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• Famous Pakistani Couples With Huge Age Gap (published by Reviewit.pk on August 15th, 2020)
• Do You Know EXACTLY How Much Age Gap These Famous Celebrity Couples Share? Know Here! (published by Siasat.PK on August 20th, 2020).
• The Most Predictable Endings In Pakistani Dramas ( published by Reviewit.pk on August 10, 2020)
• Pakistani Dramas And Their 4 MOST Predictable Endings! (published by Siasat.PK on August 13, 2020)
• Pakistani Actors Who Did Not Like Working Together (published by Reviewit.pk on August 6, 2020)
• Pakistani Co-Stars Who HATED Working Together And Might Never Do It Again! (published by Siasat.PK on August 9, 2020)
• Inspiring Male Characters In Recent Pakistani Dramas (published by Reviewit.pk on July 27, 2020)

The Most INSPIRATIONAL Male Characters In The Recent Pakistani Dramas That We Must Admire! (published by Siasat.PK on Jul 31, 2020).

Looking at the titles, we cannot help but laugh. The so-called ‘biggest digital media platform’ can’t even come up with their own titles and just like our content, they copy our titles as well.

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A memorable performance requires a great deal of hard work, honesty, and commitment. There is no dearth of acting talent in Pakistan. Even though most of the Pakistani actors do not have formal training in performing arts, they have learned so much through their experiences in dramas and from performing in theatres that they are experts in their craft. There are so many outstanding Pakistani actors to whom acting comes naturally. They have often talked about how they get the energy and motivation to give their best when they are in front of the camera. Pakistani drama industry has many experienced and gifted actresses but sometimes they do not get the kind of meaty roles that bring out the best in them.

It would be safe to say that sometimes the right kind of script can make an actor come out of their shell and give an extraordinary performance. Such performances stay in the minds of the viewers for a really long time. All these actresses who are on this list breathed such tangible life into their characters that viewers were truly in awe of their acting skills. They left a lasting impression and these performances also gave them a new identity.

Here is a list of those memorable female performances of Pakistani dramas which were the best among so many amazing performances which we witnessed over the years. This is the perfect way to start a discussion about all those actresses who truly outdid themselves in these 10 years.

Memorable Female Performances of Pakistani Dramas – (2010 to 2020)

2010

Bushra Ansari – Saima Chauhdry (Baraat Series)

Bushra Ansari deserves to be crowned as the queen of comedy because of her contribution to the genre. Although Bushra Ansari’s confidence and wit as a comic actor were always well recognized, she entertained the viewers more than ever when she played Saima Chaudhry’s character in the Baraat Series. She completely owned this character and it was quite obvious that she also enjoyed performing this role. The comedy and the wit came naturally to her.

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

Samiya Mumtaz played this young to an old character so well that it gave her a new identity. She added innocence, depth, simplicity, and meaning to her character when Saba was young. When she was old Samiya Mumtaz added grace and the kind of tenderness which was needed to make the viewers feel for her character. The viewers did not just feel for Saba but also found her journey endearing because of the meaningful interpretation given to it on screen. Through this character, Samiya Mumtaz proved that she was a serious actress who took her craft very seriously.

Sanam Baloch – Bano (Dastaan)

The character of Bano had so much to offer. She went through a roller coaster ride of emotions and to convey each and every aspect of her journey with such clarity and perfection makes it one of the most memorable performances of Sanam Baloch’s acting career. A girl who lived an ideal life but had to see an ugly side of it as she continued to live was daunting and with each phase, the emptiness in Bano’s eyes showed her disappointments and frustrations. Sanam Baloch deserves a special mention for giving such a measured performance as Bano.

Sarwat Gillani – Mahi (Malal)

Sarwat Gillani played the role of a carefree young girl who is a hopeless romantic. Things change for her after she gets married to her family friend who is older to her in age. The transition that she goes through takes away the immaturity from her and she is forced to see life and things differently. Sarwat Gillani did complete justice to this character and portrayed the emotional and mental transition of a girl like Mahi to perfection. It happens to be one such performance where she acted effortlessly and left a great impact as an actor.

2011

Nargis Rasheed – Shaheen (Akbari Asghari)

The character of Shaheen was the binding force of the family, she always did what others expected of her but she eventually learned to have her say and voice her opinions. The fluency with which Nargis Rasheed delivered the Punjabi dialogues along with her facial expressions made the character of Shaheen as well as her performance quite memorable and probably one of the most notable aspects of the drama.

Nosheen Shah – Dua (Pani Jaisa Pyaar)

Nosheen Shah played the role of Dua who had so much on her plate but continued to push through. Nausheen Shah gave a strong performance in Pani Jaisa Pyar and showcased the perseverance of Dua to perfection. Her life was filled with difficulties but with patience and steadfastness, she worked her way through. Her dialogue delivery and the overall demeanor as Dua made it a memorable performance in Pani Jaisa Pyar.

Humaira Abbasi – Batool (Akbari Asghari)

Humaira Abbasi played the role of a Punjabi woman to perfection. Her dialogue delivery, her overall personality, clothing, and makeup spoke volumes about who she was and where she came from. The most fun aspect of her character was her obsession with speaking English. She was a refined woman who felt at ease whenever she mingled with her family that lived in a village. Her performance as Batool was spot on and definitely memorable.

Humaima Malik – Asghari (Akbari Asghari)

Humaima Malik gave the character of Asghari a beautiful treatment. The honesty with which Asghari lived her life and her courage to speak up the truth at all times showed that she knew how to walk the talk. Despite coming across as snobbish at the beginning, Asghari’s character turned out to be one of the best characters of the drama. Humaima Malik made it look realistic and kept the overall appeal of her character believable, making it one of the best performances of her acting career.

Kiran Haq – Shabbo (Akbari Asghari)

Kiran Haq played the role of Shabbo to perfection. She was a fun character who liked stirring the pot. She was a hopeless romantic who was madly in love with her cousin Asghar. Kiran Haq looked absolutely gorgeous in the getup of a young Punjabi girl. She was loud and boisterous and the acting of Kiran Haq was perfect. Her mannerisms and antics made the viewers hate and love her at the same time. It was sad that she got tricked by Asghar but she definitely was one of a kind. The ease and effortlessness with which Kiran Haq performed this character make it one of the memorable performances of her career.

Saba Hameed – Aliya (Qaid e Tanhai)

Saba Hameed played the character of the conniving, selfish, and ruthless mother-in-law so well in Qaid-e-Tanhai that she was offered so many such roles in the upcoming dramas as well. Although Saba Hameed played characters which were comic and modern in the previous dramas and sitcoms, she made her character in Qaid-e-Tanhai come alive on screen almost effortlessly. Even though her character wasn’t the least bit likable but her portrayal was beyond exceptional. She was especially impressive while portraying the self-righteous side of Aliya’s personality.

Saba Qamar – Saman (Maat)

Saba Qamar proved her versatility early on in her career. Who could have guessed that she would be able to play a negative character with such ease when she played the role of Saman in Maat. Although Saman was the greedy and selfish sister in the drama, Saba Qamar remained the sole attraction of this serial for the longest time. It would be safe to say that no other actress has played any such character with as much precision as Saba did. Her confidence and antics went so well with the character she played and that is when she gained more popularity than ever.

2012

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

Sanam Baloch’s effortless portrayals always make her characters stand out. She believes in versatility but it is also a fact that no one plays the simple and slightly layered characters better than her. Durr-e-Shehwar’s younger days were translated on-screen with a touch of reality and precision by Sanam Baloch. The character was written in a convincing manner and Sanam Baloch’s solid performance added more substance to it. All the young ladies who were going through similar situations found it easier to relate to Shehwar’s struggles because Sanam enacted this character flawlessly on screen.

Samina Peerzada – Durr-e-Shehwar (Durr-e-Shehwar)

Samina Peerzada played the role of older Shehwar who had learned from her experiences and was now wise enough to understand the ups and downs in life. Samina Peerzada was exceptional as the wise and seemingly happy older woman who revisited her past quite often. Just like the younger version of this character, this character too had substance. The older Shehwar played that role in her daughter’s life which her father did in hers when she found her in-laws and her new home difficult to adjust to. Samina Peerzada’s performance never faltered, she made sure that the viewers felt Shehwar’s internal struggles, and she was equally convincing while imparting wisdom.

Nadia Jamil – Shandana (Durr-e-Shehwar)

Whenever we talk about natural and effortless portrayals Nadia Jamil’s name is always in the list. Shandana was a working woman who had a troubled marriage, a young lady who idealized her father and wanted her husband to be more like him. Nadia Jamil made sure that every step of Shandana’s journey left an impact so much so that even now after so many years of watching the drama, it is easy to recall Shandana’s shocking expressions when she found out that no marriage is ever ‘ideal’! Shandana has an interesting story to tell and Nadia Jamil made sure that she did complete justice to this character.

Sanam Saeed – Kashaf (Zindagi Gulzar Hai)

This has to be one of the best performances of Sanam Saeed’s career to date. All the drama viewers remember Kashaf’s character and on top of that, the way Sanam Saeed acted it, keeping it effortless and natural made the viewers connect to Kashaf a lot more. Sanam Saeed didn’t opt for any pretense and the natural dialogue delivery was what made this character a lot more realistic and appealing. It was because of Sanam Saeed’s strong performance that she was able to carry the entire drama on her shoulders and make Kashaf such an inspirational character.

2013

Sajal Ali – Nanhi (Nanhi)

Sajal Ali is known for playing complex and challenging characters. One of her most unforgettable performance was playing the protagonist in drama serial Nanhi. Nanhi was not just another Pakistani drama and the leading character Sajal played was equally special in so many ways. Sajal Ali did exceptionally well translating Nanhi’s innocence and her fears on screen. It was truly extraordinary that Sajal gave such a phenomenal performance such early on in her career.

Sarwat Gillani – Zoya (Dil-e-Muztar)

Sarwat Gillani’s role in Dil-e-Muztar was negative and it won’t be wrong to say that it was her performance which made it entertaining to watch. Although the viewers simply hated Zoya for creating misunderstandings between a happily married couple and then marrying the man who never even imagined being with someone like her, the fact is that this was the most memorable performance of Sarwat Gillani till date. She finally stepped out of her comfort zone and decided to play a character that wasn’t likable, adding an appeal to it with her performance.

Sanam Jung – Sila (Dil-e-Muztar)

Sanam Jung added the kind of simplistic charm to her character in Dil-e-Muztar that was much-needed to make Sila’s character more likable. Even though Sila made some really callous choices at the beginning of the drama but as the story progressed her character became more mature. Sanam Baloch’s soft dialogue delivery and gentle demeanor went so well with this character. Her overall look and her body language added to the appeal. This was definitely one of those performances of Sanam Jung which will never be forgotten.

Sanam Saeed – Bibi (Talkhiyaan)

Sanam Saeed really took it in her stride when she chose to play a complex character such as Bibi on screen. She made sure that every shade of Bibi’s personality came alive on screen with the utmost ease. Not only this, but she also carried the sarees so well even when she was shown walking and working in them. The signature style of the character was reflected in such a manner that it became memorable.

Hina Bayat – Appu Ji (Talkhiyaan)

Hina Bayat is an elegant and stylish actress who has proved time and again that she can easily step out of her comfort zone and breathe life into characters which are unlike her actual personality. Appu Ji was one such character who was bitter, uncouth, and judgmental. This was the most unusual character Hina Bayat played. She made sure that the look she sported in the drama went well with the character she was playing which was an added bonus.

2014

Armeena Rana Khan – Fiza (Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi)

It was probably the first time Armeena Rana Khan played a lead role in a drama. The character was demanding and problematic because Fiza wasn’t too happy with her husband who was a simpleton. It was because of her performance that the viewers liked watching Fiza despite the fact that she was always looking for troubles. Armeena Rana Khan’s unique dialogue delivery and expressions made her performance strong and it ended up getting a lot of attention that it deserved.

Saba Qamar – Dania (Bunty I Love You)

Saba Qamar definitely lives the characters she plays and that is what makes her performances so convincing and raw every single time. The role Saba Qamar played in Bunty I Love You was daring and unconventional. It was also the kind of character which keeps you guessing. Saba Qamar translated on screen in such a way that even with all of Dania’s flaws, the viewers couldn’t help but understand why she was like that. She made the entire journey much more appealing because of her unforgettable performance.

2015

Hira Mani – Goshi (Preet Na Kariyo Koi)

It was probably for the first time when Hira Mani debuted as a protagonist in any drama. The viewers had seen her playing limited roles in different comedy shows but this was her first primetime project and she proved her mettle as an actor. Hira Mani showed that she was capable of playing serious and substantial roles to perfection. The character of Goshi was unconventional because she had to make certain choices to get ahead in life, Hira Mani made this character believable despite its flaws and shortcomings and the way she performed was enough to show that Hira Mani was now taking her acting career seriously and was here to stay!

Mansha Pasha – Madiha (Mera Naam Yousaf Hai)

Mansha Pasha was shown as a girl who was madly in love with the hero but he did not reciprocate her feelings. Their bond however was special in its own way. Mansha Pasha’s brilliant performance in Mera Naam Yousaf Hei definitely added more nuances to this character. She made this character so likable that even though the viewers wanted to see Zulekha and Yousaf together in the end, they were equally concerned about how that would impact Madiha. Mansha Pasha has her own unique acting style and this style went perfectly well with Madiha’s character.

Iffat Omar – Rukhsana (Mohabbat Aag Si)

Iffat Omar played the role of a manipulative elder sister who had her brothers wrapped around her finger. Iffat Omar played the role of a complicated woman Rukhsana who liked stirring the pot in other’s lives pertaining to her own complexes. She had a lot of desires, the most important one was that she longed for love but her intentions weren’t pure. Iffat Omar gave this performance her all and made the viewers despise the character of Rukhsana, making it one of the best performances of her career.

2016

Saba Hameed – Zulekha (Dil Lagi)

It was nothing short of a treat to see a mother like Zulekha who was authoritative but never once practiced her authority to complicate the lives of people around her. Zulekha was known to call spade a spade but she also showed how important it was to practice patience. Saba Hameed always does justice to such roles and it is always a treat to see her play such substantial roles. Saba Hameed’s performance as Zulekha to date remains memorable. Her overall personality and demeanor also were major factors that made this character stand out more.

Kaif Ghaznavi – Pari (Sang-e-Marmar)

Kaif Ghaznavi gave a very strong performance as Pari. She was evil and had her own reasons to see things differently, she also ended up paying the price for wishing evil for others but viewers couldn’t help but feel her pain. It was Kaif Ghaznavi’s performance which made the viewers understand the thought process of a character like Pari who had nothing good to offer. Her acting, expressions, dialogue delivery were convincing and the sequence, where she sang a lullaby to her dead child, sent shivers down the spine. She was phenomenal as Pari.

Uzma Hassan – Sherbano (Sang-e-Marmar)

Sherbano was an unhappy soul who couldn’t bring herself to love the man she was married to. Her character was driven by hatred and resentment but in the end, she too ended up looking like a victim because she had nowhere to go or no one to speak to. Sherbano easily got manipulated but she didn’t even realize it. Uzma Hassan is a phenomenal actor and she gave one of the best performances of her career in Sang e Marmar.

Sania Saeed – Shameem (Sang-e-Marmar)

Sania Saeed played the role of Shameem who was a victim of domestic violence and lived her life pleasing her husband without a voice. Shameem did not have much say in the matters concerning her family her entire life but in the end, she decided to speak up because her patience was tested. Sania Saeed made the viewers feel Shameem’s pain who mourned the death of her son who was killed. Shameem’s character was portrayed with so much clarity that even her silence had a lot of meaning and it was easy for the viewers to understand.

Kubra Khan – Parisa (Muqabil)

Kubra Khan’s performance in Muqabil was intense and on point. She played the role of a young woman who was sexually assaulted as a child and she never got the love and attention from her parents. Kubra Khan was absolutely flawless as the mysterious, confused, scared, and impulsive survivor who makes some of the most outrageous choices. Her performance was both riveting as well as gripping right from the get-go.

Saba Qamar – Surraiya (Mein Sitara)

Saba Qamar has played many versatile characters in her career but Surraiya was definitely special. It was a coming of age story starting from the time when Surraiya was a kid. Saba Qamar nailed all the different stages of Surraiya’s life. As the young version of the character, she was convincingly scared and uncertain. When her character was older, she showed its confidence and underlying bitterness faultlessly on screen.

Aisha Gul – Jharna (Mein Sitara)

Aisha Gul is usually seen playing important supporting characters in dramas and most often she gets to play negative roles in dramas. In Mein Sitara Aisha Gul’s character had so much to offer and she made sure that she breathed life into this character in such a way that the viewers felt everything Jharna went through. This involved betrayal, heartbreak, and losing recognition as a star. Jharna’s story wouldn’t have been so impactful if it wasn’t for Aisha Gul’s impeccable portrayal.

2017

Sanam Chauhdry – Anji (Ghar Titli Ka Par)

The way Sanam Chauhdry chose to portray Anji made the viewers enjoy the antics of such a negative character which is a rarity in general. It was her phenomenal performance that actually grabbed the interest of the drama viewers and despite the typical storyline, watching Anji’s character was actually an experience in itself. Anji was negative and selfish, she even wanted to be a homewrecker but all of this was tolerable because of the way this character was portrayed by Sanam Chauhdry. It was definitely a memorable performance.

Sajal Ali – Dr. Zubia (Yakeen Ka Safar)

Sajal Ali played the role of Dr. Zubia and made the viewers fall in love with her character. It is quite a tough job usually for an actor to play the role based on the novel because the readers have fabricated an image of a character in their imagination but Sajal Aly did justice to this character through her brilliant and measured performance. This is the reason Dr. Zubia’s character as well the way it was performed has been engraved in the minds of the drama viewers.

Sana Fakhar – Nigar Begum (Alif Allah Aur Insaan)

Sana Fakhar played the role of a courtesan with utmost grace and elegance. She looked gorgeous as Nigar Begum and her dialogue delivery along with sensual expressions made her character very charming and graceful. Although this character was short-lived, till the time she was alive, she made quite an impact. Beneath the layers of glamour and continuous attention, Nigar Begum was a woman who had a lot of complexes and regrets too. All of this was brilliantly portrayed and clearly conveyed by Sana Fakhar.

Saman Ansari – Sadia (Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila)

Saman Ansari played the role of Sadia, a rape victim who was forced to stay silent because of the manipulation around her. She had no say and was treated like a nobody because she had no one who could support her. Sadia was also a victim of exploitation and in the end, the truth came out, allowing her to tell her story. Playing the role of Sadia was quite difficult because only through subtle expressions, Saman Ansari had to show what was running through her mind. She did absolute justice to this character and made the viewers feel her pain. It was one of the most powerful performances done by Saman Ansari.

Ushna Shah – Rani (Alif Allah Aur Insaan)

Although the character of Rani went through a drastic makeover and she lost touch with her roots, the initial phase of her story gave people a glimpse into her life, and Ushna Shah as a beggar wowed the viewers with her phenomenal performance. It was probably for the first time when people saw this sort of acting coming from Ushna Shah which was nothing short of a surprise. She was phenomenal as Rani and then as Reena Begum, she was equally impressive as well.

Sajal Aly – Sassi (O Rangreza)

Sajal Aly gave a phenomenal performance in O Rangreza as a loud, boisterous Sassi who was not afraid to give words to her feelings and pursue her dreams against all odds. Sassi had the tendency of going overboard because her father had given her the edge and had allowed her to be emotionally independent, this is what drove her away from her abode but till the time she had the sanity, she made her decisions according to her own choices and unapologetically at that. Sajal Aly outdid herself as Sassi and impressed the viewers tenfold.

Yumna Zaidi – Sila (Dar Si Jati Hai Sila)

Yumna Zaidi can easily be termed as the kind of actress who does exceptionally well in playing the most complicated characters. She always takes these challenges really seriously and each one of her performances shows her brilliance as an actress. In Dar Si Jati Hei Sila Yumna Zaidi barely had any dialogues, she played the role of a girl who was harassed constantly and as a result, she had no confidence. Yumna was impressive as a young girl with no support in her own house was scared all the time and someone who had no reason to feel confident. Yumna Zaidi put her acting abilities to test when she decided to take up such a challenging character and she definitely passed with flying colors.

Sana Javed – Khaani (Khaani)

Sana Javed’s performance in Khaani won her more acclaim and praise than any other in her career. Khaani was one of those characters who go through innumerable ups and downs. Sana Javed made sure that all of these ups and downs came alive on screen in such a way that Khaani became the star of the show. She was fierce, vulnerable, spirited, and scared all at the same time. Sana Javed completely owned this character throughout and made it unforgettable.

Sonya Hussyn – Pakeeza (Aisi Hai Tanhai)

Sonya Hussyn’s character in Aisi Hai Tanhai was intense. She went from being a young carefree girl to a woman who faced so many challenges. Sonya Hussyn made sure that her performance throughout was intense or sweet depending on the circumstances of her career. Her expressions and dialogue deliveries in some of the emotional scenes were some of the best we have seen in this decade.

Hania Aamir – Naila (Titli)

Hania Aamir is one of those rare actresses who can take a negative character and turn it into the star of the show. No other actress brings out the nuances in their negative characters as well as Hania does. Hania Aamir was beyond impressive as the greedy, selfish and to some extent a naive young woman in drama serial Titli. She is playing a similar role in Dilruba perhaps because her performance in Titli impressed the viewers and the producers. It was because of Hania Aamir that her character’s journey in Titli became unforgettable.

2018

Neelam Munir – Ulfat (Dil Mom Ka Diya)

Neelam Munir has been a part of the industry for years but it was probably for the first time she was in the limelight as a protagonist. She got to showcase her talent and the way she portrayed the character of Ulfat showed her caliber as an actor. She made Ulfat’s character believable and despite its flaws and shortcomings, viewers found it easy to understand where she came from. Neelam Munir approached this character with a lot of openness and clarity. Her acting was phenomenal, this is why the character of Ulfat is engraved in the minds of the drama viewers, making it a memorable performance of her career.

Iqra Aziz – Noori (Ranjha Ranjha Kardi)

Iqra Aziz gained new recognition and love when she played Noori’s character in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi. Iqra’s performance in this drama is living proof of the fact that a well-etched-out character coupled with a perfect team can bring out the best in an actor. Iqra Aziz’s uninhibited portrayal of a young woman who has to struggle repeatedly was exemplary. She made the viewers forget that they had ever watched her play any other character before and maid Noori memorable. Iqra Aziz definitely set the bar really high even for herself with this exceptional performance.

Shamim Hilali – Amma (Zun Mureed)

Shamim Hilali leaves her mark whenever she is part of any project. It can be safely stated that she is probably the only actress of her generation who has refused to compromise on quality. In Zun Mureed she played a role which was bitter, sadistic, and even paralyzed to the extent that she could not speak yet Shamim Hilali used her expressions and body language to convey her hatred towards her bahu. Not only this, the addition of the whiteboard which she used to convey her feelings to her family members was also a means for her to teach her son all the wrong lessons. Shamim Hilali’s performance was outstanding starting from the first scene to the last one.

Samina Ahmed – Zaitoon Bano (Aangan)

Zaitonn Bano was an absolutely beautiful character who was a fair and just mother in law but because she liked to enjoy her authority as one, she at times liked calling her daughters in law out at the choices they’d make. She had a great relationship with her daughters in law but also wasn’t totally smitten by them because she liked the fact that she was seen as the head of the family. It was a beautiful character portrayed amazingly by Samina Ahmed.

Nadia Afgan – Shahana (Suno Chanda)

Nadia Afgan made Shahana’s character memorable because of her perfect comic timing and her superb performance. This character could have been over the top had Nadia Afgan not translated it on screen in the best manner possible. She looked perfect for the role and her antics were also well-suited for the character. The viewers loved her performance the most in the drama and looked forward to seeing more of her. No one else could have done such justice to Shahana’s character.

2019

Kubra Khan – Husn e Jahan (Alif)

Husn e Jahan’s character had a lot of layers and to do justice to all the phases of her life was no easy feat. Kubra Khan got a chance to showcase her acting skills because this character required a certain kind of treatment. She played it beautifully and conveyed all of her emotions with a lot of clarity. There was this calm and subtlety about her character that made it a lot more charming. Kubra Khan looked absolutely beautiful as Husn e Jahan and even when she was seen as a wife and mother in simple get up. It definitely has to be one of the best performances of Kubra Khan’s career to date.

Yumna Zaidi – Hajra (Inkaar)

Yumna Zaidi played yet another powerful character in drama serial Inkaar. This character had so many different shades and the journey was intense. Yumna was impressive as the young gullible girl and equally convincing as one who was willing to face her worst fears in order to get her attacker punished. Yumna’s look in those scenes which showed Hajra weak and pale after she was attacked will also never be forgotten. She looked like someone who was going through hell and made it so easy for the viewers to feel for her character.

Hira Tareen – Salma (Khaas)

Hira Tareen wowed the viewers with her measured acting in Khaas as Salma. It was nice to see her play the role of a girl who didn’t shy away from calling spade a spade and always believed in keeping things sorted and clear with the people she interacted with. Salma was borderline spoiled but the best part about her was that she didn’t settle for anything less, which required her to compromise on her self-respect. Hira Tareen’s expressions and the overall vibe of her character made it a memorable performance.

2020

Hira Mani – Kashf (Kashf)

Hira Mani is good at doing emotional performances but when it comes to Kashf, she has outdone herself. Kashf’s character has a lot to offer and with so many thoughts running through her mind, with the burden of being exploited at the hands of her family, Kashf is a sensitive and layered character. Every expression, every thought that runs through her mind has been conveyed with a lot of clarity and this definitely has been a phenomenal and memorable performance of her career so far.

Srha Asghar – Washma (Pyar Ke Sadqay)

Srha Asghar’s character in Pyar Ke Sadqay definitely gave her a new identity. Even though she played a supporting character in the drama but she made sure every single scene she was a part had an impact. She was especially likable in the scenes showing the feisty side of Washma’s character. Her energy and interpretation of the character she was playing were beyond superb. The viewers will not be forgetting this performance for a really long time! And it is because of this performance by Srha that the viewers expect more from her in the future too.

Yumna Zaidi – Mahjabeen (Pyar Ke Sadqay)

Just when we thought we had the seen the best of Yumna Zaidi, she took us by surprise and left us in awe of her performance in Pyar Ke Sadqay. She was the most adorable part of a drama which as a whole too had so much to offer. Yumna Zaidi was really excited about this project and she definitely did her homework right too. She made Mahjabeen come alive on screen in such a way that the viewers completely fell in love with her.

It was amazing taking a walk down the memory lane while penning this article down. We would love for you to be a part of this beautiful journey by adding more names and sharing your thoughts about the performances that are already on the list.

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