This year there were so many male actors who continued to impress the drama viewers by showcasing their skills and craft in roles that were equally impressive. The importance of choosing challenging and different characters to play cannot be overemphasized because only well-written characters can bring out the best in an actor. We truly appreciate the efforts of all those male actors in particular who challenged themselves this year. Even though some of them have been associated with the field of acting for decades but they never stop adding more range to their graph and continue to reinvent time and again.

Performances play a pivotal role in determining how the viewers feel about a certain character. Only an actor who understands the character he is playing and puts his performance before everything else can do justice to a character. There are times when even the most simple supporting characters become easy to connect to when they are enacted on screen in the right manner. While playing a negative role, it is also really important for an actor to keep things real and not go overboard. An actor who manages to do all that makes the viewers hate their character but the audience cannot help but praise the actor. Grey characters can sometimes be the hardest to translate on screen. Also, making the changes in a character’s personality believable as they go through transitions in the story is highly important.

Here is the list of the most impressive performances by Pakistani male actors in 2021:

Ali Abbas (Angna & Badzaat)

Ali Abbas has definitely proved his mettle as a character actor. He is one such actor who is always known for giving measured performances one after another, no matter what the nature of his work is in a drama. This year, Ali Abbas played two different roles & gave convincing performances. In ARY digital’s soap Angna he played the role of Zain, a very layered character who was suffering from PTSD. He was scarred from the childhood trauma his mother subjected him to & unfortunately, it took a different turn after his marriage where he had to prove his loyalty to his mother all over again. Although the drama on the whole did not make a lot of buzz, but snippets of Ali Abbas’s scenes with his outstanding performance did go viral every now & then. He was widely appreciated for such a convincing & realistic portrayal in Angna.

In the drama serial Badzaat, Ali Abbas played the character of Daniyal that he has more or less portrayed before but even then, he gave this character a very different feel & a new edge that actually made his performance outstanding. Daniyal was the villain in the drama but when it comes to the performance, he certainly stood out more than the hero of Badzaat.

Bilal Abbas Khan (Dobara)

Bilal Abbas Khan made yet another wise choice this year by choosing to play Mahir’s character in Dobara. Just like his character in Pyar Ke Sadqay, this one also had so many different shades and challenges. Bilal Abbas Khan made Mahir memorable and an absolute treat to watch because of his phenomenal performance. The character went through so many different emotions and changes, Bilal Abbas made sure that the viewers could easily relate to Mahir’s emotions through these phases. He made this complex, grey character easier to understand because of his acting. Bilal Abbas Khan owned this character; he made the light-hearted moments stand out just as much as those gravely serious situations which at times made us question Mahir’s personality altogether. He is an outstanding actor who understands his craft and always puts his best in every character he plays.

Sunil Shankar (Bakhtawar)

Sunil Shankar is an experienced theatre actor who recently started acting in dramas. He already has our undivided attention because of his realistic portrayal as Sheeda. The character itself does not have the kind of novelty that some of the other characters on this list have but the performance is so organic and convincing that you can’t help but take this character really seriously. Some actors tend to add a comic spin to the most negative characters and in doing so sometimes it is not possible to take these characters too seriously. Sunil Shankar made sure that the viewers do not take his character lightly even though some of the situations are written in a light manner such as when Sheeda is with his friends. There is a constant negative vibe that you get from this character, the credit for which goes to the actor Sunil Shankar.

Feroze Khan (Habs)

Feroze Khan is known to play aggressive characters in most of his dramas, however, in the drama serial Habs, he has not only experimented but wowed the viewers with his subtlety & immaculate acting. Feroze is playing the role of Basit, who has had a traumatic childhood that scarred him as well as strained his relationship with his mother as well as women in general. The way Basit is seen working through his issues, unlearning the hatred he has garnered in his heart to date is an interesting journey to witness. It won’t be wrong to say that despite so many anger issues, Feroze Khan has made Basit’s character believable & likable – making it one of the best performances of his career so far.

Syed Muhammad Ahmed (Hum Tum)

Syed Muhammad Ahmed never ceases to make us fall in love with his performances over and over and over again. We do not have enough words to praise his dialogue delivery and the soul he adds to his on-screen characters. Usually, he is the emotional and wise father in Pakistani dramas. Writers most often make us fall completely in love with his characters and then use his character to gain the viewers’ sympathy by making a tragic exit from the story. This time around however he played a role that was both entertaining as well as inspiring. Daddu handsome was a role unlike any other he has played so far and he made us fall head over heels for this character right from the get-go. He made the fun side of this character come alive on-screen like no other. It was an absolute pleasure and delight watching him perform this character faultlessly.

Junaid Khan (Hum Tum)

Junaid Khan is another one of those actors who chose a different character to play this year and he nailed it completely. His character in Hum Tum won the viewers over because it was progressive, likable, and thoroughly entertaining. The credit for making this character memorable goes not just to the writer but also to the actor who performed brilliantly. This character could have been annoying if it wasn’t translated on-screen properly. We would love to see Junaid Khan performing such roles.

Wahaj Ali (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Wahaj Ali is the kind of actor who performs best when he takes up challenging roles. That is the reason why this year when he chose to play a difficult role in Jo Bichar Gaye, he was outstanding throughout. Rumi’s journey was powerful right from the opening scene and Wahaj Ali made sure that the viewers were right there with him during every single turn in Rumi’s track. An exceptional character and an iconic performance by Wahaj Ali made Rumi a character that stayed with us long after we were done watching the drama.

Talha Chahour (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Talha Chahour is a newcomer to television but he is definitely not new to acting. He had been actively involved in acting projects when he was a student and even starred in a PTV drama a few years back. However, it was only this year that he reached the heights of fame by playing the role of the main protagonist in the drama serial Jo Bichar Gaye. Talha Chahour worked hard on his mannerism and body language to fit Captain Farrukh’s character. His hard work certainly paid off because his performance was organic, powerful, and wholesome. Few actors can emote as well as Talha does. His current performance in Wabaal also goes to show that just like Wahaj Ali; he is not the kind of actor who enjoys doing mediocre roles. He definitely stood out more in a challenging role in Jo Bichar Gaye.

Usman Zia (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Jo Bichar Gaye had so many exceptional performers that it was really difficult for us to narrow the list down to a few names. Usman Zia definitely deserves tons of praise and recognition for bringing a difficult character to life in the drama. He played the role of professor Arjeet in the drama and had our undivided attention throughout. He had a strong screen presence because he owned his role completely. Usman Zia is another actor who has not worked on television but is a theatre actor with a lot of experience. His passion for performing arts showed in the way he translated his character on-screen. In an interview, he also appreciated Wahaj Ali who helped him perfect his scenes.

Zaheer Taj (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Zaheer Taj was another actor in the drama serial Jo Bichar Gaye who was beyond impressive. He has not been part of the mainstream entertainment industry but is not new to performing arts. Zaheer Taj did complete justice to his character and just like all the other actors on this list, he made his scenes engaging even though his character was negative.

Syed Jibran (Mere Humnasheen & Pehchaan)

Syed Jibran has played all kinds of roles under the sun. He has shown his range as an actor by doing varied roles every single time & this year was no different for him. He was seen in two very different characters in both drama serials Mere Humnasheen & Pehchaan. Although these two dramas aired simultaneously with Hiba Bukhari being his cousin sister & wife in both the dramas, the way he did not let each of these tracks cross your mind for once went to show that he knew how to create a different aura & personality for each of his characters. He is also seen playing a complex character in the drama serial Daraar & once again, his range as an actor is commendable, making all of his performances strong & convincing in all these dramas.

Shehzad Sheikh (Mere Humnasheen)

Shehzad Sheikh has definitely worked his way up & it is commendable how must growth & maturity he has shown over the years. Shehzad Sheikh has now become quite conscious of the kind of dramas he picks & the characters he plays. He is at that stage of his career where he has convinced the viewers that no matter which character he will pick up, he will do complete justice to it. This is the reason why he succeeded in making Dr. Hadi’s character so likable & a fan favorite where everyone was rooting for Dr. Hadi & Khajista to be together against all odds. Shehzad Sheikh definitely has earned the spot in this list.

Ahsan Khan (Mere Humnasheen & Fraud)

Ahsan Khan is an experienced actor who is not now shying away from trying new characters & experimenting with more & more. This year was definitely a highlight in Ahsan Khan’s drama career where he got to play two very different characters in superhit drama serials Mere Humnasheen & Fraud. In Mere Humnasheed, Ahsan Khan made everyone like Darakhzai’s character although he had a lot of personality & aggression issues. He made Darakhzai’s growth & transition very convincing. In the drama serial Fraud, he is playing the role of a swindler, but again he has added a lot of layers to this character too where as a viewer you want to see more of Sajih despite knowing he’s up to no good. Two very convincing & strong performances by Ahsan Khan this year.

Farhaan Saeed (Mere Humsafar)

It won’t be wrong to say that Farhaan Saeed’s entry in the drama serial Mere Humsafar was the turning point of the entire drama where people started loving the character of Hamza as well as found it easy to follow a drama that had such a typical story filled with toxicity. Farhaan Saeed has always stated that he wants to be a part of dramas best suited for family entertainment & he once again delivered. It won’t be wrong to say that Farhaan Saeed made Mere Humsafar worthwhile because both his character, as well as performance, were too good to be missed.

Zahid Ahmed (Mor Maharan)

Mor Maharan did not get attention and viewership because of the way the script has been executed. Although Mor Maharan is flawed in many ways, Zahid Ahmed’s performance has been faultless. He changed his body language, expressions, and dialogue delivery to fit the role he is playing in the drama. His character did not take off immediately but Zahid Ahmed’s acting was impressive from the beginning. This list will be incomplete without him.

Babar Ali (Wehem & Mor Maharan)

We are so glad that Babar Ali has actively started working in dramas once again. He starred in many popular dramas this year and in most of these dramas, his performances were superb. We were especially impressed by his performances in Wehem and Mor Maharan. In both these dramas there is a mystery surrounding his characters but overall the characters are different from each other. Babar Ali has given each one of these characters a unique style that makes them stand out.

Atif Aslam (Sang e Mah)

Atif Aslam’s association with a TV drama took the internet by storm because his fans & drama viewers, in general, were eager to witness what Atif Aslam was going to do in his debut drama serial. Atif Aslam not only delivered but literally made everyone fall in love with the complex character of Hilmand who was at war with his mother & his stepfather. Atif Aslam actually made people forget that he was acting for the first time, that too against some of the seasoned actors of the Pakistani drama industry such as Nauman Ejaz, Sania Saeed & Samiya Mumtaz. He created such an aura of Hilmand & had such a strong screen presence that he convinced everyone this character was made for him & only he could do justice to it. Atif Aslam was definitely the star of Sang e Mah & gave an outstanding & phenomenal performance as Hilmand.

Nauman Ejaz (Sang e Mah)

Nauman Ejaz is one of the finest actors that the Pakistani drama industry has ever produced. He has worked really hard on his craft & has now become an institution in himself. Nauman Ejaz played the role of Haji Marjan Khan, a loving husband who had a very dark secret up his sleeve but could not say anything because he wanted to protect his wife all along. Throughout the drama, it kept the viewers guessing whether Haji Marjan was actually the villain as Hilmand saw him or was he the saint that his wife painted him to be & for Nauman Ejaz to keep the mystery around his character going on was just so effortless – showing his prowess as an actor. This was definitely a very strong performance seen by Nauman Ejaz this year.

Muneeb Butt (Ye Na Thi Hamari Qismat)

Muneeb Butt has become very selective about his projects, that is the reason he is not seen as regularly as he was a few years ago. This year, Muneeb Butt was a part of ARY digital’s soap opera Ye Na Thi Hamari Qismat & he played the role of Ayaan, a careless individual who did not understand his responsibilities towards his family as well as his wife. However, because of his life partner Muntaha, he understood how important it was to be selfless & nurturing when it came to family ties. Ayaan always had an issue with his cousin or his sister-in-law, however, Muneeb Butt added a lot of realism to his character that made his performance enjoyable to watch. After a long time, Muneeb Butt not only looked confident while facing the camera but his performance seemed a lot more effortless & natural too.

This completes the list of best performances given by Pakistani male actors in drama serials this year. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Pakistani drama industry is filled with talented actors and actresses. With each passing year, all the actors continue to impress the drama viewers by showcasing their skills and craft. It is also very important for the actors to continue to challenge themselves because it not only helps them add more range to their graph but also reinvent themselves time and again. An actor can make or break the character he is playing therefore it is so important for an actor to give his best to the projects he/she opts for. Even the most well-written characters lose their appeal if they are not portrayed convincingly on screen. Only an actor who understands the character he is playing and puts his performance before everything else can do justice to a character. There are times when even the most simple supporting characters become easy to connect to when they are enacted on screen in the right manner. While playing a negative role, it is also really important for an actor to keep things real and not go overboard. An actor who manages to do that makes the viewers hate their character but the audience cannot help but praise the actor. Also, making the changes in a character’s personality believable as they go through transitions in the story is highly important.

This year we got to see so many remarkable performances that we had to make a separate list of male and female characters. Here is a list of those gifted male actors who mesmerized and impressed us with their award-winning performances in 2021.

Imran Ashraf (Raqs-e-Bismil)

Imran Ashraf’s name most often guarantees quality drama serial and entertainment. Through his hard work and talent, he has managed to carve his own identity. He is one of the biggest stars of Pakistani drama serials and has a range that is unmatched by anyone else in the industry. Imran Ashraf has that charm that he owns the characters like they were made for him and no one else could do justice to those characters that way he does. This year, Moosa was an example of his fine performance and acting skills. He performed this character with so much heart and soul that every single viewer watching Raqs e Bismil felt Moosa’s pain and fell in love with this character. Right till the end, Moosa was the highlight of the drama mainly due to Imran’s solid performance, throughout.

Mehmood Aslam (Raqs-e-Bismil)

Mehmood Aslam is rarely seen in dramas and most often the viewers associate him with the character that he is playing in the sitcom Bulbulay. In the drama serial Raqs-e-Bismil he played the role of a rigid and powerful peer who would do whatever it took to ensure that the customs and traditions he had been holding on to were not compromised. Everything from his overall look to the body language was perfect in the drama. He has done a brilliant job of carving a new identity for himself on screen through this role and performance. He definitely made us forget Mehmood from Bulbulay, which says a great deal about his talent and range as an actor.

Furqan Qureshi (Raqs-e-Bismil & Aulaad)

Furqan Qureshi has to be the most underrated male actor in our industry right now. His unique style of acting coupled with how effectively he pays attention to minute details makes him one of the best actors in the industry. Yet, most often he is seen playing supporting roles in dramas. However, we are glad that he is getting more mainstream projects now where he is getting noticed. This year he was part of many popular and critically acclaimed dramas. In drama serials Raqs-e-Bismil and Aulaad, he gave the best performances of his career in roles that were poles apart. He always makes sure that the viewers are left guessing what his character’s next move will be, which is definitely an added bonus. In Aulaad his character was grey and he was particularly impressive in it. In Raqs-e-Bismil he translated the manipulative side of his character impressively on screen.

Muhammad Ahmed (Aulaad)

Muhammmad Ahmed is not only a senior in terms of experience but most importantly also in terms of his craft and range as an actor. At this stage of his career, he picks one character after another where he continues to outdo himself every single time. In the drama serial Aulaad, it won’t be wrong to say that the soulful performance that he gave made this drama worthwhile. To showcase the helplessness of a father who hits a rock bottom one after another is no easy feat but Muhammad Ahmed succeeded in making it an unforgettable performance. The viewers felt all the ups and downs this father went through hence making this track even more emotional and heart-warming.

Sheheryar Munawar (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Sheheryar Munawar’s comeback drama Pehli Si Mohabbat was stretched to the limit but he stayed honest to his role right till the end. Even those viewers who were not convinced of Sheheryar’s acting abilities were impressed by how he translated Aslam’s character on-screen who was a much younger man. Aslam’s intense and sometimes immature character in the drama went through many ups and downs. His powerful portrayal especially in scenes showing Aslam’s relentless love and his growing frustrations was beyond amazing. This was the first time that Sheheryar Munawar’s performance was totally effortless which definitely added appeal to a character that wouldn’t have been this powerful had it not been for this impactful portrayal. Feeling for Aslam came naturally for the longest time because of Sheheryar’s superb performance throughout.

Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Hassan Sheheryar Yasin is a well-known fashion designer who made his acting debut on the small screen this year with the drama serial Pehli Si Mohabbat. His character was completely opposite to his real-life personality which is why we were even more pleased not only with his performance but also his selection. Hassan Sheheryar Yasin already had an impression on the viewers as a modern fashion designer therefore getting himself recognized in a role that was conservative and extreme is impressive. When Akram went through a transformation, he did a remarkable job of bringing out the nuances and the loving side of his character. After watching his performance in Pehli Si Mohabbat, we are waiting to see more of him in dramas.

Paras Masroor (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Paras Masroor has emerged as one of the top character actors the Pakistani drama industry has produced in recent years. He rose to fame after his drama Sang e Marmar but since then, he did not stop experimenting and giving one impressive performance after another. Paras Masroor has a lot of calm and composure whenever he is performing any character on screen, despite its nature. It goes to show his experience, skill, and the level of his craft. He played the role of Murad, a husband who understood the emotional turmoil his wife was faced with but never really mustered up the courage to break through the barrier to make her realize what she meant to him. Although it was a supporting character, he brought a lot of depth into every situation Murad was a part of. His and Uzma Hassan’s chemistry as a couple is always appreciated and it was nice to see them together on-screen again in Pehli Si Mohabbat.

Syed Jibran (Safar Tamam Hua)

Syed Jibran is one of the highly experienced actors in the Pakistani drama industry. He has proved the kind of range he has as an actor. However, it won’t be wrong to say that when he does negative roles, he gets to showcase his craft a lot more. In Safar Tamam Hua, the character of Jamal had a negative streak, and the way Syed Jibran had underplayed it made it a very interesting experience to watch. Jamal’s character went through a journey wherein the end, he found a purpose in life, he realized his mistakes, and most importantly, conveyed all that he felt to his mother, which kind of gave him a closure that he was looking for and a fresh start. His journey was filled with ups and downs and all those emotions were brilliantly conveyed by Syed Jibran, making it one of the best performances seen in a Pakistani drama these year.

Ali Rehman (Safar Tamam Hua & Laapata)

Ali Rehman has emerged as such a strong performer in the last couple of years. He has become quite selective about his projects and makes sure to become a part of such dramas that give him a margin to perform. Ali Rehman is one of those few actors who are keen on the fact that none of their characters are similar. This is why after his strong portrayal as Ammar in the drama serial Khaas, he chose characters like Ammar and Shams in Safar Tamam Hua and Laapata. Ali Rehman played two completely different characters and showed his range as an actor. It is always interesting to see actors reinventing themselves and creating their own niche. In Safar Tamam Hua, the emotional acting of Ali Rehman had moved the audience and stayed with them. In drama serial Laapata, not only his look was experimental and impressive, his performance was strong as well. Ali Rehman has worked his way up and has now become one such actor whose association with any project can assure the audience that it is worth a watch.

Noman Ijaz (Raqeeb Se)

Noman Ijaz is an institute within himself, he is a true artist, therefore this kind of acting and portrayal was expected from him. The fact that even after so many years, Noman Ejaz’s association with any project guarantees that the viewers are in for a treat speaks volumes of how much faith and trust the audience has in him. In the drama serial Raqeeb Se, Noman Ijaz played a central character but the way he showed all the shades of Maqsood made it an experience of itself to witness. The love that Maqsood had for Sakina brought nothing but pain, anguish, anger, and numbness to him, and to portray such intricate and complicated emotions with so much of clarity was only possible with an actor like Noman Ejaz playing the role.

Shehzad Sheikh (Phaans)

This year, Shehzad Sheikh caught us off-guard with his performance in the drama serial Phaans. Previously, he had acted in numerous dramas and also gave some convincing performances but he was always typecast and stayed well within his comfort zone, because of which he did more or less similar characters. However, it won’t be wrong to say that his performance in Phaans put his name on the map and allowed the audience to see that Shehzad Sheikh could effortlessly portray such characters that were challenging and different. It is always refreshing to see established actors pushing the boundaries and experimenting more, which goes to show their keenness about their growth as an actor. When the promos of Phaans aired, it left the audience a little skeptical whether Shehzad Sheikh will be able to pull off such a role but his acting, especially in the latter part of the drama was simply phenomenal. The range of emotions and expressions he showed as Sahil was nothing short of a treat, making it one of the best performances of not only this year, but his career as well.

Saadoon Ali (Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi)

Saadoon Ali is a young actor who can be easily termed as the find of the industry in 2021. If it wasn’t for his phenomenal acting skills in Dil Na Umeed To Nahi, the viewers wouldn’t have been able to feel for the character of Jamshed played by him. Although this was the very first-time Saadoon Ali worked in a drama with such a big cast yet he made the effort required to ensure that Jamshed’s innocence stood out since it was such an important part of his character. As his story progressed, the audience automatically felt drawn towards his journey and wanted to know more about him, which goes to show that he played his part convincingly.

Wahaj Ali (Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahin)

Wahaj Ali is another talented actor who has been choosing the right projects recently. In the drama serial Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahin he played the role of a young man who ran away from his village and was a victim of child labor. He grew up to be a social worker. The character had so much to offer and Wahaj Ali performed it with the utmost perfection. He did especially well while highlighting the sensitive and caring side of his character. The viewers also loved his on-screen chemistry with co-star Yumna Zaidi. We are looking forward to watching Wahaj Ali in more meaningful projects this year.

Saleem Mairaj (Shehnai)

Saleem Mairaj is another experienced actor in the Pakistani drama industry. There is no character that Saleem Mairaj can not do justice to. After impressing the audience as Peer Matiullah in Kashf, Saleem Mairaj was seen as Qifayat in Shehnai and it was beyond impressive how phenomenally he performed such a varied character. It won’t be wrong to say that drama serial Shehnai wouldn’t have been so much fun if it wasn’t for Saleem Mairaj’s performance as manipulative Qifayat Bhaiyya. He was seen as this conspiracist, someone who derived sadistic pleasures out of others’ misery, and despite knowing that he was disliked by many, he continued to be the way he was. Saleem Mairaj has always been seen in some serious characters but after Shehnai, we look forward to him doing more comic roles.

Sarmad Sultan Khoosat (Pardes)

Sarmad Sultan Khoosat is one of the biggest names in the Pakistani drama industry. He has not only been associated with the industry for acting but also in terms of direction as well. Although he is rarely seen on TV screens, when he does, he always makes sure to impress the audience with his performances. He made a comeback a few years ago but then took a break and this year, he was seen as Ahsan in Pardes, playing the role of the eldest son who had to go to the Middle East to earn a living for his family. Sarmad Sultan Khoosat brought so much dimension to the story and although it was a well-directed drama, it was purely because of his chemistry with Shaista Lodhi that got the audience hooked to Pardes. This was definitely one of the best and memorable performances seen in a Pakistani drama this year.

Gohar Rasheed (Pardes & Laapata)

Gohar Rasheed has succeeded in carving a niche of his own. Although he agrees to the fact that he is typecast, he still does his best to bring variety for his fans and viewers and makes sure that none of his characters look or feel the same to the audience investing time in his dramas. This goes to show the vision he has as an actor which reflects in his performances. Gohar Rasheed is always at his finest when he does negative roles and this year as well, he was seen playing two such characters with a negative streak and traits. The way he brought a comic element to his performance in Pardes made his character quite interesting to follow. However, in Laapata, he went all out and did not hold back in showing the kind of twisted person Daniyal was. Gohar Rasheed definitely makes such characters a treat to watch and he succeeded in not only giving one but two impressive performances this year.

Bilal Abbas Khan (Dunk)

The story of the drama serial Dunk mostly revolved around Amal and how she was inflicting pain on Haider for refusing to be with her. It won’t be wrong to say that Sana Javed and Bilal Abbas Khan were the saving grace of this drama and if it wasn’t for their convincing performances, Dunk would’ve been a hard pass. In this drama, there was a major chunk of episodes where Bilal Abbas Khan had to perform relying on his expressions, he barely had any dialogues yet he had to showcase the emotional turmoil Haider was faced with and he not only succeeded but blew the minds of the audience who watched him keenly. Bilal Abbas Khan has given one memorable performance after another over the years, however, this one is another feather in his cap because of how phenomenally he played the character of Haider and did justice to it.

Fahad Sheikh (Dunk & Azmaish)

Fahad Sheikh has slowly established himself as a credible actor. This year he also chose to play the kind of roles which made him stand out. In the drama serial Dunk and Azmaish both, he played characters that were quite likable. That is perhaps the reason why his performance was appreciated by the viewers. Both these roles had different shades and Fahad Sheikh did complete justice to them. He definitely deserves to be recognized for his polished acting skills.

Ahmed Ali Akbar (Parizaad)

In 2020 Ahmed Ali Akbar completely won us over with his endearing and realistic performance in Ehd-e-Wafa. This year, he set the bar even higher by choosing to play a leading character that redefined the term hero yet again just like few other such characters did in the recent past. Ahmed Ali Akbar as Parizaad is the perfect example of an actor doing his homework right and putting everything he has in a character. His choice to play this character serves as an example and inspiration for all those actors who are constantly choosing similar projects because they are too afraid of stepping out of their comfort zones. It also goes to show that the right casting can make a world of difference. Ahmed Ali Akbar has risen as a bigger star than ever not by playing a typical role but by opting for a role that was a huge challenge. He has proved that he was up to the challenge and the credit for that also goes to those individuals who saw this talent in him and offered him the role. He is beyond remarkable in this role and we are pretty sure he will soon be bagging a lot of awards as well because he truly deserves it.

Adeel Afzal (Parizaad)

For an actor to not only make an impact but leave a mark is a big feat and when it is achieved, it simply shows that the actor has not only stayed true to his craft but has also done justice to the role assigned to him. This can be safely said about Adeel Afzal who played the role of Nasaaz in the drama serial Parizaad. Not only this character was wise and intelligent, but the life-long lessons he taught to his friend Parizaad were also what made his character special. It is interesting how although this character was shown to be in support of the lead character, he left such a print on Parizaad’s journey that you are still reminded of him sometimes. The dialogues were one of the integral parts of Nasaaz’s character and his journey but the way Adeel Afzal kept his acting and dialogue delivery organic and completely raw was a masterstroke – making it one of the most impressive performances seen on Pakistani television this year.

Asad Mumtaz Malik (Parizaad)

Asad Mumtaz Malik is yet another actor from the drama serial Parizaad that has not only left an impact but impressed the viewers to no end. He entered the picture with a bang but the actual role that he had to play was what was required of him to do complete justice to and he definitely delivered. It is highly appreciated that his character has opened up a conversation about the neglected individuals in the society but the credit goes to Asad Mumtaz Malik for keeping his character as real and human as possible. It won’t be wrong to say that it has been an eye-opening experience seeing a character like Guru and for it to make waves, it had to be portrayed in such a convincing manner. Asad Mumtaz Malik has proved why he was the perfect choice for this role and the fact that his character is soon going to make an exit from the drama definitely leaves the audience sad.

Noman Ijaz (Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahin & Parizaad)

The fact that Noman Ijaz is the only actor who has been mentioned twice in this list and for three different dramas, says a great deal about his acting prowess. He constantly keeps on reinventing himself. In Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahin, he kept the viewers guessing right till the end, adding the much-needed mystery to his role, making his track even more engaging. In the drama serial Parizaad, he has the kind of screen presence because of which even when his character gets little screen time, he literally stands out. He looks the role and his performance is yet again beyond impressive.

Sami Khan (Mohlat & Phaans)

Sami Khan has been a part of the drama industry for a considerable amount of time. He is consistently seen on the TV, therefore he definitely knows how to make his presence felt in his projects. Recently, he was seen in the drama serial Mohlat, playing the role of Dawar who was faced with a lot of difficulties because he fell for someone who was not loyal to him. Sami Khan also played the role of Samad in the drama serial Phaans and did complete justice to his character. It is definitely impressive how he fits in every single role that is assigned to him and how he creates a vibe of ease and comfort with the actresses he is paired with. In Mohlat, he was seen with Komal Aziz Khan and Kinza Hashmi, and in Phaans with Zara Noor Abbas, he shared great on-screen chemistry with all of them, adding more dimension to his craft as an actor.

Faysal Qureshi (Fitoor)

Faysal Qureshi is one of the biggest stars the Pakistani industry has ever produced. It is amazing to see how even at this stage of his career, he continues to push himself and always tries to come up with something different – whether it is in terms of his characters or the looks he picks for his roles. Faysal Qureshi played the role of Haider in Fitoor and although the drama got the slow treatment by the director, it still succeeded in creating a buzz and became one of the most popular dramas of this year. Faysal Qureshi is also one of those actors who easily create chemistry with their co-actors. This is the reason, his pairing with Hiba Bukhari was well received by the audience. Haider was a complex character with a lot of insecurities and inhibitions but he did work his way up to overcome everything that actually ruined his marital life.

Osman Khalid Butt (Chupke Chupke)

When Osman Khalid Butt joined the industry, he took such characters that gave him a margin to add comic quotient to his characters. He has a perfect timing and dialogue delivery fit for such roles, that is why his character in Aunn Zara became a favorite in no time. After a long gap, Osman Khalid Butt got a chance to play a character in such a setting and he did wonders. Although Faazi was shown to be mature, composed and serious by nature but the situations in his life forced him to react to it which sparked comedy in Chupke Chupke. It is always nice to see Osman Khalid Butt in such characters where he is at ease and acts effortlessly. His performance in Chupke Chupke as Faazi was definitely impressive.

Ali Safina (Chupke Chupke)

Ali Safina has carved a niche for himself and it is a done deal that no matter what the character is, if it is comic in nature, Ali Safina will not only make it special but do complete justice to it. This is the reason, despite being a supporting character, Ali Safina succeeded in making the character of Miskeen memorable. All the personal touches he added to Miskeen’s character added so much dimension to it that it ended up becoming everyone’s favorite. His one-liners, spats with all the family members, and his inquisitive nature – all these traits were portrayed perfectly by Ali Safina, making it yet another impressive performance by him this year.

Adeel Hussein (Aakhir Kab Tak)

Adeel Hussein returned to the television screens last year but the drama he chose to be a part of turned out to be one of the worst last year. However, in 2021 he impressed the viewers with his light-hearted and entertaining performance in Aakhir Kab Tak. It won’t be wrong to say that Adeel Hussein’s performance makes Nasir’s character more likable because if it wasn’t acted out so well, it could easily have been an annoying character. He clearly enjoyed his performance which is why it is so effortless and charming.

Shahood Alvi (Aakhir Kab Tak)

Shahood Alvi’s amazing dialogue delivery and his screen presence always make him stand out even when he is a supporting character. It would only be fair to say that he is one of those experienced and talented actors who sometimes end up choosing roles that are not too likable or meaty. In Aakhir Kab Tak however, he plays a role that has a lot to offer. It is etched out well, it is meaningful and there is a clear transformation as well which leaves room for performance. His performance was impressive in the first half and it is even more impressive ever since his character has been bedridden. Shahood Alvi has yet again proved that he can make the viewers love or hate his characters effortlessly.

Arez Ahmed (Wafa Be Mol)

It is so important to highlight the amazing performances by some of those new actors who have worked in many dramas but only stood out this year. Arez Ahmed is one such actor who played a role that won everyone over in Wafa Be Mol. It was really good watching him play such a refreshing character so well. He made Arez’s strengths stand out and gave a performance that needs to be appreciated.

Which actor do you think was most impressive this year? Share your views in the comments section.

There is no denying the fact that the way actors translate characters on-screen makes all the difference. The actors have the power to make or mar a character with their performance. Most Pakistani dramas revolve around women protagonists therefore female performances in any drama contribute to its success. This year, many Pakistani actresses experimented with different roles. There were others who stood out in supporting roles. Some of them even made clichéd characters an absolute treat to watch. There were also those actresses who made their presence felt even though some of them did not get a lot of screen time. There were others who started acting only recently or are really young yet they managed to do complete justice to the characters assigned to them. And then there were those main protagonists who made sure that their acting stayed true to their character from the beginning right till the end. We are truly indebted to all these hardworking women who continue to impress and awe us every year. Some of these actresses have been continuously making it to this list for many years now.

Here is the list of the most impressive performances by Pakistani actresses in 2022:

Sana Javed (Aye Musht e Khaak)

Sana Javed played the role of Dua in the drama serial Aye Musht e Khaak. It was the kind of character that required a lot of subtlety & maturity to convey its essence & what she stood for & Sana Javed succeeded in creating that impact on screen. Dua was level-headed & knew what she wanted from life as well as her life partner, therefore she did not settle for anything less. She was deeply affected by everything that happened but did not let her family face the brunt of it. Sana Javed gave a measured performance in the drama serial Aye Musht e Khaak, making it one of the strongest of her career.

Yumna Zaidi (Bakhtawar)

Yumna Zaidi is an exceptional performer who makes it to the best performances list every year. Each year, she chooses at least one such character and drama which wins the viewers over completely. We have seen her performing so many unique characters but she never fails to surprise and impress. This year, she took experimenting to a whole new level when she chose to play yet another challenging character in the drama serial Bakhtawar. Bakhtawar leads a double life therefore Yumna Zaidi was given the difficult task of enacting a character that had two different identities and personalities. She is just as impressive as the confident Bakhtu as she is in her vulnerable moments as a young girl who is trying really hard not to give up. This is literally the kind of performance that could have made or destroyed the drama. Yumna Zaidi makes Bakhtawar and Bakhtu both stand out in their own way.

Huma Nawab (Bakhtawar)

Huma Nawab made a comeback to television a few years back and since then she has been part of many dramas with a star cast. She has been seen playing the role of the main protagonist’s mother several times. This year she is playing the role of Bakhtawar’s mother in the drama serial Bakhtawar. The character itself is quite likable as well but Huma Nawab definitely deserves tons of credit for making sure that this mother comes across as naïve and loving and not irresponsible. Her mannerisms and body language in the drama as well as her on-screen chemistry with Yumna Zaidi makes their scenes together wholesome. Huma Nawab makes it easy for the viewers to relate to her character and definitely makes the character even more likable.

Samina Ahmed (Badnaseeb)

Samina Ahmed is not just a remarkable actress but she also exudes unmatched grace in every single character she plays on-screen. In the drama serial Badnaseeb, she played the role of a mother and most importantly the grandmother of the main protagonist. Her character had so many positive traits and there was an entire journey that was covered in 20-plus episodes. Samina Ahmed made us fall in love with her character because she was perfect as a strong woman who made some difficult choices with the utmost dignity. She was the perfect choice for playing this role.

Anoosheh Rania Khan (Badnaseeb)

There are few young actors who made it to the best performances list because there were so many outstanding performances by the older lot this year. Anoosheh Rania Khan played the younger version of Dua, who was the main protagonist. She performed the role so well that when Dua’s journey as a grown-up started, we had a really difficult time warming up to it. One of the main reasons why Dua’s journey as a child resonated with us more was Anoosheh’s solid performance.

Irsa Ghazal (Chaudhry & Sons & Habs)

Irsa Ghazal has always played subtle & straightforward characters, however this year, she decided to wow her fans & surprise them completely. She played the comic character of Daadi in Ramzan’s special drama Chauhdry & Sons & needless to say, her antics were humorous. What made it funnier was seeing Irsa Ghazal going all out & giving this character everything she could to make it funny. Usually, drama viewers are used to seeing her in sober & sophisticated characters but this one was something unforgettable. She stayed in Daadi’s element right till the end, making it one of the funniest yet strongest performances of this year.

In contrast to her character in Chauhdry & Sons, Irsa Ghazal played the role of Basit’s mother in Habs. A mother who had nothing but pain & sorrow in her heart knowing that she had a strained relationship with her only son. She kept on trying to break the ice & make him realize that she never wanted to abandon him in the first place but she failed. The subtlety with which she played this character was beautiful. She wanted to make things right but still tried to keep a low profile knowing that her son was not going to give her the edge or any control of his life at all. Irsa Ghazal pleasantly surprised the drama viewers with her completely varied & strong performances this year.

Shagufta Ejaz (Chaudhry & Sons)

Shagufta Ejaz has been playing the role of a mother in Pakistani dramas for the longest time. However, this year, she decided to take her performance a notch higher by playing the role of a mature unmarried Doctor who could not get married to Chauhdry Dildar Ali. Although this character had a lot of potential of being poorly received by the audience but the grace & dignity with which Shagufta Ejaz performed definitely won the hearts of the viewers. It was actually heartening to see a mature couple in the later stage of their lives rekindling the feelings they had for each other. Shagufta Ejaz not only performed this character beautifully, but she also looked gorgeous throughout the drama. It was pretty obvious that she put a lot of effort into creating this character & it was simply perfect the way it was.

Hadiqa Kiani (Dobara)

Dobara was Hadiqa Kiani’s second acting project. Although she is a well-established singer, most of us were not expecting her acting skills to be as versatile and impressive as they have been so far. Most of us thought Raqeeb Se would perhaps be her best performance but Hadiqa Kiani surprised everyone by choosing a drama completely different from her debut performance and acing it all the way. Hadiqa made sure that everything from Mehru’s mannerisms to her wardrobe was perfect throughout. The character itself disappointed us many times but Hadiqa Kiani’s performance always stayed on point. She made Mehru more likable by highlighting her strengths and showing her vulnerabilities convincingly on screen.

Sarah Nadeem (Dobara)

Sarah Nadeem did not get a lot of screen time in the drama serial Dobara but every time she made an appearance, she left a lasting impression. She was convincing and likable as a loving friend who was always the voice of reason whenever Mehru was confused. No one could have played Nayyara’s character better. She carried her character with grace and made sure that Nayyara’s wisdom shone through. Sarah Nadeem is a medical practitioner with a long list of achievements in the profession. She had a childhood dream to pursue acting which materialized with Taana Bana. She has a natural knack for acting and translates the characters she plays impressively on-screen. We loved her in Dobara and would love to see more of her.

Sakina Samo (Dobara)

Sakina Samo has been associated with the Pakistani drama industry for many decades now. In all these years she has played so many different roles and each one of them has stayed with the viewers long after the dramas she was in went off air. Her most recent role as the nosy nand in Dobara could easily have been a toxic and negative character but the way Sakina Samo translated it on-screen, it actually became entertaining. The best thing is that she did so without taking away the essence of the character, Durdana appa/phupo was not a positive character at all but the performance made it agreeable nevertheless. Her expressions and body language made her scenes amusing and enjoyable. She should definitely do more characters that give her enough room to show her comic side.

Naeema Butt (Fraud)

Naeema Butt has been a part of a few Pakistani dramas. One of her notable dramas was Ehd e Wafa, however this year, she has been seen in the drama serial Fraud & she has proved that she not only knows the art of acting but has a very strong screen presence too. In a track that already has been speculated right from the beginning of the drama, Naeema Butt has made sure to add some depth that hooks the viewers & makes them want to see more of it. Her chemistry with Ahsan Khan is also pretty convincing & she has made sure to stylize herself to suit the dynamic of her character. Naeema Butt surely has given a very strong performance in the drama serial Fraud.

Rabya Kulsoom (Fraud)

Rabya Kulsoom definitely has some experience of acting up her sleeve but the way she has showcased her talent as a performer in the drama serial Fraud is praise-worthy. Right from the beginning, she made Maila’s character likable by adding nuances to her performance. She formed such great chemistry with Saba Qamar that she actually looked like her sibling & a strong support system at that. In recent episodes where Maila is seen mourning the loss of her husband, Rabya Kulsoom has given an emotionally charged performance that actually makes the viewers feel Maila’s pain. Rabya Kulsoom should definitely take up more projects & showcase her acting prowess because she is one convincing performer.

Ushna Shah (Habs)

Ushna Shah has definitely come a long way. Ushna Shah is one of those actors to have shown how far she has come & how hard she has worked to refine her craft as an actor. It most certainly is not easy to have a style of your own, conveying everything subtly yet making your characters have a different & distinct feel. Ushna Shah has played the character of Ayesha to perfection & has made Ayesha look relatable every step of the way. This is one performance of Ushna that will be remembered for a long long time. Ushna is at that stage of her career where her association with any project can definitely guarantee it being a good script with substantial characters.

Dania Enwer (Habs)

Dania Enwer has been a part of the industry for a few years now however, it won’t be an overstatement that her performance in Habs has put her name on the map. Dania Enwer has played the character of Bano in Habs – a financially independent girl who despite bearing the financial burdens of her family has not stopped wishing for her happy-ever-after. Although things have never been in her favor in her personal life but she has always conducted herself with dignity. Dania Enwer has embraced this character & made it her own, so much so that the viewers can not imagine anyone else being Bano in Habs. This is one strong performance by Dania & we hope to see her being a part of more & more projects in the future.

Janice Tessa (Habs)

Janice Tessa has debuted in the drama serial Habs & she has shown clearly that she is a confident performer who is not shy to face the camera. She has played the character of Zoya phenomenally. Her expressions, tonality, and overall demeanor make you forget that this is her first ever substantial project & she is working in a drama for the first time. She happens to be portraying a character that has a lot of margin to look completely negative but Janice has not allowed that to happen, in fact, you do understand why she reacts this way. Janice Tessa is young & a confident performer, therefore it makes us excited to see what more projects will come her way.

Hina Rizvi (Habs)

Hina Rizvi has been a part of a few dramas so far however her performance in the drama serial Habs is not only noticeable but very realistic. She has played the character of Bobby Pupho, a middle-aged unmarried woman who has her own inhibitions but when it comes to her nieces, she makes sure to extend them the support they don’t get from their mother. The dejection & lifelessness in her eyes, understanding that things did not work in her favor but still fighting through it every day has been portrayed beautifully by Hina Rizvi, making it one of the strongest performances seen in the drama.

Saba Faisal (Habs)

Saba Faisal is a seasoned actor who has probably played all sorts of characters under the sun. However, it is impressive that despite playing such a variety of characters, she can still make her characters look & feel different. In the drama serial Habs, she plays a cold & emotionally unavailable mother who has her own twisted way of approaching things. She makes it look like she has the best interest of her daughters whereas she is only saving herself from misery. Saba Faisal has added a comic layer to this character which comes naturally to the character of Qudsiya, making it one of the best & most effortless performances that we have seen from her in 2022.

Ramsha Khan (Hum Tum & Sinf e Aahan)

Ramsha Khan is not just a brilliant actress but she also chooses the dramas she acts in wisely. Most often, she chooses to play progressive and layered characters. This year, she played Neha Qutub ud Din’s character in the Ramazan special drama and nailed this role like a pro. The character itself had so much going for it but it could easily have been annoying as well if Ramsha did not translate it on-screen so effortlessly. She made us look forward to her scenes and root for her character. This performance went to show that she is not just a gifted actress but is also versatile. She also played the character of Pariwesh in drama serial Sinf e Aahan, once again showcasing her talent and range as an actor.

Arjumand Rahim (Hum Tum)

Arjumand Rahim does not take up a lot of acting projects but we are so glad that lately, she has been choosing the kind of roles and dramas which make her performances stand out. Arjumand’s role in Hum Tum was just as amusing and the same time meaningful as all the other characters. She was convincing as the housewife who was not the best at her job but was always trying to deliver. Arjumand’s comic timing impressed us more than anything else. She gave this character her best and made it enjoyable to watch.

Uzma Beg (Hum Tum)

Uzma Beg’s performance in Hum Tum fit the character so perfectly that Tammana Begum became one of our favorite supporting characters in the drama. She did not hold back while translating Tammana’s relentless and fun take on life. She made sure that her character had the viewers’ attention throughout and never ceased to impress and entertain us.

Maya Ali (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Last year Maya Ali truly disappointed us with her performance in Pehli Si Mohabbat but this year she proved that she is a remarkable actress if given the right role and if she works with the right director who brings out the best in her. Maya Ali started her acting career under the guidance of Haissam Hussain and this year she worked with him again. She played the lead role in Jo Bichar Gaye, which was nothing short of a masterpiece. Her character in the drama Sonia went through many phases as the story moved forward and Maya Ali made every dimension of her character come alive on screen. She looked like someone from that era and she did so well with the subtle and the more powerful scenes both. This list would be incomplete without her.

Nadia Jamil (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Nadia Jamil made a comeback to television with a role that gave comic relief and light-hearted moments in a play that did not have a lot of those. Nadia Jamil is an exceptional actress who literally transforms herself to fit the roles she plays and she did just that when she played Shabnum’s character in Jo Bichar Gaye. This was another one of those characters that went through a traumatic journey. Nadia Jamil excelled in highlighting every shade of her character throughout. It was an absolute delight watching Nadia Jamil on screen after such a long time.

Hiba Bukhari (Mere Humnasheen & Pehchaan)

It won’t be wrong to say that this was Hiba Bukhari’s year. She has definitely come a long way & has proved her mettle as an actor. The thing that makes Hiba stand out the most is her choice of scripts & then the way she creates a personality of that character by fitting in it effortlessly goes to show her range as a performer & an actor. Hiba Bukhari definitely deserves credit for Mere Humnasheen’s success because her convincing performance made this drama worthwhile. The innocence that Khajista’s character embodied was beautifully portrayed by Hiba.

Hiba Bukhari was also seen in the drama serial Pehchaan this year & it definitely was not an easy feat showing the character in two age brackets of her life. However, Hiba not only made everyone love the character of Sharmeen but also feel for her every step of the way. All the issues & problems that Sharmeen felt throughout her marital life were executed with a lot of clarity, making it one of the best performances of Hiba Bukhari’s career.

Sonya Hussyn (Mor Maharan)

Sonya Hussyn is another ace actress who chose to be a part of a drama that was on a novel topic. Her character in Mor Maharan is that of an educated, ambitious and eloquent young woman who has a definite purpose in life. The drama overall definitely failed to impress but Sonya Hussyn’s performance made her character even more appealing on screen. We loved her portrayal and continue to watch the drama because of her.

Sammiya Mumtaz (Mor Maharan)

Sammiya Mumtaz has been typecast multiple times but we are glad that she is finally experimenting with different roles. She is playing the role of Almas, a woman who runs a big business and has many personal challenges as well. Sammiya Mumtaz made sure that her look for the drama fit the character she is playing and her performance has been remarkable. There are so many different sides to this character; strong and weak. Sammiya has made sure that all these sides of the character shine on-screen.

Nadia Khan (Pehchaan)

It is always great when actresses choose to play roles that have room for performance and they do everything they can to make these characters come alive on-screen. Nadia Khan did just that when she chose to play Safina’s character in Pehchaan. She played the role of an old woman who had been abandoned by her family when she was young. Nadia Khan surprised us with her portrayal. She did not hold back in any of the scenes and made her character one of our favorites in the drama.

Sania Saeed (Sang e Mah)

Sania Saeed has given one convincing performance after another for so long. Every single time Sania Saeed graces the screen of Pakistani drama viewers with her presence, it is given that she is going to make it unforgettable & so was the case with her performance in Sang e Mah. She played the character of Zarghona, a woman of substance who defied all the norms & stood up for herself in a very conservative society. Sania Saeed has a strong screen presence but in Sang e Mah, it was on another level. Every single scene of hers had so much to offer, in those scenes where she only had to emote through her eyes, she effortlessly conveyed what Zarghona was thinking. It was definitely one of the best performances we witnessed this year by Sania Saeed.

Hania Amir (Sang e Mah)

Although Hania Amir has earned a lot of appreciation for her performance in the drama serial Mere Humsafar, it won’t be wrong to say that her performance was stronger in Sang e Mah. She played the character of Gulmeena, a love-stricken young girl who did not want to go against her mother – saddened by her fate but still having the strength to fight her way through it all. Hania Amir looked the part & was effortless in Sang e Mah, giving one of the strongest performances of this year.

Kubra Khan (Sang e Mah)

Kubra Khan played the character of Shehrzaad in the drama serial Sang e Mah. A young, independent girl who put up a brave face but was still fighting the demons from her past that haunted her day & night. There were a lot of scenes where Kubra had to only showcase Shehrzaad’s ordeal with the help of expressions & tears & she succeeded in doing so. She also brought a lot of zen with her subdued portrayal in a drama that was overcharged with such heavy emotions that consumed the viewers. It was definitely one of the best performances of Kubra Khan’s career as an actor.

Dananeer Mobeen (Sinf e Aahan)

Dananeer Mobeen debuted as an actor in the drama serial Sinf e Aahan. Although her association with the ISPR project brought a lot of criticism her way as the drama started airing & her character of Syeda Sidra Batool started making an appearance, more & more people started loving Dananeer as Sidra. Her character was added as a much-needed comic relief but the way Dananeer made it look adorable & cute was commendable. It could have gone wrong for Dananeer but it was her strong, effortless & confident performance that convinced everyone that she could act & was just as talented as any other actor in the supporting cast of the drama. Sidra’s accent was slightly Punjabi & considering that Dananeer herself is not from a Punjabi background, but she succeeded in making it sound believable & didn’t overdo it was another win for her. Overall, Sidra’s scenes were a breath of fresh air & it won’t be wrong to say that if it wasn’t for Dananeer Mobeen, Sidra’s character could’ve easily vanished from everyone’s memory.

Savera Nadeem (Wehem)

Savera Nadeem is one of the most versatile and gifted actresses of the Pakistani drama industry. She has proved that actors do not have a shelf life. She is playing a complex character in the drama serial Wehem. Rukhsana’s reality is still hidden from the viewers after so many weeks but there are so many negative traits of the characters which are apparent right from the start. Although this character is essentially not a likable or positive one, Savera Nadeem’s performance makes the viewers look forward to her scenes and has made this character the best thing about the drama. She owns Rukhsana’s character, understands it, and enacts it on screen faultlessly. She is definitely the star of the show because of her performance.

Shamim Hilali (Wehem)

Shamim Hilali’s beautiful portrayal of a simple character in Wehem has made this character just as appealing as that of Rukhsana. The on-screen chemistry between these actresses and the solid performances have completely relegated the youngsters, who were supposed to be the main attraction of the show, to the background. Shamim Hilali’s acting is effortless and fits the character perfectly. If this role was played by any other actress, it wouldn’t have stood out as much as it is standing out right now. Shamim Hilali has proved that a good performance makes a huge difference.

Hurriya Mansoor (Wehem)

Hurriya Mansoor is one of those few new actors on this list who impressed us with their performance this year. Her character in the drama serial Wehem is just as intriguing as that of Rukhsana. Hurriya made sure that she piqued the viewers’ curiosity right from the first episode. Her body language was always such that you felt she knew more than she was showing. Hurriya is a promising new actor who has raised the bar high with this performance.

Aiza Awan (Ye Na Thi Hamari Qismat)

Aiza Awan has been a part of quite a few dramas so far but she definitely earned a lot of recognition & appreciation for her performance in ARY Digital’s soap opera Ye Na Thi Hamari Qismat. Although the character of Alishba was in a literal sense shown to be a not-so-good-daughter-in-law of the family but the way Aiza played this character actually made it seem a lot more likable. She was immature & eccentric but the way she never held back in voicing her opinions made it quite interesting to watch Alishba’s character. She did pay the price & had to face a lot of problems but her character was heaps better than her sister Muntaha’s who was a sacrificial lamb & way too submissive. Aiza Awan played this character effortlessly, making it one of the strongest performances seen in a Pakistani drama this year.

This concludes the list of best performances by female actors in Pakistani dramas in 2022. Which actress impressed you with her performance the most this year? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

This year some really interesting dramas went on air on different channels. Most of these dramas wouldn’t have been as engaging as they were if the actors who played the leading and supporting roles did not translate their respective characters so impressively on screen. An actor’s performance can make or mar a character. Even the most well-written characters lose their appeal if they are not portrayed convincingly on screen. There are times when even the most simple supporting characters become easy to connect to when they are enacted on screen in the right manner. While playing a negative role, it is also really important for an actor to keep things real and not go overboard. An actor who manages to do that makes the viewers hate their character but the audience cannot help but praise the actor. This year, so many talented Pakistani female actresses showcased their amazing acting talent in different projects. The roles assigned to females are also changing through the years. Also, even some of the more ‘typical’ roles were actually fun to watch because of these brilliant performers. Therefore, this year we decided to make a separate list of actresses who outshone in different roles.

Here is a list of those amazingly talented female actresses who gave the most impressive performances in 2021:

Yumna Zaidi (Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahi)

Yumna Zaidi keeps on treating her fans to powerful performances every year. She translates the most difficult roles effortlessly on screen and never ceases to add the kind of intensity needed to make such roles memorable. She played one such character in the drama serial Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahi this year and she was simply outstanding in the role. Her portrayal was intense enough but never overdramatic which made Sumbul’s character come alive on screen with its vulnerabilities and strengths standing out. Yumna’s performance made Sumbul’s journey relatable for the viewers and even more heartwarming.

Yasra Rizvi (Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahi)

Yasra Rizvi most often chooses projects that are challenging and she makes sure that the projects she works in are meaningful as well. Her role in Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahi signified how some girls in Savera’s situation resign to their fate. Yasra Rizvi’s performance was top-notch in the drama and she did exceptionally well while translating Savera’s soft and nurturing nature on screen. Her on-screen chemistry with her co-stars definitely raises the bar even higher and brings out the best in others as well.

Navid Shehzad (Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahi)

Navid Shehzad made an amazing comeback to television with a meaningful negative character. She played the role of a wicked woman who runs a brothel in the critically acclaimed drama serial Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahi. Although this character was negative it did serve a bigger purpose. Also, watching Surriya auntie’s antics was sometimes entertaining! Navid Shehzad has such a graceful personality yet her effortless portrayal made her the perfect actor for this role. We were truly in awe of her outstanding acting skills while watching the show.

Sammiya Mumtaz (Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahi)

Sammiya Mumtaz is another exceptional actress who makes the viewers feel for her characters irrespective of the role she is playing. Even when she plays similar characters, it is enjoyable watching her on-screen. This year she truly impressed us with her inspiring role in the drama serial Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahi. She played the role of a mother who stands by her daughters’ side despite all odds. Her performance, as usual, was not only convincing but also endearing because she added the right emotions to every single scene.

Qudsia Ali (Aulaad)

Drama serial Aulaad happens to be Qudsia Ali’s debut drama. The kind of performance she showcased in Aulaad shows that she has a bright future ahead of her. It won’t be wrong to say that at such a young age, she turned out to be such a measured performer considering the kind of brilliant treatment she gave to the character of Mouni. In recent times, a lot of actors have attempted to perform such characters which represent the specially-abled individuals of the society but the way Qudsia played Mouni’s character not only made it lovable but also showcased what struggles they are faced with. If it wasn’t for her performance, Mouni’s character would not have left such an impact, which makes it one of the best performances of 2021.

Faryal Mehmood (Raqeeb Se)

Faryal Mehmood has been a part of the industry for a few years now. She has always stood out and earned appreciation for her performances but it won’t be wrong to say that her portrayal of Insha in the drama serial Raqeeb Se put her name on the map. It was a treat to see Faryal Mehmood just being herself and so effortlessly acting out the character of Insha who is strong, independent, level-headed but also has her emotional struggles, especially related to her father. Faryal Mehmood did complete justice to this character and after this project, the audience is definitely going to be excited for her upcoming projects because they already know her caliber as an actor.

Hadiqa Kiyani (Raqeeb Se)

There was a lot of hype about the fact that Hadiqa Kiyani was making a debut with the drama serial Raqeeb Se this year. So far into her career, everyone has known her as an ace singer but who would’ve thought that she was hiding this talent in her all along. The performance of Hadiqa Kiyani in Raqeeb Se was mind-blowing right from the beginning and to see that she effortlessly matched the caliber and finesse of her experienced co-stars like Noman Ejaz and Sania Saeed was exemplary. Hadiya Kiyani portrayed the character of Sakina with such finesse that it easily became one of the most memorable and brilliant performances of 2021.

Sania Saeed (Raqeeb Se)

There is no denying the fact that Sania Saeed is one of the finest actresses of Pakistani dramas right now. She has so much experience that she literally owns the characters that are assigned to her, therefore it was the same for Hajra in Raqeeb Se. The flow there was to her performance in this drama was unparalleled, it was like watching a river of emotions flowing in front of you. There was so much that Hajra wanted to say but she couldn’t. Making all of her emotions visually obvious for the viewers to decipher was not an easy feat but in Raqeeb Se, this is exactly what Sania Saeed did and showed how she was at her finest.

Ramsha Khan (Shehnai)

Ramsha Khan is a fine actor and this is why the ease in the dialogue delivery comes naturally to her. It is always interesting to see that no matter how challenging or complex the characters are, Ramsha Khan brings such effortlessness into her acting that you really find her characters closer to reality and relatable. In the drama serial Shehnai, her character went through a lot where she was being forced to marry, the anger, anguish, pain of heartbreak, and hope of moving on, all these factors were portrayed brilliantly by her, making it yet another brilliant performance by Ramsha Khan that the audience got to witness this year.

Sana Javed (Dunk)

Sana Javed has started taking one challenging character after another and in every drama serial, she has paved her way to success. The same goes for her in the drama serial Dunk where she underplayed the character of Amal, not making it too obvious what was running through her mind yet letting everyone know the evil streak there was to her personality. Sana Javed’s performance was very convincing Dunk and although the drama was dragged and probably lost the grip it had on the viewers, Sana Javed’s acting was definitely a saving grace of the drama because as it approached the end, everyone was keen to know how Amal will react upon getting exposed.

Ayeza Khan (Chupke Chupke)

There was a lot of debate when the drama went on air with Ayeza Khan playing the role of a college student. In the initial episodes, her get-up and styling attracted a lot of negative attention but as the drama progressed, Ayeza Khan’s brilliant and effortless performance let everyone know why she was the perfect choice for the role of Meenu. Her energy, her zest, effortless dialogue delivery, and overall treatment with which she portrayed this character were not only convincing but perfect too. Meenu had a lot going for her and Ayeza Khan covered every aspect of her personal and emotional struggles brilliantly. She also showed how good her comic timing is. Seeing Ayeza Khan’s performance in Chupke Chupke definitely makes us want to see her in more comic roles.

Asma Abbas (Chupke Chupke)

Asma Abbas is one of the most versatile actors the Pakistani industry has ever produced. There is absolutely no character under the sun that she can not play and do complete justice to. Her comic timing, fluent Punjabi dialogue delivery, and overall antics in general in Chupke Chupke were not only funny but an absolute treat to watch. She played the role of deceased Nawab’s first wife and her tussle with the second wife of her husband was always amusing. She has the aura of bringing warmth to the screen and to have one such character which everyone could feel connected to in the form of a motherly figure was what made Asma Abbas’s character and performance even more special.

Uzma Baig (Chupke Chupke)

Uzma Baig is not actively seen in Pakistani dramas. It was after a long time that the drama viewers not only got to witness her performance but also saw how good of an actor she is. She played the role of Nawab’s second wife and it was obvious that speaking Siraiki did not come naturally to her but the way she adapted to it and added comic tinge to her dialogue delivery was phenomenal. Her robotic body language and expressions were the highlight of her performance, making it quite a memorable one seen this year.

Hiba Bukhari (Fitoor)

Hiba Bukhari is comparatively new to the Pakistani drama industry but in such a short span of time, she has gained a lot of success and popularity. Hiba has swiftly become a household name and is now at that stage in her career where her association to any project can easily attain higher viewership. In the drama serial Fitoor, Hiba Bukhari played the role of Dilnasheen. She had everything going against her and things were never favorable to her – she still tried her best to accept whatever life gave to her. Hiba Bukhari skillfully showed what it took Dilnasheen to face everything bravely. Although she also lost track and decided to go against the norms she was met with a few realizations that changed her perspective. In every episode, Hiba Bukhari showcased Dilnasheen’s struggles convincingly, making it one of the finest performances of her career so far.

Mahira Khan (Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay)

Mahira Khan made a come back on Pakistani TV screens with Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay. There has always been a debate about Mahira Khan’s acting skills but in this project, she proved her caliber as an actor. The character of Mehreen is quite complicated but Mahira Khan effortlessly gives away what Mehreen is thinking, what she is feeling, and what’s running through her mind. Mehreen has never had it easy and she has faced abuse and torture in several ways because of the people around her. What sets her character apart is that Mehreen is not a victim and she doesn’t want to come across as one. She always fights and gives back. All these shades of Mehreen’s character have been brilliantly portrayed by Mahira Khan, definitely making it one of the best performances of 2021.

Kubra Khan (Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay)

Kubra Khan is also one such actor who made a name for herself right from the beginning of her career. She has always been loved for her performances in different dramas and the best part about her career graph is that she believes in varied roles and experiments. Kubra Khan is not the kind of actor who will be seen in similar roles. Last she was seen in drama serial Alif and this year, she came back as Mashal in Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay. Her character was short-lived but the kind of impactful performance Kubra Khan gave showed that she very well understood her part as an actor. She knew that she will have limited screen time and scenes, therefore she had to leave a mark in the opportunity given to her and she delivered. Despite all the cruel things she did, the audience never truly resented Mashal because they understood where she was coming from. Kubra Khan gave one of the best performances of her career in Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay.

Laila Wasti (Azmaish & Dunk)

Laila Wasti has been a part of the industry for a long time now. She returned to the TV screens after a long period of time and since then has been consistently seen in different dramas. She has a very strong screen presence and despite playing the soft-spoken, motherly roles, she always brings an edge to her performances which sets them apart and makes them impactful. She has recently been seen in the drama serial Azmaish and Dunk and in both the dramas her characters were more or less the same but her performances were strong and convincing. Her outburst in the drama serial Dunk as Haider’s mother when she decided to support her son has to be one of the best scenes seen in a Pakistani drama this year.

Laila Zuberi (Parizaad)

Laila Zuberi is an experienced actor in the Pakistani drama industry. She has many characters and roles to her credit and has given some memorable performances. Laila Zuberi always brings in a lot of calm and charm to her dramas and always has substantial roles to play. Usually, she always does the characters that fit her personality where she always looks poised and sophisticated. In the drama serial Parizaad, she was assigned a character in which she has never been seen before and not only did she impress, she did complete justice to it as if that role was written with her in mind. She has brought in a touch of comedy with that character and all those antics that actually define her personality have been portrayed by her brilliantly. Although it was a supporting role the limited screen time she got, she made sure to leave an impact and give a memorable performance.

Saboor Aly (Parizaad)

Saboor Aly has been a part of the drama industry for a while now. She has been consistent with her projects but it won’t be wrong to say that she rose to fame recently when the drama serial Fitrat became popular and everyone loved her performance as a negative character. Saboor Aly definitely had all eyes on her because the drama viewers were keen to see what she was going to come up with next. No one actually saw Bubbly coming and all we can say is, she has arrived. Saboor Aly has given the kind of performance that has put her name on the map. Bubbly was definitely not an easy character to play but Saboor not only did justice to it but portrayed it with such sensitivity and sensibility that was required to make this story heard and stay with the viewers. The character of Bubbly Badmash later turned into Dilawar was a huge responsibility on her shoulders and she did complete justice to it – so much so that it is going to be remembered for a long long time.

Rabia Butt (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Rabia Butt stepped into acting only a few years back and it was such a wise decision. Every time she has left a good impression on the viewers as an actress. Her role in Pehli Si Mohabbat had so much to offer and she had done complete justice to it. She made Nargis’ character stand out just the way it was meant to be. The persuasive manner in which she delivered the dialogues added more meaning and intensity to those well-written scenes. Apart from her make-up, everything else about this portrayal was spot on.

Uzma Hassan (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Uzma Hassan is a phenomenal actress who makes sure that she highlights all the shades of the characters she plays perfectly on screen. Therefore, it is no surprise that she was chosen to play Zainab’s role, an important character in the drama serial Pehli Si Mohabbat. Her convincing portrayal was the main reason why Zainab’s track had the viewers’ undivided attention right from the start. She performed exceptionally well even in those scenes that required the use of body language and expressions alone to translate emotions on screen.

Saba Faisal (Pehli Si Mohabbat & Raqeeb Se)

Saba Faisal’s effective portrayals have won the viewers over many times. She always ensures that every character she plays stands out for its uniqueness. She has been part of many dramas lately but her performances in Pehli Si Mohabbat and Raqeeb Se deserve more appreciation this year than any other. Both these characters were completely different from one another yet Saba Faisal has breathed life into both of them. She was equally convincing in both the dramas and her definite screen presence made her characters more appealing. She once again proved that she is a versatile actress who makes her characters more engaging by her realistic performances.

Ushna Shah (Aakhir Kab Tak)

It is always refreshing and pleasing watching an actress grow. Ushna Shah is one such actress who has come a long way in the past few years. She has polished her acting skills more than ever and most importantly this year, she chose to play a character that has so much to offer. Ushna Shah has brought out the best in her character in Aakhir Kab Tak. It can easily be termed as the best choice she has made in her entire career and her most impressive performance.

Srha Asghar (Aakhir Kab Tak)

One of the main reasons for Aakhir Kab Tak’s popularity is the remarkable performances by all the actors involved. Srha Asghar was amazing as the confident and outspoken young lady in Pyar Ke Sadqay and she is equally remarkable in an entirely different role in Aakhir Kab Tak. It is almost as if she really is the timid and scared girl she is playing in the drama. She continues to impress every year, we expect nothing but the best from her.

Javeria Abbasi (Aakhir Kab Tak)

We are truly glad to watch Javeria Abbasi excel in a role that is both meaningful and impactful in the drama serial Aakhir Kab Tak. Her character has undergone a massive transformation and is layered. Javeria Abbasi’s convincing performance has made this character come alive on screen. We are waiting to watch her play more interesting characters this year.

Gul-e-Rana (Aakhir Kab Tak)

There are few actors who can make negative characters entertaining to watch without killing the essence of these characters. Gul-e-Rana is definitely one such actress who always manages to breathe life in such roles. In the drama serial Aakhir Kab Tak she plays a role that is negative but we actually find ourselves waiting for her scenes because she never fails to amuse. We love how she has nailed this performance.

Shaista Lodhi (Pardes)

Shaista Lodhi started acting a few years back and since then she has been part of drama with an ensemble cast. This year, she opted to play a character that was appreciated by the viewers a lot because it highlighted the sufferings of all those women who are constantly expected to compromise. Shaista Lodhi’s realistic performance made the viewers take her even more seriously as an actor.

Atiqa Odho (Pardes)

We are genuinely pleased to see Atiqa Odho playing different kinds of roles in dramas. She also chooses to play roles that have room for performance. She played the role of a mother who goes through different phases during the course of the drama. Her acting was convincing throughout which made her character’s presence felt on screen. It is always great watching seasoned actors pick projects which are meaningful and entertaining. Atiqa Odho is definitely one of those actresses who do not compromise on quality.

Bushra Ansari (Pardes)

Bushra Ansari keeps on experimenting with different kinds of roles. Last year, we were not too impressed with her choices but this year she left us quite impressed because she chose to be a part of a meaningful drama. She played a role that was not new but she did so in such a way that she made every scene matter. Bushra Ansari’s impressive performance in Pardes made us look forward to her upcoming projects.

Hina Javed (Pardes, Wafa Be Mol & Aulaad)

Hina Javed recently started acting; she has been choosing quality projects right from the start. This year she played supporting characters in 3 major dramas and in all these dramas her performance was brilliant. Also, the characters she chose to play offered variety and had an important role to play in the story. She proved this year that she can make the viewers love and hate her characters.

This completes the list of best performances of Pakistani actresses in the dramas aired in 2021. Which one of these is your favorite? Feel free to share your thoughts with us.