The year 2017 has been a mixed year for Pakistani cinema. Many new comers as well as established artists started their silver screen career this year. While it was successful for some, for few it proved a bumpy ride. Here is a compilation of names who started their big screen journey in the year 2017. The list includes the prominent artists, directors and writers. Adding the name of all the debutants of 2017 will make a huge list, so only prominent names are included here.

All the names are listed in the chronological order (from January 2017 – December 2017). The films in the month of December are releasing in the very last week, but the names of debutants in the December’s film are also included in this article.

Bilal Abbas Khan
Bilal Abbas Khan has rose to fame in a short span of time, by working in some prominent dramas. Bilal also started his silver screen career this year from Thora Jee Le (TJL). TJL was the first Pakistani film released in the 2017 in the month of January. TJL proved an immature attempt of film making and was heavily criticized by the critics as well as cine goers. Bilal played the main lead and his performance was satisfactory, but not enough to save the disjointed film like Thora Jee Le.

Rizwan Ali Jaffri
Rizwan Ali Jaffri is a model, actor and singer active in showbiz for past many years. His debut film TJL released in 2017. TJL was not successful and so does Rizwan Ali Jaffri. His performance as the lead in the film was quite immature. He looked stiff and pointless throughout the film

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Ramsha Khan
Ramsha Khan is a new comer working in many television dramas. Her debut film TJL released in 2017. Though the film failed but Ramsha’s performance was satisfactory in the film and she confidently carried the role of a working woman as well a mother of one daughter.

Haisam Hussain
Haisam Hussain is a trademark in itself who directed some marvelous dramas like Dastan. After television, Haisam also directed his first film Balu Mahi release in the February 2017. Technically his first Urdu film was Bin Roye (2015) which he left midway and later the film was completed by Shahzad Kashmiri and Momina Duraid and the credits of Bin Roye also mentioned these two as director.

Haisam Hussain did complete justice to Balu Mahi and his direction was praised by all the prominent film critics, bloggers and film writers. However despite this Balu Mahi failed to register any considerable success at the box office. The timing of the film clashed with Pakistan Super League (PSL), the premier sporting event of our country which could be a major factor the film struggled at the box office.

Sadaf Kanwal
Sadaf Kanwal is a leading model of recent years. She also started her big screen journey from the film Balu Mahi as the second heroine. Though Balu Mahi failed at the box office, Sadaf Kanwal looked pretty and glamorous on big screen and have the aura of a big screen star.

Sahir Lodhi
Sahir Lodhi is one of the prominent personality known more for their controversies rather achievements. Sahir is a multi-dimensional personality. After writing, direction, hosting, singing, acting on television,radio hosting Sahir finally bestowed the silver screen through Raasta released in March 2017. Sahir made multiple debuts as lead hero, director, writer, producer of Raasta. Sahir also announced to use all the profit of Rasta for charity as well as to further produce a prequel/sequel of Raasta.

Sahir has a huge following as his television shows get ratings as well considerable followers on the social media. But all those fans turned a cold shoulder towards Raasta as it proved a disaster at box office. Sahir’s pleasant dream of ruling the big screen (like he is ruling the tv, radio, social media etc.) proved a nightmare. Raasta was heavily criticized by the film critics and bloggers and in return Sahir also blasted away all the critics through live press conferences on social media and his television show. Sahir declared the film critics as agents of neighboring country India who do not want the local film industry to prosper as well insulting those who watched Raasta.

Abeer Rizvi
Abeer Rizi is a model who appeared as heroine in Raasta alongside Sahir Lodhi. Raasta was a disaster and Abeer Rizvi’s performance was wooden in the film.

Saeeda Imtiaz
Saeed Imtiaz is an American-Pakistani model, she also appeared in her first Pakistani film which was Raasta. Saeeda performed on a dance number which was quite tasteless like the rest of the film. Saeeda has earlier worked in an unreleased film Kaptaan in which she played the role of Jemima Goldsmith.

Aijaz Aslam
Aijaz Aslam is working on television for past two decades. Aijaz appeared in a cameo in Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi (2013). His first film in a prominent role was Raasta where he appeared as the elder brother of Sahir Lodhi. Aijaz’s performance was satisfactory in the role of a Police inspector in Raasta though the film bombed at the box office.

Saima Azhar
Saima Azhar is a model who appeared as second heroine in the film Raasta. Raasta was all about Sahir Lodhi and Saima has a limited screen presence in the film.

Syra Yousaf
Syra Yousaf is actively working in dramas from past many years. Syra’s first big screen appearance was in a cameo role in Ho Mann Jahan (2016). This year her first film in the lead role Chalay thay Saath released in April 2017. Syra was paired opposite Canadian-Chinese artist Kent S. Leong.

CTS was beautifully shot in the Gilgit Baltistan region and was based on Pakistan China friendship. CTS failed to perform well on the box office and Syra’s performance was also strictly OK.

Mansha Pasha
Mansha Pasha has been active on television for past many years. Mansha also started her big screen career from Chalay Thay Saath as the second lead artist in the film. CTS was not a success but Mansha Pasha’s performance was fine.

Osama Tahir
Osama Tahir works in television dramas and he also made debut from Chalay Thay Saath, paired opposite Mansha Pasha.

Sana Javed
Sana Javed has been active on television for past few years. She also started her big screen career from Mehrunnisa V Lub U (MVLU) released in June 2017. MVLU proved successful and Sana surely looked pretty as Mehrunnisa. But being the leading lady of the film she has very less screen time and dialogs and the characterization was not impressive.

Ahmad Taha Ghani
Ahmad Taha Ghani started his big screen career from Yalghaar, a film which has far too many characters and artists. Ahmad Taha Ghani played the role of a solider paired with Uzma Khan. His performance was satisfactory in the film.

Naeem Haque
Naeem Haque has acted in few dramas and also appeared in his first film Yalghaar this year. He played the negative role alongside the main antagonist Humayun Saeed. Yalghaar was flooded with characters, none of which flourished to make the desired impact.

Sana Bucha
Sana Bucha, a journalist who also hosted a current affairs show for many years ventured into acting from Yalghaar in June 2017. She played the role of a journalist in the film. Yalghaar was a multi star cast film where none of the cast member get a chance to flourish. She was paired with Shaan Shahid and her performance was satisfactory.

Adnan Siddiqi
Adnan Siddiqi is a seasoned name active in showbiz for more than 25 years. Adnan also worked in his first Pakistani film Yalghaar in 2017. He played the role of an army officer whose whereabouts were unclear in the film (like many other characters in the film). Like many other artists he was wasted in Yalghaar.

Aleeze Nasserr
Aleeze Nasser is an artist of Pakistani and Turkish ancestry. Aleeze worked in her first Urdu film from Yalghaar. She appeared as the wife of Adnan Siddiqi and has very few scenes in which she struggled to impress.

Atiya Khan
Atiya Khan is a model of 1990s who also acts on television. Atiya also worked in her first film Yalghaar this year. She appeared as wife of Aashir Azeem a senior security official. Like many other artists she has very few scenes and was wasted in the film.

Sarrish Khan
Sarrish Khan is the grand daughter of Santosh Kumar and Sabiha Khanum two superstars of Pakistani cinema. Sarrish is a USA citizen who worked in her first Urdu film Chain Aye Naa (CAN) released in August 2017. CAN proved dead flop at the box office and Sarrish was also not much impressive as the leading lady of the film.

Shehroz Sabzwari
Shehroz Sabzwari’s first film is Mushkil in 1993 as childstar and later in Khuley Aasman Ke Neeche in 2007. Both the films were directed by his uncle Javed Sheikh. His first film in the lead role is Chain Aaye Na released in August 2017. CAN proved dead flop and was also heavily criticized on social media as well as film critics. Shehroze also looked younger the heroine Sarrish Khan in the film.

Safina Behroz
Safina Behroz is the wife of seasoned artist Behroz Sabzwari and the mother of Shehroz Sabzwari. Her brothers Javed Sheikh and Saleem Sheikh are also active in showbiz for past four decades, but Safina has never acted in any drama or film. This year she also started her acting career from the film Punjab Nahin Jaungi. She appeared as the wife of Behroz Sabzwari (her real life husband) and mother of Mehwish Hayat (heroine) and did justice to her brief presence in the role of an urban middle-upper class mother.

Naveed Shahzad
Naveed Shahzad started her acting career from television in 1970s. She has worked in very few dramas. Her most prominent role in a drama was in Ghulam Gardish in 1990s. A gifted artist, it is an irony that many splendid artists of past have not worked in any Pakistani film. The obvious reason is the declining Urdu cinema in 1980s. With the revival of Urdu cinema many such artists are now working in films.

She worked in her first film Punjab Nahin Jaungi released in September 2017. She appeared as the grand mother of the heroine Mehwish Hayat and completely justified her selection with her perfect performance.

Azfar Rehman
Azfar Rehman is active on television for past one decade. He had a cameo in film Manto(2015) but his first film in a prominent role is Punjab Nahin Jaungi. He appeared as the second hero in the film and also performed in a song. His performance was impressive and hopefully he will get further projects with even meatier roles in the future.

Marina Khan
Marina Khan mesmerized many back in 1980s with dramas like Tanhaiyan and Dhoop Kinare. Marina has not worked in any film till Namalood Afraad 2 released in September 2017. She played the role of the mother of Haania Aamir, and was impressive and chirpy in her limited screen presence. She also appeared in a cameo in the film Punjab Nahin Jaungi (PNJ) also released in September 2017.

Hopefully we will see Marina in further meatier roles in upcoming films. She is also working in Parwaz Hai Junoon a film under completion.

Haroon Shahid
Haroon Shahid is a singer who started his big screen career from Verna opposite Mahira Khan. Haroon Shahid was not much impressive in his first outing on the big screen. Haroon’s selection opposite Mahira made huge headlines when the shoot of Verna started.

Zarrar Khan
Zarrar Khan has worked in many television dramas and then he took a break from showbiz and settled in UAE. He made a comeback to the showbiz through his debut film Verna. Playing the negative role, his performance was surely impressive. Zarrar has aura of a big screen artist, and he can prove a successful villain in the films in future.

Naimal Khan
Naimal Khan has worked in first film Verna in the role of sister in law of Mahira Khan. Her performance was satisfactory. in this role

Asima Sherazi
Asima Sherazi is a famous news anchor and journalist. Her first ever acting assignment was Verna in which she played her own self.

So it concludes the list of debutants in the films released till November 2017. The films releasing in the month of the December are scheduled in the last week on 21st December and 29th December. The artists who will make debut from these films are mentioned here. Since these films are not yet released it is too early to comment whether these debuts are successful or not.

Aleeze Gabool
Aleeze Gabool is a model who also acted in few dramas. Aleeze Gabool is appearing in her first film Rangreza (releasing on 21st December 2017) as second heroine. She is paired with Bilal Ashraf in the film.

Ghana Ali
Ghana Ali has been working in dramas for past few years. Her first film is Rangreza, in which she is playing a supporting role.

Seemi Pasha
Seemi Pasha has been active in modelling and later acting since late 1980s. After working in dramas for more than two decades, she is working in her first film Rangreza. She mostly performs the roles of upper class mother, and perhaps playing a similar role in this film too.

Uzma Hassan
Uzma Hassan is known for her impressive performances in dramas. Her first film Arth2 The Destination releasing on 21 December 2017 where she appeared opposite Shaan Shahid and Mohib Mirza. Uzma Hassan, is considered a mature and versatile performer having many powerful roles in dramas like Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahin. She looks impressive in the trailer and hopefully wont disappoint her fans in Arth2 The Destination.

Emu (Imran Momina)
Emu is a famous name of our music scene. Being part of the band Fuzon he delivered successful albums and singles. Emu is also married to the veteran stylist of our country Nabila Maqsood. Emu is appearing in his first film Arth2 The Destination. The nature of his role is not yet clear, but from the trailer he seems to be a musician in the film who is the friend of the main protagonist (Shaan Shahid).

Neelum Muneer
Neelum Muneer is a famous name being active in showbiz for almost one decade. She has worked in numerous dramas and now also appearing in films. Chuppan Chupai releasing on 29th December is her first film. Paired opposite Ahsan Khan, she is the only prominent female character in this film. She looks impressive in the trailer as a vibrant, confident bad girl.

Faizan Khawaja
Faizan Khawaja has been active in dramas for almost five years. He is the son of film producer and actor Rashid Khawaja. Faizan has also signed a Bollywood film few years ago though it was never released. Faizan is also working in his first film Chuppan Chupai in the role of a son of a politician who is kidnapped. His short presence in the trailer suggests his role is a supporting one.

Rehan Sheikh
Rehan Sheikh is one of the most polished and versatile artist of our country who own every character they have performed. He has worked in many dramas since mid 1990s where Aghosh was his first major drama. Rehan Sheikh’s first film was Actor In Law, where he appeared in a small role of a lawyer. His first film in a major role is Chuppan Chupai in a supporting role. Chuppan Chupai is a comedy film, and Rehan looks impressive in the trailer.

Mohsin Ali
Mohsin Ali is a director/writer who has directed many dramas like Meri Beti, Aisi Hai Tanhai. Mohsin has earlier written the film Wrong No (2015).Now his first film as director is Chuppan Chuppai which is a comedy film. The trailer of the films has already released and it looks a fine paisa-wasool entertainer. Seeing the previous portfolio of Mohsin Ali, we have high hopes from his debut as a film director.

So it ends my compilation of the prominent debuts in the year 2017. Since 2013 (with the so called revival of our cinema), almost every other Pakistani film consists of new faces. So every year we have many new debuts in the films, though most of these debutants have already been active in showbiz for past many years. This year too a mix of new and seasoned artists started their big screen career.

Do share your thoughts on the film debuts of 2017. Especially which one is the most impressive debut in your opinion.

Thanks for reading and your time.

Rashid Nazir Ali

In the year 2017 few artists and film makers were seen after a gap of few years on big screen. The comeback on big screen was pleasant for some of them or in some cases it was not much successful.

Here is a compilation of the artists who made a comeback in films, where I have chosen of gap of three or more years as the criteria of the comeback. The list includes artists, writers and directors. Name of Shaan Shahid is added twice in this compilation; as an actor and director.

Ainny Jaffri
Ainny Jaffri’s first film was Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi released in August 2013 in which she appeared as second heroine. After a gap of almost four years, her second film Balu Mahi as lead heroine released in February 2017. Paired opposite Osman Khalid Butt, Balu Mahi failed to perform at the Box office. Thus Ainny’s return to the big screen is not a successful one.

Qavi Khan
Qavi Khan is a seasoned artist of theater, radio, films and television. He returned to big screen with a supporting role from the film Mehrunnisa V Lub U (MVLU) released on Eidul Fitr on 26th June 2017. Though the film proved successful his role has limited screen space and his potential was not fully utilized by the director.

Dr. Hassan Waqas Rana
Dr. Hassan Waqas Rana rose to fame when his debut films as producer Waar proved block buster in 2013 and became the highest earning Pakistani film of all times. Soon after the success of Waar, Dr. Hassan Waqar and the director Bilal Lashari developed some differences and parted their ways. In December 2013, Dr. Hassan Waqas announced his second film Yalghaar as director,producer and actor. After three and half years of production Yalghaar finally released in June 2017. Yalghaar marked the comeback of Dr. Hassan Waqas as producer and debut as director. The business of Yalghaar was below expectations and it failed to recover its costs. The direction and acting of Dr. Hassan Waqas in the film was also not much impressive.

Shaan Shahid (As Actor)
Shaan Shahid is undoubdtedly the only superstar of big screen of current era. Shaan is a brand identity of Pakistani Cinema. Shaan’s last film was O21 released in October 2014 which was not much successful. After a gap of almost three years Shaan’s next film Yalghaar is released on Eidul Fitr on 26th June 2017. Yalghaar was a multi-star cast film and presence of so many characters impacted all the characters in the film. Like all the other characters in the film, his character was also not fully discovered. Yalghaar is definitely not the best work of Shaan. Though Yalghaar earned around 20 crore which is a more than handsome earning at the limited screens of Pakistan but it failed to recover its expenses and thus proved a loss for the producer and the distributor.

Adil Murad
Adil Murad is the son of the late great Waheed Murad. As a teenager Adil worked as hero in his debut film Raja Sahib in 1996. Raja Sahib proved flop and Adil never worked further in any film. After a gap of two decades (21 years to be precise) Adil returned to big screen with Syed Noor’s Chain Aaye Na (CAN) released on 11th August 2017. Adil appeared as villain in this film opposite debutant Sarrish Khan. CAN proved a box office disaster and Adil’s return was not memorable though his own performance was satisfactory.

Syed Noor (Director/Writer)
Syed Noor has been a pillar of the dwindling film industry based in Lahore in 1990s. His film in 1990s helped the film industry to survive another decade before film making in Lahore completely halted in the mid 2000’s. In 1990s his films Jeeva, Sargam, Sangam, Ghoonghat, Chor Machaye Shor, Hawain, Choorian revived the film business. 1990s will surely be remembered as the decade of Syed Noor in the film history of Pakistan.

Syed Noor’s last Urdu film Jhoomer was released in 2007, while his last Punjabi film was Shareeka in 2013. This year Syed Noor returned to big screen with the Urdu film Chain Aaye Na (CAN) released on 11th August 2017. Since its trailer release in June 2017, CAN was heavily criticized on social media and online showbiz blogs. The film production style was outdated, acting, treatment, choreography, music all aspects failed to impress. Syed Noor tried to reuse the success formula of 1980s and 1990s which failed badly. The multiplex’s audience of current era are quite different from the single screen cinema’s audience of past and perhaps Syed Noor failed to predict this huge audience gap. The audience paying ticket price of Rs. 500 – 700 perhaps has different demandsfrom the past year single screen crowd paying Rs. 20-50 per ticket. Thus Syed Noor’s comeback to the big screen was quite disappointing.

Khalilur Rehman Qamar (Writer)
Khalilur Rehman Qamar is a writer who also directed and acted on television. He wrote films as well as dramas. He joined the film industry in the late 1990s when film making in Lahore was near its extinction. He wrote films Qarz (Urdu-1997), Ishq Na Puchay Zaat (Punjabi-Unreleased), Nikki Jai Haan (Punjabi-1999) and Koi Tujh Sa Kahan (Urdu-2005).

After a gap of around 12 years he again wrote a film Punjab Nahin Jaungi (PNJ) released on 1st September 2017. PNJ proved smashing hit, the most successful film of the year 2017. KRQ’s dialogs and script proved the major highlight of the film. The story of the film was relatively simple but the well crafted characters, situations and powerful dialogs made it a worthwhile watch. KRQ’s return to the big screen was definitely impactful and cemented his place as a successful film writer.

Saba Hameed
Saba Hameed is a seasoned artists who worked on television and theater since 1979. Saba has worked in very few films. Her debut film was Main Ek Din Laut Ke Aoungaa (2007) in which she played the role of Humayun Saeed’s mother. Her second film was Good Morning Karachi (2013) in which she played the role of mother of the heroine Aamna Ilyas. Saba returned to big screen in 2017 with the film Punjab Nahin Jaungi, where she again appeared as mother of Humayun Saeed. Saba’s character was colorful and well etched out. She indeed did justice to the role and the success of the film made it a memorable comeback.

Waseem Abbas
Waseem Abbas is a well known face who worked on theatre, television and films. His debut film was Manzil in 1981 paired opposite Babra Sharif. Without much success Waseem Abbas worked around 15 Urdu and Punjabi films till 1992. His last was Mera Inteqam (Punjabi) released in 1992.

Waseem Abbas continued working on television and theater and in 2017 also made a comeback on the big screen. After a gap of 25 years he appeared in Punjab Nahin Jaungi (PNJ) as father of Humayun Saeed and husband of Saba Hameed. He completely justified his selection and owned his character in PNJ.

Sohail Ahmad
Sohail Ahmad is a famous name of commercial theater who occassionally worked in films and television. From past one decade Sohail pioneered a new genre of comedy current affair show on television in which plays the character of Azizi. His show Hasbe Haal is still popular.

Sohail worked in few films in 1990s in supporting roles. He also made a comeback to the big screen from PNJ. He did complete justice to his role as the grandfather of Humayun Saeed.

Shoaib Mansoor
Shoaib Mansoor is known for his selective and quality work. His first film as a director was Khuda Ke Liye in 2007 while Bol (2011) was his second film. With a decade long career in film making his third film Verna released this year.

His films are not mainstream commercial films and mostly covers the dark social issues. Despite the dark theme his script is not too preachy and conveniently delivers the intended message. However Verna proved a disappointment on many levels when compared to the previous two films of Shoaib. So the comeback of Shoaib received mixed response.

Rasheed Naz

Rasheed Naz is a seasoned artist who has worked in the films and dramas. His most prominent role in the Urdu films was the role of a religious leader in Khuda Kay Liye (KKL) in 2007. After KKL, he has not worked in any prominent role in any Urdu film. Rasheed returned to Urdu cinema with Verna. Unlike KKL here his role was brief as a cunning lawyer which he successfully delivered.

So it concludes the list of comebacks in the films released till November 2017. The films releasing in the month of the December are scheduled in the last week on 21st December and 29th December. The artists who will make comebacks from these films are mentioned next. Since these films are not yet released it is too early to comment whether the comeback is successful or not.

Tanveer Jamal

Tanveer Jamal is also a seasoned artists who have worked in many television plays since 1990. Tanveer has worked in only one film to date which was Zor (1998). Zor was directed by Syed Noor and Tanveer Jamal played a supporting role in it.

After almost two decades (19 years to be precise), Tanveer Jamal is returning to Urdu films from Rangreza releasing on 21st December 2017. Tanveer Jamal is playing the role of the father of Gohar Rasheed in this film.

Shaan Shahid (As Director)
Shaan Shahid also made a comeback as a director in 2017 with Arth The Destination(December 2017). Shaan started his career as a director from the Urdu film Guns N Roses Ek Junoon in 1999 which performed average at the box office. His second film as director, Mujhe Chaand Chahiye (2000) proved super hit and his most successful film as director. Moosa Khan (2001) and Daku (2002) were his two other Urdu films as director. In 2009 he directed Zille Shah, his first Punjabi film as a director.

With Arth The Destination, Shaan is returning to the direction after a gap of almost 8 years. Arth The Destination is a remake of Indian film Arth released in 1982.

As an actor Shaan has successfully transitioned into the new age Urdu cinema from the old defunct cinema. While many other names of 1990s cinema like Syed Noor, Sangeeta, Syed Faisal Bukhari have failed to get themselves aligned with the new age cinema, Shaan has been successful in both 1990s and now.

As a director, Arth The Destination will decide whether Shaan is also successful as a director in this new era of cinema or not.

Sakina Sammo
Sakina Sammo is a polished and versatile artist of our country who started her acting career from the PTV Karachi center. She rose to nation wide fame in the 1980s from dramas like Jungle and Deewarain. Back in 1980s Sakina also worked in few Urdu films like Badla in 1987. It was a time when Urdu cinema was declining while the success of the regional cinema of Punjabi and Pashto has eclipsed the Urdu cinema as well. Sakina never worked in any further films.

After a gap of almost three decades Sakina is returning to the big screen through film Chuppan Chupai releasing on the 29th December 2017. The film will release in few weeks time, and hopefully Sakina will make a memorable comeback and continue working in films.

Ahsan Khan

Ahsan Khan has been active in the films and television from mid 1990s. He started his career from films and with decline in the film production shifted his focus to television. His last film in a prominent role was the Punjabi film Ishq Khuda (2013). He then appeared in a cameo in film Sultanat (2015).

Ahsan Khan is also returning to the big screen in the lead role from Chuppan Chupai due to release on 29th December 2017. Ahsan Khan is paired with Neelum Munir in this film.

So it concludes my compilation of the comebacks in films in 2017. It is really encouraging to see that some polished names of our showbiz like Saba Hameed, Waseem Abbas, Rasheed Naz, Sakina Sammo, Khalilur Rehman Qamar have returned to the Urdu cinema. Hopefully the film makers provide these and other artists with meatier roles.

On the other end, the most discouraging comeback was made by Syed Noor who wasted the producer’s resources on a film like CAN. The treatment and execution of CAN was quite out dated and was not at par with the films of current era. Syed Noor has a legacy of his own, so he should either improve his film making style or restrict himself to writing only.

Another disappointing comeback was of Shoaib Mansoor who is known for his selected work. Verna is definitely his weakest work to date.

The return of Dr Hassan Waqas Rana as a producer (debut as director) was also not much impressive. As Yalghaar has many loopholes in all the areas.

Do comment about which comeback was the most impressive? Which artists you want to see again in the films?

Thanks for your time and reading

Rashid Nazir Ali

 Time surely flies and undoubtedly, 2012 is a good example of it. It was recently that the world welcomed one of the most controversial years of calender, assuming that it might be the end of the world, however, it is only few hours back that we have paid a farewell to it, hugging the new year -2013 with a hope to see betterment in the surroundings in every way possible. It has been seen that new years are always started with celebrations. It is also a good practice to choose a new year resolution for yourself that might help you out in becoming a better person. contributing to the world, and especially your immediate friends and family.

This year had it all; dramas which were true masterpieces, those you watch only to kill time because they serve the purpose, others just so that you can vent out because you had very high hopes attached to them and also those which may not be perfect but have enough to offer to make you coming back for more week after week.

This year producers banked on star power more than ever; a year that proved that great production values and a star studded serial does not ensure quality entertainment. Loyal viewers watched plays that didn’t have much to offer only to see their favorite stars on screen.

The good thing about the dramas this year was that we got to see almost all the stars on screen, even those who we rarely see on screen. Writers touched tabooed topics and some of the directors did a splendid job of tackling them. Here is the list of those plays which in my opinion stood out for some reason or the other among a long line of plays this year. All of them were not perfect but definitely the sort of plays that need to be mentioned.

The list contains those plays that ended in the year 2013.

Talkhiyaan

Writer: Bee Gul

Director: Khalid Ahmed

Channel: Express Entertainment

Talkhiyaan had to be the most powerful serial of the year 2013. There was absolutely nothing run-of-the-mill about this play; everything was brand new. Talkhiyaan took me to a world of its own every time I sat down to watch it. Every character in the play was a story in its own right. Hina Bayat shone in a very different role; nothing like the sweet mother she is playing all the time. The locations were breathtaking, the direction was phenomenal, the acting by all the actors left you mesmerized and most importantly it touched upon many tabooed issues. The drama serial aired on Express Entertainment therefore it did not get the attention it truly deserved.

Dil-e-Muztar

Writer: Aliya Bukhari

Director: Shehzad Kashmiri

Channel: Hum TV

Dil-e-Muzter was happening, engaging and definitely the sort of play that keeps you hooked right from the get-go. The direction of the play and the cast had to be the biggest reasons for its success. Sanam Jung made her debut from Dil-e-Muzter and this was the first play that was directed by Shehzad Kashmiri. The viewers saw Imran Abass in a play after a long time, did he do well? I will let the viewers answer that question. Sarwat Gillani totally owned her character. The drama had many positives that made it stand out in the crowd.

Bari Apa

Writer: Samira Fazal

Director: Saife Hassan

Channel: Hum TV

Bari Apa had a very powerful start but after 13 episodes or so the story started going around in circles. But it deserves a special mention nevertheless because of the relatable and fun conversations, the first 12 episodes or so which were very engaging, Noman Ijaz’s memorable performance and also because of the characterizations. Savera Nadeem was outstanding as Bari Apa, she made it impossible for me to hate her character. I couldn’t help but rationalize Zubeida’s selfish behavior time and again until it really got out of hand.

Tanhaiyaan Nayee Silsilay

Writer: Haseena Moin / Muhammad Ahmed

Director: Marina Khan

Channel: ARY Digital / PTV Home

Okay, I know there are many people out there who were very disappointed with this naye silsilay but personally I thought that this was a really good effort. It was a nice mixture of old and new generations and the play was light-hearted yet emotional. Watching my favorite characters on screen all over again after so many years was nothing short of a treat.

Rehaai

Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq

Director: Mehreen Jabbar

Channel: Hum TV

Rehaai was written, directed and acted out brilliantly. It was one play which also had a very good ending unlike many plays this year which were superb overall but their endings failed to impress. Rehaai did not only focus on the problems faced by women at the hands of men who are supposed to be their protectors but also provided some good solutions to their problems. The play mainly focused on the issue of child marriage and tackled it really well.

Nanhi

Writer: Mona Haseeb

Director: Haseeb Hassan

Channel: Geo TV

Nanhi was the story a young girl who dreamed dreams which were very different from those of other girls her age. The play took the viewers in the dark world of people living in downtrodden areas. The play proved to be an eye opener for many and others termed it too open and tagged it as controversial. Sajjal Ali stole the show with her impressive acting, Javed Sheikh played a very different character and so did Shahood Alvi. Nanhi was a little too real at times but definitely one of the better plays that aired this year. The ending however was shocking and in my opinion upsetting, to say the least!

Zindagi Gulzar Hai

Writer: Umera Ahmed

Director: Sultana Siddiqui

Channel: Hum TV

Zindagi Gulzar Hai deserves a mention here not because it was a masterpiece but because it was followed by many viewers, the reason being that Umera Ahmed, Fawad Khan and a Friday night play on Hum is a deadly combo! Zindagi Gulzar Hai had its ups and downs; some episodes completely blew you away and others left you clueless. The ending of the play was rather abrupt. But the fact remains that Zindagi Gulzar Hai has to be the most talked about play of the year. It instigated some very interesting discussions on gender roles and double standards. Zaroon and Kashaf’s characters gave viewers much to talk about. Overall, it was a roller coaster of a ride criticized as well as enjoyed by many.

Aik Nayee Cinderella

Writer: Faiza Iftikhar

Director: Haissam Hussain

Channel: Geo TV

Aik Nayee Cinderella was liked by the viewers because of its amazing cinematography, script and direction. It was completely different from the usual A & B productions play mainly because in this particular project it seemed like the director Haissam Hussain held the reigns rather than the production house. The viewers compared Aik Nayee Cinderella to Disney movies. Personally, I gave up on it after a couple of episodes because it was not my cup of tea but that doesn’t change the fact that it was a play that kept many viewers glued to their TV screens.

Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi

Writer: Amna Mufti

Director: Kashif Nisar

Channel: Hum TV

The play shed light on the way things work out in the feudal set up and the manner in which women are exploited at all levels by men. Nauman Ijaz, Saba Qamar, Irsa Ghazal and Sohail Ahmed especially stood out because of their performances. The play was a work of art and I couldn’t help but tune into it week after week. This was another play that served as a reality check and an eye opener. It was like leaving my cozy living room for a little while and drifting into the world of all these people who led a life very different from ours. The play did not get the attention it deserved and it was very few of the Hum TV plays which was shifted to the 9pm slot only after few of the episodes went on air.

Aunn Zara

Writer: Faiza Iftikhar

Director: Haissam Hussain

Channel: Aplus

I must admit that I went from falling in love with Aunn Zara when it began to completely losing interest after a few episodes. But for many out there Aunn Zara was a breath of fresh air which gave them something to laugh about and it gave them some characters that will stay in people’s hearts forever. The play mainly attracted people’s attention because of the writer, director and the leading cast. Even those viewers who stick to the three leading channels watched the play and liked it. Aunn Zara deserves to be in this list because it may not have hit a home run with me but it was liked by many people around me (credible sources;)

Kankar

Writer: Umera Ahmed

Director: Aabis Raza

Channel: Hum TV

Like all Umera Ahmed’s plays this year (ZGH, Mirat-ul-Uroos) Kankar too was stretched beyond limit. In an attempt to drag the play to 25 episodes the beginning was slow and the end not totally gratifying. Sikandar’s issues were not completely resolved in the end, he made yet another promise which was most likely to be forgotten just like all the previous ones. Kankar stood out because of its characterization. Kiran’s character in particular was heroic but real at the same time. Sikandar’s character was equally intriguing. Some of the dialogues will be imprinted in my mind forever.

Here is a short list of some of the plays that had a star cast and crew but failed to leave an impact.

Silvatein

It started off really well but once the story started to lose momentum, there was no rescuing it after that!

Khoya Khoya Chand

An extremely childish story which banked completely on star power and production values.

Kadoorat

Kadoorat was another play which took off well but lost its charm after a while mainly due to a weak script.

Kala Jadoo Part 2

The viewers who watched and like part 1 had high expectations from this sequel but it failed to deliver.

Numm

Yes, it still remains the biggest disappointment of the year! It was Ashk all over again just when we thought that Ashk was dead and buried Geo entertainment had Numm in store for us!

Hamnasheen and Halki Si Khalish were the only two plays this year which I watched only out of curiosity and I have to say that for some reason or the other I couldn’t help but follow them till the end. Hamnasheen’s strength lied in the acting and the chemistry between the main leads. Halki Si Khalish was entertaining because of its pace and I really enjoyed Javaid Sheikh’s character and acting.

Other notable plays which were followed by the viewers this year are as follows. I did not follow these shows or did not like them therefore I will refrain from commenting on them but the readers should feel free to comment.

Mera Pehla Pyaar

Daagh

Mohabbat Bhar Mein Jaye

Saath Pardon Mein

Sitamgar

Kahi Ankahi

Kash Aisa Ho

Qarz

Adhoori Aurat

Share your views about the dramas of 2013. Which were the ones that worked for you and which ones did not?

Fatima Awan

Pakistani dramas have been able to attract a huge audience which loves to follow the dramas that relate to the lives and culture of the country.While many people find it difficult to figure out the realities behind the success of the serials, it becomes easier to judge the ratings of dramas through their TRPs.  According to the authentic figures, been released by the channels, here are the top 20 latest dramas on the basis of their TRPs. Have a look!