Gone are the days when you needed hard work and actual talent and loads of luck to make it and survive in the entertainment industry if you had no contacts or enough money but not anymore. In today’s world internet is the only power we bow to, it is the only language we speak and understand these days. We have seen internet make chai walas celebrities we have also seen internet turn Patari’s CEO’s stardom to dust. The point being your social media presence is everything these days.

Having a social media presence is as important for celebrities these days as having an agent once was. Though anyone with a fair amount of followers can call themselves a celebrity these days and that paves way for mediocrity to be bred but it has also opened a gateway to an industry of dreams that once seemed far away. Just take that phone of yours make a video, write a script, make a web series, write a book, make a blog and gain audience and you will make it, it is not as painstakingly arduous as it once was. The ball is now in the common man’s court make your move.

As it is with power that comes huge responsibility so is the case with stardom, the more influence you have over people the more you need to be careful as to how you use that influence. That being said today we talk about some of the Pakistani celebrity Instagram accounts that I find super interesting and you should definitely follow them if you don’t already.

8: Sheheryar Munawar

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh_CPomn5Pm/?taken-by=sheheryarmunawar

I have always liked Sheheryar apart from the fact he is an amazing actor and is super hot he also has a very interesting Instagram presence or I should say social media presence. I have never seen him get involved in controversies, he keeps his political views to himself which is a rare spectacle these days. My favorite Sheheryar is vacation Sheheryar, when this dude is on his vacations it is the best time for his Instagram, amazing pictures with hilarious captions. The world could be falling and this dude would be talking about how focus is needed to squeeze a lemon. Basically if you follow him he will always put a smile on your face always.

7: Ahmad Ali Butt

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh9Q4wNl0Qe/?taken-by=ahmedalibutt

Everyone knows Ahmad is a funny guy but more than that he is a selfie guy, a selfie here a selfie there, a selfie with Karachi Kings a selfie with team JPNA 2 basically if Ahmad is there a selfie can’t be far behind. Once in a while uses his influence to voice his opinions as well but mostly maintains a light mood hilarious persona. A random clip of him dancing can help forget for a nano-second that you were having a bad day I believe that accounts for something.

6: Saba Qamar

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh01HdDnXTD/?taken-by=sabaqamarzaman

She is talented she is gorgeous and she is strong headed. From her beautiful face that you get to see if you follow her to her strong opinions on gender equality this woman earns her followers. Also she has a gorgeous cat so all the cat people go show that cat some love. Once in while she shares her family moments as well which are precious. She can be so sassy at times and I love that also did I mention the cat? So yeah cat, opinions and beauty go hit that follow button already.

5: Osman Khalid Butt

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhW9hxyjr3x/?taken-by=aclockworkobi

Gorgeous, sassy and opinionated no I am not describing a diva it’s good ol’ OKB we are talking about tho he is not less than any diva. Personally not a huge fan of his acting but a huge fan of his Instagram. Let controversy come this man is never quiet, a strong supporter of women empowerment and very vocal about his other political views as well. Hilarious, classy and knows how the social media game works. Also just look at his username who doesn’t love A CLOCKWORK ORANGE!

4: Armeena Khan

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh3a7HoHo1K/?taken-by=armeenakhanofficial

Armeena is more of a kabhi neem neem kabhi shahad shahad deal. There are days when she is as wise as an old oak tree who can talk and there are days when she is downright teen queen of only seventeen either way qualifies for interesting social media presence. Vocal but a little too vocal sometimes but her Instagram is mostly sunny, good vibes and positivity all the way, 10/10 will recommend.

3: Sanam Saeed

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg02oTLlO2g/?taken-by=sanammody

Sanam is downright my favorite woman in our entertainment industry right now, talented, strong and beautiful. Now adays her Instagram is mostly about Cake promotions and damn it she looks breathtakingly gorgeous at every event. Shares pictures of things she finds interesting be it a vintage store in London or Karachi’s night view from the sky, one of the very few aesthetically pleasing accounts.

2: Ali Kazmi

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgkVWHPFtEE/?taken-by=thealikazmi

Ali Kazmi in the houseeeee guyssss. One of my only three favorite Instagramers first one being Tom Hardy of course and the second one you will find out shortly. Ali is a family guy I mean just look at the man’s dp. He is vocal and he captures the moment. One of the very few celebrities who step out of their own stardom and look around and capture whatever looks beautiful. The kinda soul that finds time to appreciate the moon and the sealing of a museum. If that doesn’t work for you he just happens to be very hot as well, go follow.

1: Adeel Hussain

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhQhFfKFc2V/?taken-by=vizorkaneda

Adeel Hussain ladies and germs, the man, the myth. It is like that famous quote goes I too fall in love with people who show me a little bit of their soul. In this world so perfectly guarded I appreciate rawness. Following Adeel feels like following any other friend, he shares his pictures from his college days to his childhood to his artwork from his teenage years WHO DOES THAT! Captures so many beautiful things, random people, random places and even shows the other side of the story by capturing his other colleagues from entertainment industry in the light he himself sees them. Such a a kindled spirit with the soul of a true artist. Don’t miss out on this dude’s insta folks.

That sums up my list which is totally based on my preferences, if you have your own list of favorite celebrity Instagram accounts do share it with me I don’t want to miss out on any cool insta accounts.

The dramas usually get famous for the performances our favourite actors do or the chemistry between the lead pair. But mostly they get famous for the uniqueness of their scripts. A good actor/actress knows how to select the script which has that oomph that finally makes the audience tune into a channel week after week. These are the artists that finally start being counted in the most successful actors’ department because they know what to select and what can take their crafts to look the best on screen. Here are a few of them:

Noman Ijaz:

Noman Ijaz has the best eye for picking up unique stories. We have seen him give hits after hits for years which involve his versatility as well as his choice of good scripts. He has done all kinds of roles from a quiet guy torn between two women and kind of afraid of his wife in Barri Aapa and at the same time he played a feudal lord in the ground-breaking Mera Saayein. Noman Ijaz has a nick for good scripts. Sang e Mar Mar, Dumpukht, Shayad and Darr Si Jati Hai Sila are the latest additions which show how he can see the wow charm of a script. He has proven his talent of choosing the best over and over and this is what has made him the most successful actor in the drama industry.

Sami Khan:

It is not wrong to say that currently, Sami Khan is the champion of selecting the best scripts. He knows what will work for the audience and it has become the reason that he is giving back to back hits and performances that really are working for everyone. His role in Be Inteha, the intriguing factor there was in Tau Dil Ka Kya Hua, the sensitivity in Aisi Hai Tanhai, the complications of Khudgarz, he has really mastered the craft of settling for the best scripts and consequently, he is the part of many top hits right now.

Yumna Zaidi:

Yumna has really joined the league of the most refined actresses and all thanks to her strong performances as well as a bold choice of scripts. She has proved again and again that she is here to stay with the kind of choices she is making. Ye Raha Dil made us look at her in a new light. She looked smart, modern and confident and then she chose a totally different script which is a difficult choice I must say and that’s Darr Si Jaati Hai Sila. To play a sensitive character like that after a light-hearted Ye Raha Dil was a great move. Her Pukar has also proven to be quite engaging.

Ayeza Khan:

Ayeza is a champion with scripts. Yes, she is an exceptional actress but honestly, I’ll attribute her success more towards her talent with her eyes for the better script. She beautifully understands her audiences’ psyche and works according to that. She once hit a phase where she was playing a roti dhoti larki again and again but she pulled herself out of it and has never looked back since she has started making extremely intelligent choices in her career. Pyaare Afzal, Tum Kon Piya, Mohabbat Tum Se Nafrat Hai, Tau Dil Ka Kya Hua, all have struck a chord with the audience not just because of the performances but also because they were incredible stories.

Imran Abbas:

Many would say that his looks are his superpower but honestly, the guy has the best senses when it comes to selecting a good script and he has proved it over and over in the past years. Even in the very start when he was not the biggest star, he knew what will be the hit. Alvida, Dil e Muzter, Khuda Aur Mohabbat, Mohabbat Tum Se Nafrat Hai, Yaar e Bewafa and Mera Naam Yousuf Hai are just a few of his choices which show his prowess for picking the good scripts. Even if his performance goes lower in any of his dramas, the scripts are so good that the audience ends up not noticing.

Saba Qamar:

Saba knows what works! It is as simple as that. Saba is one of the best actresses in our industry and she has built her career by choosing intelligent projects and then giving stellar performances. From Maat, Digest Writer, Bunty I Love You to the recent Baaghi, Saba knows what will charm the viewers and give her more room to give her hundred percent and she acts on it. The end result: Stellar projects which people remember long after their conclusion and long to see Saba on screen again.

Mohsin Abbas Haider:

Mohsin is a full package of talent. From hosting to singing to acting, he has nailed every project he has done. Mohsin has been a part of really good projects that give him room for expression. His brief stint on television has still made people notice him because of the unique projects he chose. Muqabil was something people fell in love with, he has a different role in Meeras too and now Lashkara is also a great addition to his drama list.

Kubra Khan:

Kubra though a newbie knows how to select a project. She also has a knack for stories that will work. Mostly all of her projects were super-hit and all because the stories were extremely unique. Khuda Aur Mohabbat 2, Sange Marr Marr, Muqabil and even Alif Allah Aur Insaan kept the audience hooked to their screens and all did well on the TRP charts.

Which other actors do you think have a good eye for a beautiful script? Add to the list!

There was a time when Pakistani viewers desperately wanted to watch dramas which highlighted important social issues, broke stereotypes and were entertaining too since most of the dramas focused entirely on family politics and there were hardly any strong female leads in our dramas. Although, even today such dramas get ratings but there are plenty of viewers out there who want to see variation in Pakistani dramas and would rather tune into a show which serves a higher purpose. Apart from this, the viewers also wanted the drama makers to experiment with different genres.

The production houses finally realized that they needed to make dramas which were for those viewers who believe that dramas are a useful medium for spreading awareness and shedding light on topics which people usually shy away from therefore they didn’t only let the writers experiment with genres but also showed quite a few hard-hitting dramas in prime time.

You can’t watch issue-based heavy-duty dramas every day of the week therefore we have made a list of entertaining shows which will keep you hooked and also offer variety. While some of them are thought provoking dramas which show a realistic picture of some really serious issues in our society, others are feel-good family dramas which keep you looking forward to more and help you unwind.

Dar Si Jati Hei Sila

Writer: Bee Gul

Director : Kashif Nisar

Produced by: MD Productions

Rating: 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Dar Si Jati Hei Sila is a must-watch for all those people who like watching thought-provoking dramas which fit the bill. This drama will not disappoint you and it will give you tons to reflect upon. The writer’s direct and honest approach, riveting performances and brilliant direction are few of the reasons why this drama is a must-watch. It is intense, powerful and definitely stays with you long after you’re done watching it.

Dar Si Jati Hei Sila is the story of a family living in Noor Manzil. All the members of the family fail to see why the main lead Sila is so quite and scared all the time. It shows sexual abuse and harassment from a different perspective and questions the double standards of our society. The drama has plenty of interesting plot twists to keep you interested, the characters and the dialogues are its main attraction and the overall treatment given to this play is faultless.

Aangan

Writer: Faiza Iftikhar

Director: Qasim Ali Mureed

Produced By: Six Sigma Plus

Rating: 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Aangan is one such drama that has so much to offer to every single viewer that tunes to it. It won’t be an overstatement but Aangan is such a drama which is everyone’s cup of tea because the writer has brought real life to reel life and for that very reason, everyone can relate to all the characters in this drama. Spot on direction, relatable and beautiful characters, brilliant acting and most importantly, the comic factor and perfect dialogues makes Aangan a must watch!

Aangan is a story of a huge Punjabi family where the daughters in law get to do the heavy lifting. Some days they fight and the others they come together to resolve their family issues. A situational story which warms your heart, makes you smile and at times leaves you teary eyed too. It is not an easy feat bringing so many characters to life and for that reason, Faiza Iftikhar should take a bow. If you are a fan of light-hearted dramas with some strongly embedded messages conveyed in a non-preachy manner, Aangan is the drama for you!

Aakhri Station

Writer: Amna Mufti

Director: Sarmad Khoosat

Produced by: Kashf Foundation & Khoosat Films

Rating: 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Aakhri Station is just plain beautiful! Everything about this drama is brilliant right from the get-go. It is a relatively short play which is meaningful, deep as well as gripping. Once you start watching this show, you won’t be able to stop! It gives hope and educates at the same time. The OST of this drama is equally impressive. It is yet another feather in Kashf Foundation’s cap. Amna Mufti’s script is compelling and all-encompassing.

Aakhri Station is a mini-series which doesn’t only highlight the problems faced by women in a male dominated society which thrives on suppressing women but also shows how they eventually empower themselves. Aakhri Station is the story of seven women who meet by chance and end up finding out that they have a lot in common. Although the odds are against these women but they are strong and eager to fight their battles. Aakhri Station shouldn’t be missed, it is a gem which should be watched and appreciated.

Khudgarz

Writer: Rida Bilal

Director: Yasir Nawaz

Produced By: Six Sigma Plus & Next Level Entertainment

Rating: 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Khudgarz drama is a result of an intelligently written script where the writer Rida Bilal didn’t lose her grip on the script, from the beginning till the end. Khudgarz’s script was strong but the director elevated its level with his strong direction and the actors took it a notch higher too with their extraordinary performances. This is one such drama that will stay with you for a long time and will touch you on a very personal level.

As the name suggests, Khudgarz was a story of a young man who couldn’t see anyone happy and then his journey from being negative to someone who wanted to do everything to revert his wrongdoings. A story also covering strong friendships, beautiful marriage which was A result of sacrifices and compromise. Khudgarz also intelligently shed a light on the sensitive subject of depression and the way this entire aspect was covered made it too obvious that depression was never tackled in such a way in our dramas before. Beautifully written dialogues and all those situations  which kept you engulfed in deep thoughts when you tuned to this drama makes it a must-watch.

Zun Mureed

Writer: Amna Mufti

Director: Ahmed Kamran

Produced By: Moomal Entertainment

Rating: 3.5 Stars ☆☆☆☆

Zun Mureed highlights the issue of domestic abuse from a completely new perspective. It sheds light on how difficult it is for women to actually use the women protection bill to shelter themselves from abuse. Amna Mufti’s script is powerful and affective but unfortunately Nadia Khan, who plays the role of Tabbasum (the main protagonist) failed to do justice to her character. This drama could have been even more impactful if it was given the right treatment by the director. Zun Mureed however shouldn’t be missed because it is bound to give its viewers tons to reflect upon and raises some really important and relevant questions. Also, apart from Nadia Khan all the other actors have performed brilliantly therefore overall the viewers will have no trouble connecting to the characters and the situations.

Shayyad

Writer: Faiza Iftikhar

Director: Syed Ali Raza (Usama)

Produced By: Babar Javed

Rating: 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Shayyad is a must-see drama for all the hopeless romantics out there who want to watch a different story of undying love. Uzair Jaswal’s phenomenal performance, the beautiful dialogues and an unpredictable storyline are few of the reason why everyone should tune into this drama. The filmy feel of this play is sure to cast a spell on its viewers and you will find yourself falling in love with Saad (the main protagonist) more with every passing episode.

Shayyad is a love story which will win you over as soon as you are done watching the first episode. It is poignant, inspiring and meaningful, Shayyad is also one of those very few dramas which didn’t drag at all. Some of the characters are so beautifully etched-out that at times they are the sole reason why you keep on coming back for more! Hani and Saad’s love story is unforgettable and touching. If you haven’t watched this play already, you need to tune into it ASAP!!

Nibah

Writer: Radian Shah

Director: Aabis Raza

Produced By: Big Bang Entertainment

Rating: 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Drama serial Nibah is a remake of an old classic Aanch. Making a remake of a classic is always a risky affair. I remember watching Aanch and my impressions of all the characters therefore naturally I found myself comparing Nibah with Aanch and there were plenty of moments when I was convinced that this remake was a more improved and polished version of the original drama. Nibah starts off slow but once it takes off, it completely wins you over. Nibah is one of the very few family dramas on air right now which you can tune into at 8 o clock and enjoy watching it with your family. Aamina Sheikh’s performance is the highlight of this drama and the nuanced characters are the main attraction. Unlike Aanch the characters are not black and white, the overall treatment given to the play is much more impressive and I must say that some of the performances are far more compelling too.

Nibah is the story of two people who tie the knot in circumstances which are anything but ideal. This drama covers their journey and you end up forming an emotional bond with these two amazing but equally flawed individuals and you can’t help but root for a happy ending. Nibah’s script, direction, cast, performances and the pace is perfect. It is not to be missed, do tune into it. Aamina Sheikh continues to impress and enthrall the viewers and Asif Raza Mir is perfect for the role he is playing in the show. This is a perfect family drama which shouldn’t be missed!

Belapur Ki Dayan

Writer: Inam Hasan

Director: Saife Hassan

Produced by: MD Productions

Rating: 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Belapur Ki Dayan is a perfect combination of horror and suspense, it is the kind of drama which will give you goosebumps and keep you at the edge of your seats. Saife Hassan’s skillful direction, the excellent work done by the director of photography and a story which has tons of surprises are few of the reasons why this drama shouldn’t be missed! The overall setting of the play so far is perfect, the location couldn’t have been better and the strong attention to detail gives every scene a realistic touch.

Belapur Ki Dayan is the story of Aziz Sahib’s family which is troubled by a dayan after they move into an old ancestral house. The back story of the dayan is as interesting as the present day happenings. The past and the present are seamlessly woven together. The performances are convincing and the execution couldn’t have been better. This show is a must-watch for all those viewers who enjoy watching horror shows.

Ishq Tamasha

Writer: Misbah Nosheen

Director: Danish Nawaz

Produced by: MD Productions

Rating: 4 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Ishq Tamasha is an entertaining drama which shouldn’t be missed. Even though this drama has a somewhat predictable story but the execution and acting makes you look forward to it week after week. The direction of this drama is strong and to see Kinza Hashmi portraying such a boisterous character without holding back is the main attraction of this drama.

Ishq Tamasha’s story is about two cousins where one is carefree and dreams big, the other one is constantly reminded of how hard her life is. One of them gets involved with a guy and the other one happens to take the brunt for her cousin’s mistakes. Ishq Tamasha has been written brilliantly and it definitely is a must-watch because it is one of those dramas that would keep you entertained and by the end of an episode, it will give you a reason to tune to it next week too.

Teri Meri Kahani

Writer: Sumaira Hameed

Director: Ali Faizan

Producer: MD Productions & Moomal Productions

Rating: 3.5 Stars ☆☆☆

Teri Meri Kahani isn’t as deep and meaningful as most of the plays in this list and some of the performances are weak as well but overall it is definitely the kind of show which keeps you interested. This is also Saheefa Jabbar’s first drama and she is one of the main reasons why this drama has a fresh appeal. Some of the performances are below average but the story is engaging enough to keep the viewers interested. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Saheefa Jabbar makes this drama more likeable and watchable.

Teri Meri Kahani is essentially the story of relationships and how they shape up your life. It also shows how secrets can hurt your ties and the past can come to haunt you. It has different characters who are fighting to keep their relationships intact and others who find pleasure in causing pain to others. The script is interesting but the execution fails to impress at times, overall however it is entertaining and therefore is a must-watch.

Lashkara

Writer: Zafar Mairaj

Director: Kashif Nisar

Produced By: Six Sigma Productions

Rating: 4 Stars ☆☆☆☆

Even though Lashkara’s story is in the initial stages but the beginning of this drama has promised a lot. The way the director has brought the dynamics of interior Lahore to life on screen is commendable. This drama has so much to offer and there’s so much that meets the eye.

Lashkara’s story is about this beautiful girl Bubbly who has quite a lot of admirers and fans in her locality. Bubbly’s beauty is the focal point and she has earned quite a name. The way the characters are being portrayed by Ushna Shah, Imran Ashraf and Mohsin Abbas Haider is impressive. Lashkara is one such drama that is going to keep you entertained, therefore is makes it to the list of must-watch dramas.

Visaal

Writer: Hashim Nadeem

Director: Ali Hassan

Produced By: Big Bang Entertainment

Rating: 3.5 Stars ☆☆☆

Visaal is again the drama that is in the initial stages of story-telling but the simple vibe and feel along with positive characters are the main factors why this drama has that appeal to draw the attention.

Visaal’s story is about the imposter who has entered the lives of those people who are unable to see-through his intentions. Just because he fell in love at first sight with the main lead, he chose to pave his way towards her. There are a lot of misunderstandings that are brewing up a storm and along the way, a couple of love triangles are forming too. It is a simple drama executed impressively, therefore it is worth a watch.

Ghar Titlee Ka Par

Writer: Samra Bukhari

Director: Mohsin Talat

Produced By: 7th Sky Entertainment

Rating: 3.5 Stars ☆☆☆

The number one reason why this drama made it to this list is Anji’s character and the way Sanam Chaudhry has tanslated it on screen! Anji’s character has been the star of every single episode so far. The most interesting element of this is that this Anji’s character is negative (to say the least!) but even then Anji has more appeal than many other female leads we have seen in our dramas in recent times. Ghar Titlee Ka Par is addictive therefore once you start watching it, you won’t be able to stop!!

How many of these dramas are you watching and which ones are you going to tune into now? Do share your thoughts in the comments section.