mufti showed all those problems that women face in households and within the society. Right from the first episode, Tabbasum was shown as someone who was burdened with more responsibility than she could bear yet she never got a lot of acknowledgment for it. The best aspect of this character was the way the writer defined boundaries in marriage through it. A wonderfully penned down character, Tabbasum offered so much. This character spoke to the audience like no other.

Shahana – Nadia Afghan (Suno Chanda)

Shahana was witty, comic, fierce, and entertaining all rolled into one! She was the most favorite character from Suno Chanda for all the right reasons. Apart from being entertaining, Shahana was also a great mother-in-law who always supported her bahu unconditionally. Shahana had such a screen presence that many people watched this show and enjoyed it because of her.

Bi Jaan – Samina Ahmed (Suno Chanda)

How often do we see positive women running the show in dramas like the male heads of families do? Well, hardly ever! Bi Jaan was one such character in Suno Chanda who was a wise but at the same time fun head of the family. She was strong and young at heart. She was also great at solving different problems that arose a little too often among family members.

Shehnaz – Saniya Saeed (Meri Guriya)

Shehnaz was an unfortunate mother whose daughter was raped and murdered. She was pressurized to stay quiet but she did everything she could to get her daughter justice and in the end, she succeeded. She was one of the best mothers we saw in Pakistani dramas in this decade. Her scenes with her daughters were heart-warming right from day one.

Safina – Sonya Hussyn (Meri Guriya)

Safina’s character was perhaps the best one Sonya Hussyn opted to play in this decade. Safina was a professional badminton player but she was forced to get married. When she got married, she had no idea that her husband would turn out to be a sick-minded rapist and murderer. Eventually, this wise and strong lady played a crucial role in getting her husband caught. Her support for Shehnaz and all the victims’ parents were the best part of the drama. Safina was outspoken, confident, and sensitive, a complete package, the perfect character you could easily fall in love with.

Nigar – Ushna Shah (Balaa)

Another negative character of the year that inflicted so much misery on her in-laws. Ushna Shah played a negative character to perfection and made Nigar’s character stand out more. It was unfortunate that the writer opted for an easier ending for this character by driving her crazy, whereas it would’ve been perfect if they had shown her husband seeking professional help to sort her issues. Nigar’s character was discussed everywhere and despite being an evil character, ended up being engraved in the minds of the viewers.

2019

Mehwish – Ayeza Khan (Mere Pass Tum Ho)

Previously, writers have shown women being infidels but the way Khalil ur Rehman Qamar conceived and shaped this character was different and never seen before. Mehwish jumped into a deep pit with her eyes open and the writer showed, that women like Mehwish existed who find it hard to settle with what life has given them. Mehwish was unapologetic and this is the reason, viewers did not feel for her because she never once realized the gravity of the mistakes done by her. Mehwish’s character was not ideal but the journey of it was definitely memorable.

Gaiti – Hira Mani (Do Bol)

It was very easy for the character of Gaiti to come across as snobbish or rude but Hira Mani played this character beautifully which showcased all of Gaiti’s shortcomings as well as her strengths. Gaiti came from a background where she was not allowed to make her choices, resulting in her sudden marriage to Badar but it was after she moved out of that house, she realized how free she was. It was her journey of learning and re-discovering the value of what her husband meant to her. Gaiti’s character as well as her journey was memorable.

Abru – Sanam Chauhdry (Meer Abru)

Abru was an authoritative and over-protective eldest sister who took her responsibilities very seriously. Abru was the binding force of the family who was the strength and support of her father as well as a safety blanket for her sisters. Life wasn’t easy for her but she didn’t compromise on her dignity and self-respect. Abru pushed through and made the viewers fall in love with her character. Sanam Chauhdry’s performance was brilliant.

Momina – Sajal Aly (Alif)

Momina’s journey was not easy and all that she ever did or achieve was only for her brother and her parents. In the middle of this, Momina forgot to live for herself and probably also forgot who she was but then, rediscovering her father’s past and relating her journey to that of Husn e Jahan’s helped her a great deal in shaping her present and future. Momina also had a chance at love but she believed in being free. Her journey was beautiful and her character was even better backed by the measured performance of Sajal Aly

Husn e Jahan – Kubra Khan (Alif)

The character of Husn e Jahan showed that when you have that urge in you to achieve the closeness to your Creator, you stick to the opportunity you get. After experiencing the world of glitz and glam, Husn e Jahan found peace in seclusion. The best aspect of her character was the way she approached motherhood. Her connection and relation with her son were absolutely beautiful.

Ramsha – Hajra Yamin (Ehd e Wafa)

Drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa had so many progressive and inspiring female characters. Ramsha was one such young lady who was shown as an independent working woman. Ramsha was wise, practical, and sensitive. She was also someone who did not need a man in her life to support her. On the contrary, her relationship with Shariq was based on mutual trust and support. They were equal partners in everything whether it was their work or the emotional investment they put in their relationship. This was truly a refreshing character that broke so many stereotypes.

Dua – Alizeh Shah (Ehd e Wafa)

Dua did not appeal to the viewers at first but as the story progresses and this character evolved, we got to see a caring daughter, a dedicated student, and a motivated working woman in Dua. This was another character that went against the stereotypes by putting forward so many inspiring messages for all the young ladies out there. Dua was completely focused on every phase of her life. She also had the courage to speak up when it was needed the most.

Faryal – Vaneeza Ahmed (Ehd e Wafa)

Faryal will always be remembered as a role model for all the mothers out there. Usually, working women are shown as failures as mothers and homemakers in our dramas. That was certainly not the case here. Faryal used her wisdom both in her work and also at home. She was a friend to Saad and without her advice and support, he wouldn’t have been able to make all the right choices.

Hajra – Yumna Zaidi (Inkaar)

Hajra’s character was yet another flawed yet inspiring characters in Pakistani dramas this decade. Hajra made some mistakes and later on she had to pay a heavy price for them. Her journey overall played an important role in showing the importance of consent in relationships. Hajra’s emotional and sensitive side was actually more appealing than her strong nature. This was such a beautifully written character that had the most inspiring journey.

2020

Kashf – Hira Mani (Kashf)

Kashf’s story is all about how a selfless person allows her family to exploit her to their heart’s content but the patience with which she deals with them shows how big-hearted she is because she is not oblivious to their selfishness. Kashf has dedicated her entire life to support her family and has curbed her own feelings, desires, emotions, and wants aside. Hira Mani has given a phenomenal performance and Kashf’s character is unique with so much niceness in her heart, that reflects in her thought process and actions towards others.

Mahjabeen – Yumna Zaidi (Pyar Ke Sadqay)

Mahjabeen can easily be termed as one of the most unusual yet the most adorable characters in Pakistani dramas. Mahjabeen was a young girl who was completely aware of her limitations and failures but that never stopped her from trying to stand out in some way or the other. Her innocence was the most charming aspect of her character. She was the kind of character that made the viewers laugh and cry at the same time. Mahjabeen will definitely be remembered for a really long time!

Washma – Srha Asghar (Pyar Ke Sadqay)

Washma from Pyar Ke Sadqay was just as likable as Mahjabeen but for completely different reasons. She was a wise and resilient young woman who made all the right choices even when the odds were completely against her. Even though she never had the support of her mother, Washma learned to take a stand for herself, and later on, she was Mahjabeen’s biggest support. Washma’s powerful personality was the highlight of every episode she was a part of. The viewers looked forward to her scenes and she never disappointed them.

This concludes the list of memorable female characters of the decade. Which characters have stayed with you for the longest time? Please add more to the discussion.

Zahra Mirza & Fatima Awan