Pakistani actors never cease to impress their viewers by performances which are spell-binding and powerful. A good performance enables a viewer to understand the characters. This in turn makes it easier for the viewers to connect to the characters and their stories. Even the most well written characters can fall flat if the actors playing the roles fail to breathe life into them. The superlative performances in recent dramas made the drama watching experience even better for the viewers. A good performance is one which is both effortless and impactful. Giving such a performance requires good understanding of the characters that are being played by the actors. Although there are so many talented actors in our country but all of them cannot do justice to every single character that is assigned to them therefore being cast for a role which is meant for you also adds to the quality of the performance which an actor gives.

Here is a list of those amazingly talented actors who gave outstanding performances in recent dramas.

Humayun Saeed (Mere Pass Tum Ho)

Humayun Saeed truly outdid himself in Mere Pass Tum Ho by giving a performance which made the viewers cry buckets of tears. He turned even the quiet moments into something meaningful which the viewers understood and felt. Humayun Saeed through this performance showed that when it comes to externalizing emotions, he is the king! Humayun Saeed’s character in Mere Pass Tum Ho went through many powerful emotions and he did complete justice to this character especially when enacting the period of turmoil. This was one of the most memorable performances of an actor who has been around for years. Humayun’s performance in Mere Pass Tum Ho won him fans all around the globe.

Adnan Siddiqui (Mere Pass Tum Ho & Ye Dil Mera)

Adnan Siddiqui’s performances in drama serial Mere Pass Tum Ho and Ye Dil Mera clearly shows that even after all these years, Adnan Siddiqui still takes his performances really seriously. He fit perfectly into both these roles and not only were his performances outstanding but his overall outlook too was perfect for the roles he was playing. It is truly remarkable to watch an actor give his best and enjoy what he is doing even after so many years of being associated with a craft.

Muhammad Ahmed (Mere Pass Tum Ho & Ruswai)

Muhammad Ahmed will always be remembered as Durr-e-Shehwar’s aba by all those people who watched the play. He has a graceful personality and the way he portrays emotions is simply unmatchable. He played two really challenging and powerful roles in the most popular drama serials of this year. In both these plays Muhammad Ahmed made the viewers feel every bit of emotion his character went through. In Mere Pass Tum Ho and Ruswai, his scenes were emotionally charged and that too without being overly dramatic.

Shees Sajjad Gul (Mere Pass Tum Ho)

It is always heartening to watch child stars perform just as well as the gifted seasoned actors they work with. Shees Sajjad Gul’s performance in Mere Pass Tum Ho was solid throughout and even though he had to deliver really difficult dialogues, he made sure that his scenes were compelling enough. Even with all the heavy duty dialogues and situations which were not always welcomed by the viewers, Shees Sajjad Gul’s performance was always loved by everyone.

Sana Javed (Ruswai)

Sana Javed’s performance in Ruswai has been remarkable throughout. Her role is not an easy one to enact on screen yet she has translated the good and the bad times so well on screen starting from the first episode. Her character goes through a great deal and Sana Javed has done an outstanding job of making sure that the strengths of her character are highlighted at every step. The character itself has been written down intelligently and Sana Javed has nailed the performance. She has also done really well with looking the role especially when her character is shown going through hell. Sana has proved her real acting prowess through this performance.

Mikaal Zulfiqar (Ruswai)

Mikaal Zulfiqar’s character in Ruswai also goes through different stages just like all the other characters in the drama. Even though the character itself is flawed and he is definitely not the kind of hero you like but Mikaal always stays true to its spirit. Mikaal has a tendency of going overboard at times but in Ruswai he has given a grounded performance which makes you want to look forward to his next acting projects. Mikaal’s well-balanced portrayal makes his scenes a treat to watch even when his character is not the least bit likable.

Shehzad Sheikh (Deewar-e-Shab)

Shehzad Sheikh’s honest and solid performance in Dewar-e-Shab is one of the reasons why you find yourself rooting for his character. Right from the beginning Shehhzad Sheikh has presented this character gracefully on screen without making it look too good to be true. He has also added that element of intrigue to his character. You find yourself looking forward to his scenes because not only is his character likable but his performance makes it even more so.

Nausheen Shah (Deewar-e-Shab)

Nausheen Shah’s effortless acting in Deewar-e-Shab makes her scenes and characters outshine all the others from the beginning. Nausheen Shah has made sure that she makes the most of every single emotion which was penned down by the writer. Nausheen Shah’s uninhibited and superb performance in the play had the viewers looking forward to her scenes from the beginning. This has to be the best performance by her which shows that a well-written character brings out the best in an actor.

Ahad Raza Mir (Ehd-e-Wafa & Ye Dil Mera)

Ahad Raza Mir is young but he is extremely talented. He can perform just as well as some of the most seasoned actors in the industry. Not only this, he is also not afraid of experimenting with characters which are anything but simple. Ahad’s characters in Ehd-e-Wafa and Ye Dil Mera both have more than their fair share of complications yet he portrays all the shades of both these characters so effortlessly and brilliantly on screen. While most actors Ahad’s age play it safe, he always makes sure that he chooses to be part of dramas which offer variation and he always plays roles which have tons of room for performance.

Ahmed Ali Akbar (Ehd-e-Wafa)

Ahmed Ali Akbar’s performance in Ehd-e-Wafa has not only been realistic but it has been exceptionally emotional as well. Ahmed Ali Akbar’s character wouldn’t have had such a huge impact if he did not portray it on screen so persuasively. He has to be one of those few performers who emote with their eyes just as much as they do with their expressions and dialogue delivery. Ahmed Ali Akbar definitely has come a long way and his award-winning performance in Ehd-e-Wafa has increased his fan following.

Naeema Butt (Ehd-e-Wafa)

Naeema Butt doesn’t have a leading role in the drama Ehd-e-Wafa and she only has a handful of scenes to her credit yet she made it to this list because she made her presence felt in all these scenes. Her first appearance in the drama was extremely powerful, it was so powerful that many viewers impatiently waited to see her in the drama again. She made sure that the viewers felt every single emotion her character went through whether it was anger, empathy or love.

Anjum Habibi (Ehd-e-Wafa)

Anjum Habibi is a senior actor who is not seen in dramas too often now. His brilliant acting skills made the viewers feel for his character even though he has a limited role to play in the drama. Anjum Habibi’s gentle dialogue delivery and his honest emotions tug at the heartstrings of the viewers. The viewers felt an instant connection with his character due to his heartfelt performance when he made his first appearance. After that he gave the viewers so many memorable and emotional scenes.

Zahid Ahmed (Ishq Zahe Naseeb & Mein Na Janoo)

Zahid Ahmed decided to take up the most challenging role of his entire career when he signed up for Ishq Zahe Naseeb. When an actor decides to do such a role, very often he is afraid of being stereotyped and might even think that his identity as a ‘hero’ might be at risk due to performing such a role. While nailing this exceptionally complicated role in Ishq Zahe Naseeb, Zahid Ahmed was the good thing about an otherwise pathetic drama serial Mein Na Janoo. This basically showed that Zahid Ahmed is the kind of actor who brings with him something exceptional even when he is part of a project which doesn’t have a lot to offer. Even though most of the actors in Mein Na Janoo gave the most over-dramatic performances, Zahid Ahmed’s portrayal has always been balanced. His performance in Ishq Zahe Naseeb was definitely praise and award worthy.

Sami Khan (Ishq Zahe Naseeb)

Sami Khan never fails to deliver. His performances are always earnest and endearing. In Ishq Zahe Naseeb Sami Khan excelled at playing a character faced with several conflicts. Sami Khan made this journey worthwhile for the viewers by breathing life in to his character. He was shown as a lover, a family man, an employee and besides other things a man who often had to keep his feelings to himself. Sami Khan always makes the good side of his characters stand out more than anything else.

Zarnish Khan (Ishq Zahe Naseeb)

Zarnish Khan is an actor who is pleasing to watch and she always makes sure that her characters are easy to relate to. Zarnish’s character in Ishq Zahe Naseeb was layered and deep. Zarnish looked great in the drama and she translated the outward rigidity and inward sensitivity of her character superbly on screen.

Sajal Aly (Alif)

Sajal Aly almost always gives every character she plays her best but she is especially brilliant in drama serial Alif. Sajal Aly’s character has been written beautifully and she has done exceptionally well in portraying all the emotions clearly on screen. She has made sure that her character’s journey is more engrossing and emotional for the viewers because of her performance. Her performance in Alif is one of the best she has given in her entire career.

Hamza Ali Abbasi (Alif)

Alif proved to be a groundbreaking project for Hamza Ali Abbasi therfore it is no surprise that he has given a performance which truly has a lasting impact. Hamza’s character in Alif is complex and layered. He also goes through a journey which wouldn’t have been so impactful had Hamza Ali Abbasi not given such an amazing performance throughout. He has made the viewers connect to every phase of his journey in all these weeks and he continues to impress the viewers with his superb acting skills in Alif.

Kubra Khan (Alif)

Kubra Khan is an intelligent actress who always chooses the best dramas to work in. Kubra Khan is playing an important character in Alif. Her character goes through an entire journey which entails strength and dedication. The viewers have been shown different sides of her character gradually and Kubra Khan has brilliantly nailed all these shades of her character. Although Kubra Khan is part of the flashback scenes which are being shown in the drama but her track and performance both are so enticing that the viewers find themselves waiting for these scenes.

Ahsan Khan (Alif)

Ahsan Khan entered drama serial Alif when 6 episodes had already gone on air. Even then, he was only shown in the flashback scenes therefore when compared to the leading characters, he did not get a lot of screen time. Ahsan Khan however made sure that the scenes he was a part of were so powerful that they became the best part of the episodes he was in. Ahsan Khan’s emotionally charged performance shows what a polished actor he is. Ahsan Khan’s captivating performance definitely helped the viewers understand his character. This was especially important because his character’s role in the story is crucial.

Ali Rehman (Khaas)

Ali Rehman gave one of the best performances of his career in drama serial Khaas. He played a negative role in the drama but this role too had many shades and sides to it. Ali Rehman completely owned his character right till the end and without his brilliant performance drama serial Khaas wouldn’t have the impact it had on the audience.

Which one of the performances from recent dramas did you like the best? Share your thoughts in the comments section and feel free to add to the list.

Acting is a difficult field since it entails not only hard work but there is also a great deal of pressure on the actor to choose the right roles. If an actor plays a particular role convincingly then there are also chances that he or she will be typecast. Therefore, it is extremely important for an actor’s growth to continuously reinvent himself by avoiding such typecasting. Although the Pakistani drama industry has plenty of gifted actors, there are only a few of them who take up challenging roles. There are fewer who manage to make an impression on the viewers when they take up such roles. Then there are those actors who are even fewer in numbers who can breathe life into every single character they play. Good acting requires a basic understanding of the script, the character being played by the actor, practice and most importantly leaving the inhibitions far behind. The treatment an actor gives to a particular role makes all the difference.

Sometimes even the most challenging role on paper does not leave an impact if the actor performing the role fails to bring out the nuances needed to make it more believable and human. There are other times when some actors go over-the-top in order to make their presence felt and as a result of that they turn the character into something larger-than-life. When this happens then the viewers might not be able to point flaws in the performance but they are not able to relate to the characters. Even some of the most talented actors fail to make an impression in challenging roles because they try too hard. There are also so many such actors who took up challenging roles but ended up underplaying them and as a result, the essence of the character was completely lost on screen.

Here are those amazingly talented actors who took up challenging roles and ended up giving some of the best performances of their careers.

Adnan Siddiqui – Sammi

Adnan Siddiqui is incredibly talented but he has also been typecast to the extreme. In drama serial Sammi he stepped out of his comfort zone and played the role of an antihero. His role was both meaningful and substantial. The look he sported to play this character was just as different as the role itself. It is always good watching an actor step out of his comfort zone and do something different especially after being part of the industry for such a long time. This basically shows that an actor does not have a shelf life especially when he is dedicated to his craft and willing to take risks. As compared to some of the other actors in the list, Adnan Siddiqui has not taken enough risks but this role he decided to take up was definitely one which showed his graph as a commendable performer.

Ahad Raza Mir – Ye Dil Mera

Ahad Raza Mir does not have as much experience in the field of acting as some of the other actors do. His knowledge and passion for acting however put him in the same league as some of the most seasoned actors. Even though most viewers would have gladly accepted Ahad Raza Mir in typical hero roles alongside some of the leading heroines of the industry but he did not settle for such roles. He chose to play different complicated characters and each one of them offered something new. His role in Ye Dil Mera was a challenging one yet his effortless yet apt portrayal made it the kind of role which showed his diversity as an actor. He can easily be termed as one of those few relatively new actors who do not compromise on quality when choosing their projects.

Ahsan Khan – Udaari

Ahsan Khan was typecast for the longest time as the done-to-death leading man with no substance or appeal. His primary job in most of the dramas was to look good. The only negative role he played was in Pani Jesa Pyar and most of the viewers had even stopped questioning his choices since they had pretty much given up on him. At such a stage, Ahsan Khan decided to do a negative character in Udaari which was a big gamble especially for someone who was evidently comfortable in the kind of characters he was playing. It won’t be wrong to say that this character reintroduced Ahsan Khan to the audience and once again the viewers started taking him more seriously. This was perhaps a defining moment for Ahsan Khan as well because he stepped out of his comfort zone and nailed a challenging character. The actor who always looked trim and proper on-screen sported a look in Udaari that went so well with his character but was completely different from what he and the viewers were used to. His performance in Udaari made a lasting impression.

Bilal Abbas Khan – Pyar Ke Sadqay

Bilal Abbas Khan is another actor who got himself recognized as a serious character actor in the beginning of his career. Even though he is a handsome young man who can easily get away with not playing character roles, Bilal Abbas is never afraid to experiment and he is equally excited about every new project. After playing a negative role in Cheekh, he could easily have been typecast had he not chosen to play a completely different and extremely challenging character in Pyar Ke Sadqay. Even those viewers who were not fans before were impressed by Bilal Abbas’ solid performance in the drama. Although he was hesitant to take up this role since he was not sure whether he would be able to do justice to it or not, he was surprised by the kind of response his performance got. This role must have opened up new horizons for this young actor since the response from the viewers was so welcoming.

Hina Bayat – Talkhiyan

Hina Bayat is usually seen playing graceful characters in dramas owing to her personality and dialogue delivery. She does justice to all the characters she plays but the role she played in Talkhiyan was hands down the most challenging one. Hina Bayat went against her graceful on-screen image and decided to take up a character that was completely opposite of the characters she often plays on the screen. This character had so many layers and these layers wouldn’t have come alive on the screen so beautifully had it not been for Hina Bayat’s uninhibited acting. She owned this role so much so that it was the kind of performance that made the viewers fall in love with a different version of the actor they had seen on screen so many times before.

Imran Ashraf – Ranjha Ranjha Kardi

Imran Ashraf it seems does not have a comfort zone, he is always willing to experiment and most of the time he manages to give every character he plays his best. He is one of those few actors who completely transform themselves for the characters they play and give each one of these characters a tangible identity. Although Imran Ashraf played a challenging role exceptionally well in Alif Allah aur Insaan too the role he played in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi was one-of-a-kind. There are few characters that can make the viewers laugh and cry at the same time, Bhola was one such character which became iconic almost overnight. After Alif Allah aur Insaan the viewers were wondering if Imran Ashraf would ever give another such powerful performance and he left the viewers in awe by giving a performance which was even better. Through this performance, Imran Ashraf proved that no role could be too challenging for him.

Iqra Aziz – Ranjha Ranjha Kardi

Iqra Aziz gave the best performance of her entire career in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi. She got new recognition as a result of this performance. The role she played in the drama was not an easy one since it was a grey character with many flaws. She made people fall in and out of love with Noori. For once, Iqra Aziz’s on-screen persona was nothing like before. She looked like the character she was playing throughout. The fact that she decided to take up a role that did not involve glamour made the viewers take her more seriously than ever. Even though Jhooti was the worst choice made by the actress but her performance in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi left the viewers spell bounded and in awe of her talent.

Mohsin Abbas Haider – Meri Gurya

Mohsin Abbas Haider has always been a character actor but all of his choices have not been the best. He is however one of those few actors who have made some good choices over the years. Meri Gurya was the most challenging project of his acting career. He played the role of a psychopath serial killer, a story unlike others we have seen unfold on screen. His performance was chilling and his portrayal couldn’t have been more impressive. Mohsin Abbas showed his finesse as an actor who was capable of nailing a challenging role through this project.

Sajal Aly – Nanhi

No one can beat Sajal Aly when it comes to playing challenging roles since she started playing such roles when most girls are learning how to perform. She is a natural actor who takes every role she plays like a challenge. The role she played in Nanhi however was extremely challenging for a number of reasons. Since Sajal Aly was so young and a new actress at that time, it was nothing short of a pleasant surprise that she acted so brilliantly. Even though there were so many seasoned actors who were part of this project, Sajal Aly’s performance always stood out. She made sure that her portrayal was so perfect that the viewers never had a problem feeling for or relating to the character she played. Even though Sajal Aly has experimented with so many different roles in her career, Nanhi still is the most challenging role she ever took up. Her performance in this role will never be forgotten.

Sami Khan – Sabz Pari Laal Kabooter

Sami Khan is a phenomenal actor who makes his presence felt in every single drama. The character he played in Sabz Pari Laal Kabooter was different from all the other characters he has ever played on screen. This was perhaps also one of those performances which did not get the appreciation it deserves. He played the role of a transgender in the drama that had to hide his identity. Apart from this identity crisis, this character also had a gentle side to it. Sami Khan brought out the vulnerabilities of his character brilliantly on screen. This was a challenging role that most actors wouldn’t even have taken up but Sami Khan owned it completely and made it unforgettable. He proved that no challenge is too big for an actor who understands his character and is willing to give it his best.

Mohib Mirza – Sabz Pari Laal Kabooter

Mohib Mirza has played many different characters in his vast career. Lately, he has taken up roles that offer neither diversity nor a challenge. In drama serial Sabz Pari Laal Kabooter however he took up a challenging role, especially when considering the kind of roles he is seen doing usually. He played the role of a drug dealer who enticed people into buying drugs. Even though there was nothing likable about this character but Mohib Mirza’s portrayal throughout was picture perfect. He breathed life into his characters and gave the viewers reasons to hate it even more.

Noman Ijaz – Dar Si Jati Hei Sila

Just when the viewers thought they had seen the best of Noman Ijaz, he proved them wrong! His performance in Dar Si Jati Hei Sila showed his range as an actor like never before. Noman Ijaz has played all kinds of different characters in his vast career; negative, positive, and grey. Yet, Joi of Dar Si Jati Hei Sila was something completely brand new. This was not just another negative character but one which stays with you forever. Noman Ijaz looked completely different in this drama and his acting was on point throughout. His fans were more impressed than ever to find out that even at this stage of his career; he was more than willing to experiment. In fact, he seemed to have taken up this as a challenge and proved that he indeed is the most versatile actor in the industry. Through this performance, he proved that there is always something new for an actor who is ready to experiment and take risks.

Ushna Shah – Alif Allah aur Insaan

Ushna Shah’s role in Alif Allah aur Insaan was a turning point in her career. When people watched her in an avatar which was unlike any other she had been seen in before, giving a performance which was mind-blowing, they were truly impressed. It was because of her brilliant performance that her track became the highlight of the drama. This was the first time that Ushna Shah experimented with a challenging role and she made the most of this opportunity. She showed through her performance that she had what it took to give an outstanding performance.

Yumna Zaidi – Pyar Ke Sadqay

Yumna Zaidi has always been a character actor, in fact, only lately has she started taking up some commercial roles otherwise most of the time she is content with playing challenging roles. Her role in Pyar Ke Sadqay was undoubtedly the most challenging role played by her. Her performance was so amazing that people laughed and cried with Mahjabeen. Yumna Zaidi was really excited about this project because she knew that roles such as this one are offered to actors only once in a blue moon. She came up with her own impression of the character and ended up giving the best performance of her career.

Zahid Ahmed – Ishq Zahe Naseeb

Zahid Ahmed is another actor who decided to take up a challenging role at a time when he could have easily played another typical character. He played the role of a man who had a split personality and a feminine side to him. He was highly convincing in both the versions of his character. This role was challenging as well as meaty. It gave Zahid Ahmed the opportunity to show the viewers how capable he was as an actor. Since this character also required makeovers that would have made any actor uncomfortable, it was even more impressive that he owned every aspect of this characterization without any inhibition whatsoever.

What do you think about the list? Are there any names missing from it? Feel free to add more names.

Right now there are some really interesting dramas on air on different channels. Most of these dramas wouldn’t have been as engaging as they are if the actors who play the leading and supporting roles were not translating 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. 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.

Here are some of the best performances by Pakistani actors from those dramas that are on air right now:

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Sheheryar Munawar (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Sheheryar Munawar is back with a bang! He is playing an intense and sometimes immature character in drama serial Pehli Si Mohabbat. We are pleasantly surprised by his powerful portrayal especially in scenes showing Aslam’s relentless love and his growing frustrations. This is the first time that Sheheryar Munawar’s performance is totally effortless which definitely adds appeal to a character that wouldn’t have been this powerful had it not been for his impactful portrayal. Feeling for Aslam comes naturally 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 is completely opposite to his real-life personality which is why we are even more pleased not only with his performance but also his selection. Hassan Sheheryar Yasin already has an impression on the viewers as a modern fashion designer therefore getting himself recognized in a role that is conservative and extreme is impressive. After watching his performance in Pehli Si Mohabbat, we are waiting to see more of him in dramas.

Rabia Butt (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Rabia Butt stepped into acting only a few years back but every time she has left a good impression on the viewers. Her role in Pehli Si Mohabbat has so much to offer and she has done complete justice to it. She makes Nargis’ character stand out just the way it was meant to be. The persuasive manner in which she delivers the dialogues adds more meaning and intensity to these well-written scenes.

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, who is an important character in drama serial Pehli Si Mohabbat. Her convincing portrayal is the main reason why Zainab’s track truly stands out. She performs exceptionally well even in those scenes that require 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 truly stand out. Both these characters are completely different from one another yet Saba Qamar has breathed life into both of them. She is just as convincing in both the dramas and her definite screen presence makes her characters more appealing. She has proved that she is a versatile actress who makes her character more engaging by her realistic performances.

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. Right now in Raqs-e-Bismil and Aulaad he is giving the best performances of his career in roles that are poles apart. He always makes sure that the viewers are left guessing what his character’s next move will be. In Aulaad his character is grey and he is particularly impressive in it. In Raqs-e-Bismil he has translated the manipulative side of his character impressively on screen.

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 drama serial Raqs-e-Bismil he plays the role of a rigid and powerful peer who will do whatever it takes to ensure that the customs and traditions he has been holding on to are not compromised. Everything from his overall look to the body language is perfect in the drama. He has done a brilliant job of carving a new identity for himself on screen through this role and performance.

Momin Saqib (Raqs-e-Bismil)

Momin Saqib is another actor who truly outdid himself in a supporting role in Raqs-e-Bismil. Just like many other actors on the list, Momin Saqib’s off-screen personality is completely opposite to the role he is playing in the drama. Yet, he is highly convincing and endearing as the soft-spoken yet emotional young brother who looks up to his older brother. This relationship between Esa and Moosa wouldn’t have been so heart-warming had both these actors playing the role didn’t translate their character so flawlessly on screen.

Yumna Zaidi (Dil Na Umeed Toh 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 is playing one such character in drama serial Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi and she is simply outstanding in the role. Her portrayal is intense enough but never overdramatic which makes Sumbul’s character come alive on screen with its vulnerabilities and strengths standing out in every single scene.

Yasra Rizvi (Dil Na Umeed Toh 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 Toh Nahi signifies how some girls in Savera’s situation resign to their fate. Yasra Rizvi’s performance is top-notch in the drama and she does exceptionally well while translating Savera’s soft and nurturing nature on screen.

Sammiya Mumtaz (Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi)

Sammiya Mumtaz is another exceptional actress who makes the viewers feel for her characters irrespective of the role she is playing. She is playing an inspiring role in drama serial Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi of a mother who stands by her daughters’ side despite all odds. Her performance, as usual, is not only convincing but also endearing because she adds the right emotions to every single scene.

Isbah Irfan (Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi)

We are truly impressed to see some of the young actors from the industry showcasing their brilliant acting skills in drama serial Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi. Isbah Irfan plays the role of Naseem Zahra in the drama; a young girl with big dreams. Isbah’s performance has been on point throughout which adds even more appeal to a character that has been written so well. Her performance has been effortless and convincing throughout.

Saadoon Ali (Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi)

Saadoon Ali is another young actor who has completely won the viewers over with his perfect portrayal as young Jamshed. If it wasn’t for his phenomenal acting skills the viewers wouldn’t have been able to feel for this young boy the way they do now. Saadoon has also made the effort required to ensure that Jamshed’s innocence stands out since that is such an important part of the character.

Navid Shehzad (Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi)

Navid Shehzad has made an amazing comeback to television with a negative character. She plays the role of a wicked woman who runs a brothel. Although this character is negative but watching Surriya auntie’s antics is sometimes entertaining! Navid Shehzad has such a graceful personality yet her effortless portrayal makes her the perfect actor for this role. We are truly in awe of her outstanding acting skills.

Mohammad Ahmed (Aulaad)

Mohammmad Ahmed is not only a senior in terms of experience 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 drama serial Aulaad, it won’t be wrong to say that the soulful performance that he has done is what has made this drama worthwhile. To showcase the helplessness of a father who hits a rock bottom one after another is no easy feat but Mohammad Ahmed has succeeded in making it a performance to remember.

Qudsia Ali (Aulaad)

The fact that this happens to be a debut drama serial of Qudsia Ali goes to show that she has a bright future ahead of her. She is a measured performer because of which she has given such a brilliant treatment to the character of Mouni. It is only because of her performance and grip on the character that she has made it cute as well as very realistic. The innonence of Mouni along with all the emotions and feelings that she experiences within a few seconds was not easy to translate with such clarity and precision on screen, but the fact that Qudsia has made it happen definitely shows that she is a gifted actor.

Shehzad Sheikh (Phaans)

Shehzad Sheikh has caugth us off-guard with his performance in drama serial Phans. He has actred in numerous dramas and has also given some very convincing performances but Shehzad Sheikh was typecast and stayed well within his comfort zone, because of which he did more or less the similar characters. However, the promos made the viewers skeptical whether Shehzad Sheikh will be able to perform a character of such nature but with each passing episode, he continues to impress and has shown that he is no more afraid of challenging himself as an actor. Shehzad’s portrayal of Sahil in Phans is not only convincing but phenomenal and he deserves all the appreciation for it.

Hadiqa Kiyani (Raqeeb Se)

There was a lot of hype about the fact that Hadiqa Kiyani was making a debut with drama serial Raqeeb Se. So far into her career, everyone knew 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 has been mind-blowing and to see that she effortlessly matched the caliber and finnesse of her exeprienced co-stars like Noman Ejaz and Sania Saeed is an example in itself. Hadiya Kiyani has portrayed the character of Sakina with such finesse that it won’t be wrong to say, the drama audience would love to see more of her on screen.

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 in for a treat speaks volumes of how much faith and trust the audience have in him. In drama serial Raqeeb Se, Noman Ijaz plays a central character but the way he has shown all the shades of Maqsood makes it an experience of itself to witness. The love that Maqsood has had for Sakina all these years has given him all sorts of pain, anguish, anger and numbness but now with her entry back in his life, he is already realizing that his love never changed for her and he still has that longing for her. To portray such intricate and complicated emotions with so much of clarity is only possible when it is an actor like Noman Ejaz playing the role.

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 drama serial Raqeeb Se is going to put her name on the map. It is 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 has done complete justice to this character and after this project, the audience are definitely going to be excited for her upcoming projects because they already know her caliber as an actor.

Imran Ashraf (Raqs-e-Bismil)

Imran Ashraf’s name always guarantees quality drama serial and entertainment. 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. Moosa is another example of fine performance and acting skills of Imran Ashraf. He has performed this character with so much of heart and soul that every single viewer watching Raqs e Bismil feels his pain and has fallen in love with this character.

Ali Rehman (Safar Tamam Hua)

Ali Rehman has emerged as such a strong performer in 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 about the fact that none of their characters are similar. This is why after his strong portrayal as Ammar in drama serial Khaas, he is now seen playing a totally different characer in Safar Tamam Hua. Right from the beginning he has owned this character and the ease and effortlessness with which he delivers his dialogues and emotes makes Sami a very special character, someone you want to see and feel his pain. His performance in Safar Tamam Hua is one of the best of his career so far.

Madiha Imam (Safar Tamam Hua)

Madiha Imam has been a part of some of the superhit projects and it is always interesting to note that she makes sure that all of her characters are different from one another. She always picks up such characters that are realistic and relatable, also the kind of organic and raw treatment that she gives to her characters makes it a treat to watch her. In drama serial Safar Tamam Hua, the character of Anoushay has a lot of emotional baggage and despite putting up a brave face, she has her moments of anguish and despair where she feels hopeless and dejected. It is a fine balance where Madiha Imam has not turned the character of Anoushay into a bechari, rather she has made it very realistic and interesting to get to know her.

Syed Jibran (Safar Tamam Hua)

Syed Jibran is one of the highly experienced actors in the Pakistani drama industry right now. 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 has a negative streak and the way Syed Jibran has underplayed it makes it a very interesting experience to watch this character. Although the drama is still in the inital stages, he has given enough reasons to prove that this is another best performance coming by him.

Affan Waheed (Shehnai)

Affan Waheed has more or less played similar kind of roles but in drama serial Shehnai, he is definitely experimenting and trying to show that he can also do such kind of characters which have layers and a comedy streak to them. The character of Meerab is faced with one challenging situation after another yet he is trying hard to find the solution to his problems. Affan Waheed has made the character of confused and kind-hearted Meerab look really cute. It sure is going to be a memorable performance by him.

Ramsha Khan (Shehnai)

Ramsha Khan is a fine actor and this is why the ease in the dialogue delivery comes naturaly 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 is also going through a lot where she is being forced to marry, the anger, anguish, pain of heartbreak and hope of moving on, all these factors have been portrayed brillianlty by her, making it yet another brilliant performance by Ramsha Khan.

Sania Saeed (Raqeeb Se)

There is no denying the fact that Sania Saeed is one of the finest and senior most actresses of Pakistani dramas right now. She has so much of experience that she literally owns the characters that are asigned to her, therefore it goes the same for Hajra in Raqeeb Se. The flow there is to her performance in this drama is unparalleled, it is like watching a river of emotions flowing in front of you. There is so much that Hajra has to say but she can not and making that visually obvious for the viewers to decipher is not an easy feat but this is Sania Saeed at her finest for you.

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 Dunk where she has underplayed the character of Amal, not making it too obvious what is running through her mind yet letting everyone know the evil streak there is to her personality. Sana Javed’s performance is very convincing in drama serial Dunk and she has made this drama worthwhile.

Feroze Khan (Khuda Aur Mohabbat)

Feroze Khan had a huge responsibility on his shoulders because this was Khuda Aur Mohabbat, the previous seasons of which were already successful. Feroze Khan has definitely been the best part of this drama and his performance as Farhad is a memorable one. He has given the character of Farhad the perfect treatment it deserved and now with the story nearing the state of his hopelessness, the viewers are going to get mersmerized by his performance.

Saleem Mairaj (Shehnai)

Saleem Mairaj is another experienced actor of 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 is seen as Qifayat in Shehnai and it is beyond impressive what he can do and how well he can perform when it comes to such varied characters. In Shehnai, he is seen as this conspiracist, someone who derives saddistic pleasures out of others’ misery and despite knowing that he is disliked by many, he continues to be the way he is. Qifayat is a very interesting cahracter but it is a done deal that if it wasn’t for Saleem Mairaj’s brilliant performance and convincing portrayal, this character wouldn’t have been so fun to watch.

This completes the list of the best performances that we are getting to see in Pakistani dramas that are currently on air. Which of these performances are you enjoying watching? Please feel free to add more names to the list.

The supporting characters in dramas play an important role in keeping the viewers engaged. If the leading characters do not have a real relationship with these supporting characters than the entire drama loses its appeal. The parents of the leading characters in Pakistani dramas play a pivotal role. Sometimes these parents are the ones driving the story forward in some of or the other. Their choices and personalities reflect upon that of their children. It is so important that these relationships and characters should be shown on screen in such a way that their scenes make the viewers feel whatever they are going through.

Dramas at the end of the day are a depiction of reality and in real life, parents play an important role in the lives of the children. Those dramas in which this relationship between the parents and children is well-established are always the ones people look forward to the most. We get to watch all kinds of parents in Pakistani dramas, those who are a bad influence, others who just look the other way, some who disappear when the need arises, and then there are those who are the reflection of what parenthood is all about. It won’t be wrong to say that these characters also give inspiration to other parents.

Here is the list of some of the best parents in recent Pakistani dramas.

Anaya’s Parents In Sabaat

Anaya’s parents in Sabaat are open-minded, friendly, and extremely loving. They trust their daughter and make sure that they are always there by her side. Even when some of the decisions which Anaya took hurt her parents, they did not ridicule her or hold her responsible like we see in other dramas. When Hasan’s father insults Anaya’s parents, the entire situation was shown beautifully. The parents realized that this was not Anaya’s fault and instead of creating a situation that would have been run-of-the-mill, they decided to celebrate Anaya’s success instead. They are shown looking out for their daughter and wanting the best for her instead of satisfying their own egos.

The most important thing which makes them the best is that they trust Anaya. When she decided eventually that she wanted to get married to Hasan, even with all their fears, they supported her while making sure that she was well aware of the problems she was putting herself in. Anaya’s scenes with her parents have been written down and presented on screen so wonderfully that viewers actually look forward to them.

Apart from the relationship they have with their daughter, their relationship with each other is also special. They are shown supporting each other just as much as they support their daughter. It is such a refreshing change to watch such a family in a drama that is so balanced and friendly. Syed Muhammad Ahmed, Seemi Raheel, and Mawra Hocane’s performances obviously add to the beauty of this relationship.

Saad’s Parents In Ehd-e-Wafa

Saad’s parents in Ehd-e-Wafa were definitely a one-of-a-kind as well. Unlike Anaya, Saad wasn’t always the ‘perfect’ son therefore the viewers got to watch many ups and downs in his relationship with his father especially. In the beginning few episodes, his father appeared to be more strict. Gradually as the story progresses, the viewers realized why he was rather distant and expected more from his son. It was eventually this pressure from his father to do well which enabled Saad to achieve the best. Saad’s father was also the best role model, a man who believed in hard work. Once his son achieved the position he always expected him to, he lifted up his spirits. It was such a good way of showing that sometimes parents need to be tough with their children in order to bring out the best in them.

The scenes in which Saad and his father were seen bonding were some of the most heart-warming scenes from the drama. A father-son relationship has never been this endearing and emotional as this one. Saad’s mother was another exemplary female character we saw in dramas recently. She was a wise mother who shared a special bond with her son. While Saad’s relationship with his father was somewhat formal, his relationship with his mother was more friendly.

This mother-son relationship emphasized the importance of being good friends with your children. There were so many times when Saad turned to his mother for advice and she showed him the way in the most polite and non-judgmental way. She was always understanding and open-minded. Both these parents were the perfect example of how important it is to respect your children but at the same time guide them in the right direction when necessary. Saad’s parents played a major role in shaping up his personality and decisions yet they never came across as one of those parents who hamper the growth of their children. In fact, they helped him in so many ways and without them, Saad wouldn’t have a strong personality and the successful career he had. Faraz Inam, Vaneeza Ahmed, and Ahad Raza Mir’s on-screen chemistry and impeccable performances definitely added more value to their scenes.

Dua’s Parents In Ehd-e-Wafa

Dua was another central character in Ehd-e-Wafa played by Alizeh Shah. Although Dua and her parents’ actual track got more screen time a little later in the drama once it took off, it turned out to be the most refreshing and positive aspect of the drama. Dua’s relationship with her parents was even more inspiring because she was their adoptive daughter. Dua’s father passed away but their last few scenes together highlighted how much faith her father had in her. Dua’s father stood by her when she decided to tell her Taya off for asking for holding Dua accountable for being seen with someone. The resulting conversation between Dua and her father was meaningful and emotional. This conversation was enough to explain the reason behind Dua’s confident personality.

Dua’s relationship with her mother grew stronger after her father passed away. When her mother informed her that she was adopted, Dua’s response made for one of the most emotional scenes in the play. Her mother also decided to live independently in order to break free from the pressures they were both facing. She took a bold decision not just for herself but also for her daughter. Dua’s parents were wise, strong, and had foresight which helped them make some of the best decisions. This was an excellent way of showing the viewers how daughters should be raised. It is so important to give your child the space to grow as an individual and guide them in the right direction.

Hajra’s Father In Inkaar

Inkaar was a powerful drama, the story of which was inspired by a real-life story. The drama overall had its ups and downs but one thing which remained constant was the beautiful manner in which Hajra’s relationship with her father was shown. Hajra’s character went through so many difficult situations yet even with all his fears her father stood right by her side like a rock till the very end.

The writer had written their track so well that the relationship they shared continued to be the most poignant aspect of every episode. Hajra’s father’s kind and open-minded approach was highlight right from the beginning. Besides that their friendship was also the best part of their track. Rehan Sheikh did tremendously well portraying this character on screen. He brought out the warmth and vulnerabilities of his character impeccably on screen.

Right till the end, Hajra’s father’s main focus was the happiness and well-being of his daughter. He forgave her for her mistakes and unlike many other fathers we see in dramas he did not give in to the societal pressure. It was definitely the kind of character we need to see on screen more often since it went to show just how strong a girl can be if her father has unconditional faith in her. Yumna Zaidi and Rehan Sheikh’s undeniable on-screen chemistry made this father-daughter duo even more lovable.

Nimra’s Father In Baba Jani

As the title of the drama suggests, Baba Jani was mostly about the responsibility of being a father and balancing other relationships along the way. Nimra played by Madiha Imam was the step-daughter of Asfand, Baba Jani played by Faysal Qureshi. Baba Jani’s character was one of the most positive male characters in general and fatherly figures in Pakistani dramas which we have seen recently. Nimra’s father always treated her like his own daughter, put her feelings before everything else without giving what anyone else thought any consideration.

It was Madiha Imam and Faysal Qureshi’s magical on-screen chemistry that made their relationship come alive on the screen even more convincingly. Asfand’s wisdom, the sense of responsibility and the way he sheltered his step-daughter till the end made him one of the best fathers. He was different from most of the parents on this list since his daughter wasn’t in his life from birth. Even though their bond was formed later on but it became one of the most memorable ones. There were so many times when Nimra tested his patience but he never let anything she did or say distract him from the promise he made to Nimra’s mother and most importantly himself.

It wasn’t just this promise which made him protect Nimra as his own daughter but it was also the love he felt for her since he truly accepted her as his own daughter. Faysal Qureshi added grace and finesse to his character.

Which were some of your favorite parents from recent Pakistani dramas? Please share your feelings about it.

The term “hero” has been redefined by Pakistani drama writers and readily accepted by viewers over the years. While there were plenty of toxic leading male characters this year that put us off, there were also those who were flawed yet had a definite appeal. Then there were also such characters who were unique in their own way and etched out beautifully. There were also multiple supporting characters in 2022 which had our undivided attention and were a breath of fresh air. The “best” characters are ones that are layered, meaningful, and engaging. This list goes to show that Pakistani writers still have what it takes to pen down male characters that break stereotypes.

Here is a list of those male characters from Pakistani dramas in 2022 that can easily be termed as the best:

Imam Sahab (Aye Musht e Khaak)

Nowadays when almost every other practicing Muslim is shown to be dubious & negative, Imam Sahab’s character in Aye Musht e Khaak was refreshing to witness. Although for the most part he was shown to be someone who guided Dua & helped her find a way whenever she was confused, as the drama progressed, his character & backstory was touched upon slightly which made his character stand out a little more. It also became easier for Mustajab to relate to him because Imam Sahab also had everything that Mustajab had but because of his faith, he left everything & settled in a secluded area to do his social work as well as live a minimalist yet fulfilling & peaceful life. His dialogues were also profound & this character was brilliantly portrayed by Shabbir Jaan.

Babar (Aitebaar)

It is unfortunate that the drama serial Aitebaar did not have a decent viewership however, the way the writer explored the struggles of people that came together belonging to different backgrounds definitely made it a very interesting story to follow. Babar’s character played by Ali Safina was the highlight of this show because Babar was an ideal & supportive husband who stood by his wife through thick & thin. Although their relationship & Babar’s loyalty was also put to test, it wasn’t because he didn’t believe his wife, it was only because Parissa chose to keep things from him that kept on drifting him away from her. However, Babar still never gave up on her & made sure to let his wife know that he truly loved & respected her for who she was. Babar’s character was definitely refreshing to see, especially now when more than half of the male characters are toxic!

Musa (Angana)

Although Musa’s character did not end up with Abeeha, he did make this drama worthwhile because of being a positive influence in everyone’s life. Musa gave support to his uncle & his wife during the toughest phase of their life & he became their son after they lost their son Taimoor. Everyone wanted Abeeha to settle down with Musa again but she couldn’t bring herself to do so, however, Musa left the decision to her completely & never once felt the need to coax her into saying yes. It was nice to see an uncomplicated, easy-going & overall positive character in a drama that was otherwise focused so much on the girls’ misery. Daniyal Afzal played Musa’s character to the best of his ability & made it memorable.

Abrar (Bichoo)

It won’t be wrong to say that Bichoo was definitely one of the most-watched soap operas of this year. The fact that the negativity of Afreen was easily balanced out with the positive characters such as Abrar made it a very interesting drama to watch. The character of Abrar stood out the most only because he was the voice of reason & never stopped being so when things became chaotic. Abrar knew how to value his relationships which is why despite being put in a tight spot every single time, he followed his heart & knew where his priorities lay. Abrar was forced to do things that he didn’t want but every single time he resisted the pressure & showed everyone how strong & clear-headed he was. Subhan Awan put his name on the map because he got such a memorable & good character to play in Bichoo.

Ibtisam (Dobara)

Ibtisam was one of the most amusing supporting characters in the drama serial Dobara. He was pushed into winning Mehru over by his sister so that they could both have easy access to Mehru’s wealth. Right from the beginning, Ibtisam felt that he was not the best match for Mehru and as the story progressed, he felt for her more than he fell for her! It was truly refreshing and nothing short of a pleasant surprise when Ibtisam decided to play a major role in bringing Mehru and Mahir together. He followed his own instinct and did what was right instead of listening to his sister who exercised great influence on him. This character was fun to watch but became really likable only after he proved that he was a true gentleman.

Mahir (Dobara)

Mahir was one of those flawed heroes this year whose journey had the viewers hooked right from the beginning. He was introduced as a young man who was neglected by his parents, never felt appreciated, and was not doing great in life financially. He had a tough time keeping a job and very often even stole when he felt he needed money. He definitely does not sound like an ideal person because he was not one! However, there was an underlying innocence in this character for the most part. Another aspect of this character that made it the best was his problem-solving capability. Since Mahir had to look out for himself from a young age, he was good at looking for solutions even if sometimes the means he used were not the best! Mahir had an interesting personality and the way Bilal Abbas translated it on-screen definitely made all the difference. He was a lost soul who needed love and attention but was also fully capable of doing things that drove people who loved him away. It was a brilliantly etched-out character that kept us on the edge of our seats because of its unpredictable nature.

Basit (Habs)

In any drama serial, showing a grey character like Basit is no easy feat. However, team Habs has done a commendable job in not only writing such a character but being able to keep it so realistic & relatable. Basit’s character took some time to unravel but after his backstory was elaborated, it became a lot easier to understand why Basit was the way he was. He has lived his life with the insecurity of abandonment, which has made him impulsive & emotional. Basit never truly understood or learned how he should respect women because all his life he felt betrayed by his mother. However, he is now unlearning all of that & he is continuing to make mistakes. Basit has his weaknesses & shortcomings too but probably for the first time in his life, he is ready to make amends, he is willing to change but once again, he is not sure what he should do to stop himself from being misunderstood. The writer has definitely done a phenomenal job in bringing such a character to our screens that actually shows how a person can be full of flaws, yet have a good side to him too. Feroze Khan has definitely given an impressive performance & has successfully shown all shades of Basit’s personality effortlessly.

Adam (Hum Tum)

Hum Tum had so many remarkable male characters and Adam was definitely one of them. Although for the most part, he was a light-hearted character, he also had some great qualities which made him stand out. He was an amazing brother who would even make his sister’s hair for her – how often do we get to see that in Pakistani dramas?! Even though he did not get along with Neha for the longest time, deep inside he always respected her abilities and never looked down upon her because she was a woman who was doing better than him. Towards the end, the way he did not hold back while expressing his real feelings for Neha made him a true winner. We loved Adam’s character because of its uniqueness and progressive nature.

‘Daddu (Hum Tum)

Daddu handsome had our undivided attention and love right from the beginning. Hum Tum stood out because of its progressive supporting characters just as much as it did for its refreshing leading characters. Daddu was wise but at the same time, he believed in enjoying life to the maximum. He stood up for his granddaughters whenever they needed him. There was a sensitive and extremely loving side to his personality. We loved him as the attention-seeking fun TikToker and he was just as remarkable as the eldest member of the family who always tried his best to save his granddaughters from their father’s wrath!

Sarmad (Hum Tum)

Sarmad was the most easily lovable character we got to see in dramas this year. He was anything but stereotypical. A young man who was given the responsibility of earning for his family at an early age, Sarmad turned his passion for cooking into a profession. He was unable to complete his studies as a result but always valued others who were well-read. Sarmad did not have a single negative streak in him yet he never came across as unreal or too-good-to-be-true. The fact that he was willing to take up studies on his wife’s insistence and gave her thoughts so much value added to the qualities this character had. We definitely want to see more characters such as this one on-screen.

Captain Farrukh (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Jo Bichar Gaye was one of the finest dramas we watched this year. The story was written by military personnel who was in service during the East Pakistan crisis. He was also the main protagonist in the story. When you are writing your own experiences sometimes you tend to be biased. However, since the script of the drama was polished and written by two of the most insightful writers in the industry, they made sure that Captain Farrukh’s vulnerabilities, fears as well shortcomings hit home just as much as his strengths. It was a beautifully written character that added the ‘human element’ to a drama that was largely based on historic facts. This was one of the most unforgettable characters this year which left a lasting impression.

Rumi (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Rumi was one of the most layered and complex characters we watched on-screen this year. He was shown as a student activist who did everything in his power to support the separation of East Pakistan. Through this character, the writer showed how some young people at that time were brainwashed into thinking that the separation of East Pakistan was for the benefit of the locals and there were no ulterior motives. Rumi’s character was dark in some ways and there were also times when he came across as someone who only wanted what was best for his people. Rumi fought constantly with his own conscience as well as those around him who had different ideals than him. This was one of the most powerful characters in 2022.

Dr. Hadi (Mere Humnasheen)

Dr. Hadi was a nice & kind friend who stood by Khajista every single time she was faced with difficulty. Dr. Hadi may have come across as impulsive at times but at least, he had the maturity to understand & analyze that things were going to get tougher for Khajista because a few people had turned against her. Every time Khajista found herself in trouble, Dr. Hadi helped her selflessly. The love they had for each other grew organically because Khajista did come from a loving family society, in general, which was never favorable to her. She found Dr. Hadi to be a true gentleman who believed in supporting & standing by her through thick & thin & that was enough to win Khajista’s heart. Dr. Hadi did show some aggression & negative emotions but it was only because he truly loved Khajista & found himself failing to hold onto her. They both had a happy ending which was the icing on the cake for the special character of Dr. Hadi.

Amroz (Mere Humnasheen)

Amroz was another very important character who shaped Khajista’s future & protected her like a big brother. It was very easy for Amroz to follow in the footsteps of society & impose restrictions on Khajista but instead, he was always seen helping her & making sure that her voice is heard. Amroz was also a victim of the circumstances but slowly he did break free from everything & ended up shaping his life for the best too. Amroz brought a lot of calm & peace to Khajista’s life like a true guardian & confidant. He understood her when no one else did & which made Amroz’s character very special.

Hamza (Mere Humsafar)

Hamza has definitely become a household name, a character that Pakistani drama buffs will remember for a long long time. In a drama that thrived so much on toxicity, Hamza’s character was a breath of fresh air. It also shows that no matter how typical or average a story is, if there is one strong character, it can carry the entire drama on its shoulders. In Mere Humsafar, Hamza was the only factor that made it worthwhile. It was unfortunate that the drama was prolonged therefore Hamza too was forced to doubt Hala but overall, this character was definitely one of the best that was seen this year. He was a loving & supportive husband but more than that, he made Hala believe in herself, he gave her a voice & also made her realize that she was worthy of respect too. All those pep talks that he gave to his wife were very special, making Hamza a fan favorite. Farhan Saeed did justice to Hamza’s character every step of the way.

Sher Aalam (Mor Maharan)

Sher Aalma’s stood out right from the beginning. There was something mysterious about this character that made you want to know more about him. His dedication, love, and loyalty towards Almas was the most appealing aspect of his personality. The characters and the dialogues were really well-written. Sher Aalam demanded and earned the respect of the viewers even more as the story progressed. It was one of the many unforgettable characters that Babar Ali has chosen to play in the recent past.

Hilmand (Sang e Mah)

Hilmand was truly one of a kind, a very unique character that is not seen in a Pakistani drama just so easily. The fact that Atif Aslam played it so well also made it a very special character that got etched in the minds of the viewers but the journey that Hilmand took was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. He thrived on hatred against the man who raised him but in the end, he redeemed himself, or at least he tried. Hilmand knew the half-truth therefore he wasted a couple of precious years planning his revenge. His thoughts, his dialogues, his vision & far-sightedness were all that made Hilmand very special. The way Hilmand looked through Shehrezad & realized that she too was hiding the pain in her heart was yet another layer of his character that no one could imagine existed. He knew she longed for love, and support & was the kind of person who will stand by him no matter what. For Hilmand to assess it just so quickly showed how wise & mature he was. It won’t be wrong to say but characters like Hilmand are a rarity, therefore they end up being memorable for a long long time.

Zaheen (Woh Pagal Si)

Zaheen was another level-headed and likable male character this year that had the viewers rooting for him throughout. Zaheen belonged to a lower-middle-class family but he never let his financial status get in the way of his objectives in life. He always had big goals and dreams but was never shown as someone who would resort to shortcuts to get what he wanted. Zaheen always believed in himself and had no shame in going out of his way to please the people he loved. He also played a major role in turning Sara’s life around for good. He does not give up on her even though she turned him away multiple times. There was a time when Zaheen’s positive attitude and character was the best thing about the drama.

This completes the list of best male characters seen in Pakistani dramas this year. Please feel free to add more names to the list and share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Characterizations play a pivotal role in any script at all. In dramas, they make an even bigger difference since their journeys can be the main factor in enticing the viewers. Different shades of the characters in a drama attract the attention of the viewers. Even a negative character can stand out and leave a mark if it is etched out well. Similarly, a well-etched-out supporting character can sometimes have more of an impact than a leading character. In order for a character to stand out, it should be layered and logical. The best dramas are obviously those in which the leading and the supporting characters hold the interest of the viewers and keep them intrigued. Also, the journey of these characters plays a crucial role in making them more appealing. Every year, Pakistani drama writers give us so many unforgettable characters that leave a lasting impression. This year there were so many dramas that had the most amazing characters, both positive and negative. Since there were so many of these characters, we decided to make a separate list for male and female characters.

Here is the list of all those beautifully etched-out characters that truly impressed us in 2021:

Parizaad (Parizaad)

Hashim Nadeem has given us some of the most memorable male leads therefore it does not come as a surprise that his new male lead in a drama serial won the viewers over almost immediately! Parizaad is a young man whose outward appearance does not match his name. He has been shown as someone who has faced constant rejection and is a sensitive person who registered everything he ever went through. Even after going through so much, Parizaad always had a heart of gold. The situations this character has been through and his dialogues which represent his state of mind make this character one that is refreshing and touching at the same time. Parizaad’s journey never ceases to surprise the viewers and even though he has made so many decisions that left the viewers in shock, we can’t help but look forward to what his journey has in store. Ahmed Ali Akbar’s outstanding performance has definitely given this character the edge it needed to truly stand out.

Behroze Karim (Parizaad)

Parizaad is one of those few Pakistani dramas this year which has quite a few outstanding supporting characters. Behroze Karim was one such character that engaged the viewers for many weeks and his exit from the story saddened the viewers even though he was a criminal. Apart from being a Don who murdered his own wife to punish her for her disloyalty, Behroze was also a person with some interesting perspectives towards life and about people in general. His dialogues were penned down brilliantly. Noman Ijaz’s performance definitely made all the difference. Even though this character did not get the ideal ending, it will remain unforgettable since it had such a big impact on the viewers.

Nasir (Aakhir Kab Tak)

Nasir’s character was introduced a few weeks after the drama Aakhir Kab Tak went on air and it is the kind of character that gradually grows on you. However, even with all his flaws this character always had this unusual appeal to it. Even though he was introduced as a police officer with twisted moral values, in the beginning, it was always amusing and pleasing. Like all the other characters on this list, this one too changed considerably and this character’s growth only added to its appeal. He is another one of those men in Pakistani dramas this year who have great respect for women. Nasir’s dialogues have been penned down so well which is why he comes across as someone who can ‘fix’ other people’s problems immediately. A caring and loving character with a sense of humor, Nasir had us rooting for him right from the get-go. Adeel Hussein’s fantastic performance adds to Nasir’s charm.

Saim (Aakhir Kab Tak)

Aakhir Kab Tak is perhaps the only Pakistani drama right now which has such strong characters that so many of these characters made it to our list this year for different reasons. Saim can easily be termed as a breath of fresh air since he does not just respect women but also goes out of his way to accommodate his wife. He is sensible, intelligent, and caring. He is also one of those rare men in Pakistani dramas who understand that making a marriage work is not a woman’s responsibility alone. We like him more with every passing episode and hope that this character continues to impress.

Akram (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Akram from Pehli Si Mohabbat was one of those many characters from Pakistani dramas this year which underwent massive transformations as the story moved forward. He was introduced as a rigid character with a certain set of principles which impacted his sister’s life and later on his brother’s as well. However, as the story progressed, the viewers got to see a loving and protective side of this character. That is when we found out that all this time he was simply ‘protecting’ his siblings like a father figure. The fact that he realized the damage this overprotective nature of his did in the middle of the drama, made the changes in his character endearing and easy to relate to. Akram’s character towards the end stood out more than that of Aslam’s. HSY chose a wholesome character to make his television acting debut which makes us truly happy. He gave a solid performance which made it easier for the viewers to connect to his character.

Moosa (Raqse Bismil)

Moosa was one of the many most unusual leading men in Pakistani dramas this year penned down by the ace writer Hashim Nadeem. He was a flawed character but his definite appeal made him the top candidate for this list. The character had been penned down convincingly throughout. The writer showed the uncultured, emotional, impulsive, and rigid side of Moosa in the first few episodes. Once he fell in love and found out the truth about Zohra his character development started. Gradually, Moosa learned so much which he never thought he would have to learn, ever! As the drama progressed Moosa’s gradual and convincing changes in Moosa’s personality piqued the interest of the viewers. Throughout, his journey was the most engaging element of the drama. This character had the viewers’ undivided attention because Moosa’s strengths and weaknesses had been penned down beautifully by the writer. The fact that Imran Ashraf has owned this character throughout and never hesitated to translate different shades of Moosa’s personality on screen certainly made all the difference. The success Raqs-e-Bismil rested largely on this character.

Jalal (Aulaad)

It seldom happens that a character from the older generation grabs the attention of the viewers the way Jalal did. Jalal was the head of the family in Aulaad who was constantly tested by his sons. He was a father who dedicated his entire life to educate his sons and make them independent, yet when it was time for them to help him out financially they refused to take responsibility. Jalal made some grave mistakes throughout to hold his family together and as a result ended up losing his house and daughter. Through this character, the writer intelligently showed that parents should not depend on their children wholly. His mistakes served as a lesson for all the parents out there. It is rarely ever that the premise of the entire story in Pakistani dramas rests on an older protagonist therefore Aulaad’s main protagonist was one-of-a-kind. Muhammad Ahmed is a phenomenal actor who always adds intensity to all the characters he plays. His performance coupled with how beautifully this character had been penned down made this character one of the best this season.

Adnan (Aulaad)

Adnan was one of the three sons in the drama serial Aulaad who disappointed his parents and even hurt them repeatedly. Among these 3 young men, Adnan always stood out because of the way this character had been penned down. Even though his character was not likable, we truly appreciate how meaningful it was and the way it was translated on screen. Adnan had a weak personality which is why he was easily convinced by his wife who kept on telling him to be more ‘selfish’. There was a good side to him but he did not care about his parents enough to put his foot down. This character showed how important it was for men to maintain a balance in relationships. Although Adnan was a sensible and intelligent man, he failed to keep this balance and therefore failed his parents. This character also had one of the best endings which made the entire journey even more wholesome. Furqan Qureshi made sure that this character came alive on screen in a way that the viewers did not have a problem connecting to it.

Naeem Sherwani (Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahin)

Drama serial Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahin had so many interesting and meaningful characters. Naeem Sherwani was one such negative character. He was one of those few negative characters this year who made it to this list. Through this character, the writer intelligently highlighted the hypocrisy of our society. His sick mentality and his need to control women, unfortunately, represented the mentality of so many such men who blame women and want them to cover up because they are actually the ones with a dirty mind! He also had a ‘fan following’ because a lot of people agreed with his agenda and then there are others such as Qazi sahib who did not necessarily agree but went along with everything simply to be part of the ‘group’. Kashif Mehmood did complete justice to this character which made it one of the most impactful negative characters in 2021.

Shaheer (Wafa Be Mol)

Wafa Be Mol is a popular hit drama serial that has more than its fair share of conventional and run-of-the-mill characters but it also has a few characters which are impressive and refreshing. Shaheer is one such character in the drama who can easily be termed as a feminist. It is always truly refreshing when writers pen down such male characters which break stereotypes. Shaheer is someone who respects women, he is intelligent and can even cook! The way he supported his bhabhi against all odds yet kept on loving his father unconditionally made him a character that was full of love and warmth. Apart from everything else, his sensitive nature makes him the best! Even though this character has so much going for it, it never comes across as illogical or too-good-to-be-true. We definitely need to see more such male characters in our dramas.

Meerab (Shehnai)

In Pakistani dramas, where men are known to be cold, indifferent, and flawed, Meerab’s character was the complete opposite and a breath of fresh air. He was emotional, sensitive, and very much in touch with his feelings. The best part about Meerab was him being a people pleaser in a nice way and because he himself was so kind, he saw those traits in others too. Seeing male characters like Meerab is a rarity, where he found it hard to say no. Another trait that set him apart was his mindset of never judging people and being accepting of others’ flaws and shortcomings. Although Meerab himself got into a lot of trouble in the end, he did save the day and compelled Bakht to fall in love with him for who he was. Meerab was a very special character for sure. It won’t be wrong to say, after Do Bol, Shehnai was definitely a great choice made by Affan Waheed.

Absar (Shehnai)

Absar was the head of the family in the drama serial Shehnai. He was special and different and although he was the eldest son and was entitled to everyone’s respect, he made sure to earn it every step of the way. He was like a binding force of this family where he understood his position as well as his responsibility towards his entire family. At times Absar felt heartbroken because he could see the changing dynamics but still he always made sure to be the bigger person and not only ignored but forgave those too who never probably had the best interest of him and his daughter Bakht. Another endearing aspect of his character was how he was always a very vigilant father to Bakht. He was close to her and always made sure to let her know that for him, her happiness meant everything. He let Bakht know that he trusted her and gave her enough freedom to confide in him. It was a very special bond that Absar shared with Bakht, making him one of the favorite characters seen in a Pakistani drama this year. Seeing Javed Sheikh playing such a warm and loving character was a treat in itself.

Qifayat (Shehnai)

Qifayat was definitely the problematic one, but because of the way this character was written by Radain Shah and performed by Saleem Mairaj, it made it one-of-a-kind. It was actually quite interesting to see his antics where he used his energies in creating one problem after another. Qifayat was well aware of the fact that no one in the family liked him but he continued to push his agendas without even paying heed to what others thought of him. He was one such character who despite being negative and a trouble maker never really got on your nerves. It was actually quite enjoyable to see a character like Qifayat and the best part, he not only realized his mistakes but also redeemed himself by saving Bakht from getting into trouble.

Sami (Safar Tamam Hua)

Ali Rehman is one such actor who makes sure to take such characters who have a lot of layers and substance to them. The character of Sami was no different because he was the kind-hearted and compassionate person in the family who valued his relationships even if it meant he had to give up on what he loved the most. Sami was neglected but as he grew older, he realized that even in the background, he has enough responsibility as it is to maintain the balance in the family. He was the one who listened to everyone’s problems and tried to find a solution. Sami would hardly complain about what was bothering him and because he was not so vocal about his issues, he often got ignored. The way Ali Rehman portrayed this character made you feel for him. His dynamic with Anoushay was also a very interesting aspect of his journey which brought nothing but the best in him.

Saffan (Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay)

In the drama serial Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay, where everyone around Mehreen finds it hard to trust her, Saffan was the only one person who showed that it was possible to not only understand Mehreen but support her despite everything that was said against her. In this drama, every single character has a lot of layers which makes it hard to have a definitive opinion about them but Saffan happens to be the only character who is straightforward and sorted in his mind. Although, after the recent episode that went on-air, the opinion of the viewers might change about him that still does not take away from the fact that he chose to stand by Mehreen every step of the way. Saffan also showed that in the middle of chaos, it was still very much possible to trust the person you love and just be there when they need your support the most. This is the reason why everyone started rooting for Mehreen and Saffan more than they would for her and Aswad. Haroon Shahid’s performance has also been quite measured in Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay.

Basit (Azmaish)

In the drama serial, Azmaish Basit’s character stood out the most for his resilience and kindness. Basit’s patience was tested every step of the way, his loyalty and credibility were questioned. His character was assassinated but still, he stood firm on the ground only because he had made a promise and gave his word to his boss, who then became his father-in-law. Basit was not only kind but he was a very wise character who understood that he had to walk on the eggshells to protect the ones he loved and respected. Basit fell in love with Nimra way before his marriage to Shiza but while he was married to her, he never once thought of cheating on her. It was nice to see Basit being a man of his words and so wise that he always wanted to bring peace and harmony to Shiza’s family. It doesn’t come as a surprise why Fahad Sheikh became so popular after Azmaish, he really deserves the appreciation he got after this project.

Faazi (Chupke Chupke)

Although every single character in the drama serial Chupke Chupke was well-written and special, Faazi definitely stood out the most. He was the voice of reason in the chaotic household where every single thing was always blown out of proportion. Faazi was quite restless but after getting married to Meenu, he not only understood his responsibility towards her but brought a lot of changes in himself to accommodate his wife who had certain expectations from him. It is always nice to see such characters who show so much growth. Seeing Faazi becoming easygoing and falling madly in love with Meenu was nothing short of a treat. The best aspect about his personality was how with so much love and affection, he also let Meenu understand the expectations he had from her, where he wanted her to pursue her education and have a goal in life. Osman Khalid Butt did really well in showcasing Faazi’s emotions and journey in Chupke Chupke.

Samad (Phaans)

This year, Pakistani dramas were full of supportive and understanding male characters and the one joining the list is Samad from Phaans played by Sami Khan. Samad stood with Zeba every step of the way and he never once cared whether his image was being maligned too. All Samad knew was that he had to be supportive of Zeba and believe in her at that time when almost every single person has turned against her. It was also interesting to see how his journey with Zeba only began where he just wanted to be there for her but later, fell in love with Zeba for all the right reasons. He learned how strong and level-headed she was, which was inspirational and special to him.

Shams (Laapata)

Shams was yet another interesting character played by Ali Rehman this year in the drama serial Laapata. Shams was faced with his own demons and it was interesting to see how the one thing that remained constant in his life was his love for Falak. Initially, he used this love for her as a drive to achieve big things by resorting to shortcuts. It cost him a lot of time away from her which was enough for him to understand and realize where he went wrong and how he should use this love for his growth and not for his selfish reasons. Shams’ journey was interesting in the way that he used his love for Falak to become the better version of himself, someone that not only Falak but everyone around him could be proud of. Shams’s chemistry with Falak was another special part of his journey played superbly by Ali Rehman.

Ahsan (Pardes)

Sarmad Sultan Khoosat is not only an ace director but he is a measured performer. The kind of depth and realness Sarmad adds into his performances goes to show how much understanding he has of the camera. He was seen on a TV screen after years as Ahsan in the drama serial Pardes and we are glad that he decided to take this role because no one else could’ve done justice to it the way he did. Ahsan’s character was special because through him, it was emphasized how much compassion, love, respect, and understanding there should be between a husband and a wife. Ahsan was restricted because of his circumstances but he never once let any of this get in the way of his relationship with his wife. He always supported her and even took a stand for her but he knew that there was not much that he could do. The loving relationship between Ahsan and Zubi had made it a memorable one. Ahsan’s character was definitely special and beautifully written and portrayed.

This completes the list of best male characters seen in Pakistani dramas this year. Which one of these is your favorite? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Most Pakistani dramas revolve around female characters. Therefore, these characters play a major role in keeping the interest of the viewers alive. One thing is for sure, a character does not have to be “perfect” to be the best. A layered character that has been penned down convincingly and has a journey that keeps the interest of the viewers alive can easily be termed as the best. It is always a treat watching female characters who are not typical and are a combination of strengths and vulnerabilities. This year, there were so many beautifully penned-down female characters in both leading and supporting roles which kept our interest alive even when the dramas they were a part of were not outstanding overall. Making this list is our way of appreciating all those writers who think out of the box and at times just logically enough to write a well-knit character. These amazing characters will stay fresh in our memories for a really long time.

Here is the list of the best female characters in the year 2022:

Dua (Aye Musht e Khaak)

Dua’s character in Aye Musht e Khaak was definitely quite interesting because of the way it was written & portrayed by Sana Javed. Usually in Pakistani dramas, a soft-spoken girl with an inclination towards faith & religion is shown to be quite submissive with zero vision for herself or her life partner. However, in the drama serial Aye Musht e Khaak, Dua’s character stood for the exact reason that she was self-assured & knew exactly what she expected from her husband. Although it was a tough journey for Dua to take, but she remained firm & did not let anything move her at all. It was also only on her own terms that when she actually saw a genuine transition in Mustajab, she decided to go back to him & start afresh. It was actually refreshing to see a character like Dua in a Pakistani drama this year.

Sajida (Badnaseeb)

There are a few older characters in dramas every year who drive the story forward and leave lasting impressions. The main protagonist Dua’s grandmother Sajida was one such character in the drama serial Badnaseeb. She was a confident woman who stood by Dua every time her father was unjust to her. She did not hold back while speaking her mind and ultimately made a big sacrifice for her granddaughter. For 30-plus episodes, this character played an important role in Dua’s life and definitely shaped her track. Samina Ahmed’s remarkable performance made this character unforgettable.

Bakhtawar (Bakhtawar)

The name Bakhtawar literally means fortunate or lucky, Drama serial Bakhtawar’s main character has neither been fortunate nor lucky. On the contrary, right from the beginning of her journey, she has struggled to change her misfortune. Bakhtawar was introduced as a strong-willed young girl who could not do much to change her circumstances but always had the wish to do so. As Bakhtawar’s journey progressed, she decided to write her own destiny by taking decisions that were really difficult. We love Bakhtawar because of her exceptional strengths. Even though she is young, she has the confidence to face the world and the courage to do whatever it takes to get what she wants in life. Bakhtawar’s journey is realistic and inspirational as well as engaging.

Bano (Habs)

Bano’s character depicts the section of those women who despite being mature & financially independent individuals are not free to make their own decisions. The way the writer has written the character of Bano makes you understand those struggles in a very simple yet convincing manner. Bano never turned a blind eye towards her family & she also was never under the impression that she’d stop working & supporting her family after her marriage to Talal. Bano took a long time to pick up the pieces but once she did, she did not look back. The way she grieved her shattered dreams also made her character realistic & believable. Although Bano is a supporting character in Ayesha’s story the way it has been written as well as portrayed by Dania Enwer has made it impactful & definitely one of the best characters in a Pakistani drama this year.

Bobby Pupho (Habs)

Bobby Pupho is yet another realistically written character & the way Hina Rizvi has played it makes you like her even more. Despite things never being in her favor & being unable to live the life she dreamed of for herself, there is still some spark, a child-like quality about Bobby Pupho that shows that she did not let her negative experiences make her bitter. Quite often, she is seen as the voice of reason & continues to lend support to her nieces, that too when they need it the most. Bobby has understood that she has nowhere to go & even Qudsiya is emotionally dependent on her, therefore she doesn’t shy away from telling Qudsiya where she goes wrong. This is one character that makes you genuinely want to see her happy but sadly, she has a monotonous life with nothing that would change for her in the future. A very pitiful yet endearing character.

Sadia (Habs)

Irsa Ghazal played the role of Basit’s mother Sadia in the drama serial Habs. Sadia may have lived the life that she wanted but the thought of her only son Basit never escaped her mind. She always longed for him but sadly, till she lived, she could not exactly make her son believe that she never wanted to leave him in the first place. Sadia was just as much in pain as her son Basit when she saw how abandonment from his mother had turned him into a cold, bitter & aloof human being. Sadia was the kind of character you genuinely sympathize with especially after knowing that she never wanted to leave her child but was forced to & till her last breath, she had nothing but regrets.

Maha (Hum Tum)

Maha was one of the many progressive characters in Hum Tum. A fitness-conscious young woman with a good heart but also a fun personality; Maha had so much going for her. She had an early divorce but that aspect of her life did not define her at all. She was careless with housework just like all the other ladies of the house but when it came to dealing with people, her psychology degree as well as her kind heart helped her enormously. Just like all the other characters, Maha also had an important role to play in the story. In the end, she was the one who helped Sultan uncle find his purpose in life and she also guided Neha in the right direction.

Neha (Hum Tum)

Neha champion will be remembered for all the right reasons for a really long time. She was a champion through and through. Neha was a studious and intelligent young woman who always yearned for her father’s love and attention. She also had a naughty side to her personality which kept things interesting. This was such a well-written character that we could not get enough of Neha even when she got plenty of screen time. Neha was the star of the show right from the beginning even though the competition was tough!

Tammana Begum (Hum Tum)

Tammana Begum was the grandmother of two of the main protagonists in Hum Tum. It was one of the many strong supporting characters in Hum Tum. Through her character, the writer showed that life does not end at a certain age. An economically independent entrepreneur, Tammana Begum never let anyone get the best of her. Even though overall, this character was more entertaining than anything else, the fact that it was also meaningful gave it an edge. Tammana Begum’s dialogues often reflected the idea behind the character. We definitely need to see more such grandparents in our dramas.

Shanaya (Ishq e Laa)

Shanaya’s character in Ishq e Laa was short-lived but it won’t be wrong to say that it was actually the only good thing about the drama. Sajal Aly beautifully played Shanaya & this is the reason, in such a few episodes, she conveyed the true essence of why Shanaya was & what she stood for. In a Pakistani drama, it is a rarity to see a young girl practicing faith with so much ease & her connection with her Creator shapes her to be a good person inside out. Her morning routine of reciting the Holy Qur’an followed by translation was definitely the highlight of the entire drama & then as she continued with her day, it showed through her actions & her selflessness. It was unfortunate that Shanaya’s character ended too soon & that was another reason why there was a sudden dip in the interest of the viewers in Ishq e Laa.

Shabnum (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Each character in the drama serial Jo Bichar Gaye represented a certain section of individuals, who were either involved in the conflict between East and West Pakistan or were collateral damage. Shabnum could easily be categorized as the group of individuals who were collateral damage. She was introduced as a light-hearted character with a strong personality. She had no involvement in the conflict and did not even understand how grave matters were until it was too late. Shabnum made us laugh and cry as her story took different turns. An engaging character that was a satire in its own right, this list would most certainly be incomplete without Shabnum.

Sonia (Jo Bichar Gaye)

Sonia was one of the main protagonists in the drama serial Jo Bichar Gaye. She was a university student who was engulfed in the conflict even though she tried her best not to take sides. She was a brave woman with a loving personality. Sonia represented those East Pakistanis who did not want the conflict to escalate and actively did whatever they could to support those who were not in favor of disintegrating Pakistan. Her story had a powerful and tragic ending which made it even more impactful. This character was inspired by a real-life character just like the male protagonist of the drama.

Khajista (Mere Humnasheen)

It won’t be wrong to say that Khajista’s character was definitely the best character from the dramas that aired this year. Her journey was inspiring & more than that, her willpower to achieve what she wanted,  set her apart. There was also a lot of selflessness in Khajista that stemmed from the loss of her mother & which was definitely the biggest strength of this character. Khajista had a firsthand experience of how lack of medical facility became the reason for her mother’s demise, therefore instead of letting this turn bitter, she made it her motive to become a doctor so that she could help the women from her area in a way she couldn’t help her mother. Khajista’s journey of becoming a doctor was not easy but the way she conducted herself with dignity, knowing what was at stake for her was simply a treat to watch. It’s a rarity to come across such dignified characters on screen, this is why Khajista’s character won the hearts of viewers in no time. Hiba Bukhari also deserves full credit for treating this character the way it deserved to be treated, making it a lot more special.

Rohi (Mor Maharan)

Rohi from the drama serial Mor Maharan is another progressive female character this year who would have gotten more attention had the drama been executed in a better manner and aired on one of the leading channels. Rohi has a definite purpose in life; she is not afraid of speaking her mind and is fearless. Her character traits are everything we want to see in more female characters in Pakistani dramas. It is always good seeing female characters whose sole purpose in life isn’t getting married and Rohi is definitely one such character.

Almas (Mor Maharan)

Almas’ track had our undivided attention right from the beginning. She had a bitter past and even her present situation is not ideal but she continues to make wise decisions and has been shown as a resilient woman. She is an entrepreneur with a strong personality and great foresight. Even though she is strong, she is not scared of sharing her fears with those who care about her.

Safina (Pehchaan)

Safina was one of the most important supporting characters in Pehchaan. She represented all those women who are abandoned by their families because they want to pursue their dreams or be independent. Although Safina’s background did not make sense at times, it was her present situation and character traits that stood out for us. Despite being abandoned and living such a difficult life, she welcomed her niece and brother happily into her life once they wanted to be a part of it. Also, her support for Sharmeen and her role in her journey made her such a wonderful character which was crucial to Sharmeen’s journey. We looked forward to their scenes together and loved how positive Safina was for the most part.

Zarghona (Sang e Mah)

In a patriarchal society where she had no one’s support, Zarghona showed everyone that she never wanted anyone’s support in the first place. Zarghona was brave but her beginning was anything of that sort. She too was a submissive wife who was a victim of domestic abuse but even then she knew how to honor her ex-husband because she knew his shortcomings & faults. Zarghona picked up the pieces & re-married but unfortunately, lost her husband & then decided to become self-sufficient. Although she had a hard time making her daughter understand her perspective but she stood firm because she knew what was better for Gulmeena. Zarghona’s character was written with the intent to show that such women are often easily misunderstood but no one ever puts an effort to understand who they are & why they have become this way. Sania Saeed gave an outstanding performance in Sang e Mah by breathing life into this character.

Rukhsana (Wehem)

Brave, strong, mysterious yet flawed, Rukhsana is not your typical bahu that is usually seen in a Pakistani drama. Rukhsana’s journey is interesting to witness, especially because she thinks she has everything under control. This urge to control everything also stems from the fact that she was unable to have any hold, any control over her marital life, but after that, she toughened up & made sure that things go as she wants them to. Rukhsana doesn’t shy away from punishing those who go against her but when it comes to her sons, she doesn’t want her truth to be exposed to them, As flawed as she may be, she has never failed as a mother & this is the reason that now when her sons are mature & grown up, she can not wrap her head around the fact that they too can have their own opinions & take their own decisions. Savera Nadeem has embraced this character flawlessly & makes you want to learn more about this character as the drama progresses.

Amma Bi (Wehem)

Amma Bi’s character is written so well that it clearly conveys what the writer has conceived it for. She is clearly dependent on her daughter-in-law, and she puts up with her punishments too, she is convinced that everything unusual that happens to her is because of Rukhsana, still, she is seen doubting herself. Amma Bi is perplexed & so tangled in the trap set by Rukhsana that it actually makes you feel for her a lot. However, despite the unfavorable circumstances, she continues to fight Rukhsana & tells her where she goes wrong. She definitely doesn’t have her sympathies with her daughter-in-law but chooses not to live with her son either. Amma Bi’s character has been beautifully portrayed by Shamim Hilali.

This completes the list of best female characters seen in Pakistani dramas this year. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below & feel free to add more names to the list.

Pakistani drama writers understand that a drama needs a strong storyline and well etched-out characters in order to engage the viewers and leave a lasting impression. Nowadays many writers bank on shortcuts to make their characters attractive therefore any character that fits the bill is highly appreciated. The bechari aurat is the easiest and most commonly used shortcut. Black and white characters are also considered an easy way to gain the sympathies of the viewers or to make them hate a character. What makes an on-screen character truly impressive is firstly when it is not clichéd, secondly, it is not one-dimensional and most importantly the viewers should be able to relate to the character. Whether the character is good, bad, or grey the motives and personality traits of the character should not confuse the viewers. If a character is unpredictable then that is great but logic comes before everything else.

Out of all the Pakistani dramas that aired in 2021 here is the list of those female characters that can easily be termed as the best:

Mehreen (Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay)

It won’t be wrong to say that Mehreen happens to be such a character which is rarely seen in a Pakistani drama. Writer Umera Ahmed has definitely brought something new to the table by giving so many layers to Mehreen. The best part about her character is how she always tries to fight and come up with solutions against all odds. Things have never been in Mehreen’s favor but she still tries to steer through whatever life pans out for her. The thing that sets her apart is how broken she is but never ever uses her miseries to seek sympathy or even validation from anyone. Mehreen happens to be the most misunderstood person in the family with almost everyone against her. In Pakistani dramas, where we get to see so many ‘bechari’ female characters, Mehreen definitely stands out that where as much as you feel for, you can also see why she behaves the way she does & that definitely makes her a very interesting character. Mahira Khan has definitely done justice to Mehreen’s character by portraying all the shades of her personality phenomenally.

Almas (Azmaish)

When you look at Almas’s character in the drama serial Azmaish, the only word that comes to your mind is how ‘nurturing’ she is. Although we would’ve hoped that at least she had a bit more confidence and say in the matters concerning her daughter’s life but she was shown to be extremely submissive. This was again her way of being obliged and grateful to her second husband for providing a decent living to her daughter Nimra. Almas was someone who always had the best interest of everyone around her, even Shiza and Samreen who never truly respected or accepted her as their mother. Almas was always in a difficult situation but she still pushed through with patience and perseverance knowing this was the only way to keep the entire family together. Laila Wasti has always been graceful and she was at her finest in the drama serial Azmaish.

Minal (Dunk)

Minal’s character in the drama serial Dunk was definitely a breath of fresh air. It is always nice to see such characters who stand by the truth and push through no matter what. Minal stood by Haider when everyone, including his own family, disowned him and chose not to trust him. Minal did have her rough patches where she found it hard to stay firm. The best aspect about Minal’s character was her approach towards everything that Haider was going through and most importantly, never settling for half-baked explanations. Minal always looked for answers and the complete picture because she knew this was going to help her stay focused and also allow her to be with Haider in tough times. Minal chose to trust Haider when no one trusted him, making her a strong companion and a character as well. It was good to see Azekah Daniel playing such a substantial character that too convincingly.

Saira (Dunk)

Saira’s journey in the drama serial Dunk was full of ups and downs but the best part about her was her strength and courage as a woman to accept and shape her life accordingly. Saira lost her husband but she never once questioned his character and credibility. Saira understood that she had a young child, for whom she had to be strong. Saira and Humayun’s daughter was already facing so much at a tender age and although Saira took her time to mourn the loss of her husband, she realized that she had to pick herself up only for the sake of her child. Saira not only forgave Haider but chose to be a bigger person to understand how he was manipulated too. Yasra Rizvi is a measured performer and she got to showcase that in the drama serial Dunk.

Zeba (Phaans)

The story of the drama serial Phaans was all about the survivor and it was nothing short of a treat to see a strong character like Zeba. She knew that she was going against the tide but she turned her misfortune into fuel that ignited the passion in her to fight for justice. Zeba was put through so much but she stayed focused because she knew she wanted to see her abuser behind the bars. At the beginning of the drama, Zeba was shown as a wise and intelligent girl and it was nice to see her character arc where she relied on herself and didn’t settle for what others offered to her. Zeba did find a strong support system in the form of her mother and Samad, but it was only because her courage was unwavering that they also found the courage to stand by her. Zara Noor Abbas gave Zeba’s character the right kind of treatment to make this performance as well as the character memorable.

Falak (Laapata)

Drama serial Laapata focused on the younger generation and the problems faced by them on different fronts in life. In Falak’s journey, her mistake was trusting the wrong person but the way she emerged from it showed how strong she was if she put her mind to something. Falak was fierce and self-sufficient but it didn’t turn her aloof or emotionally unavailable. She was always very much affected by what her family members went through. This is exactly why she kept everything to herself because she didn’t want her father to be upset. Another brilliant aspect of Falak’s journey was that she did not shy away from happiness and when life gave her the opportunity, she settled for it. Falak was someone who lived life her way and because she was always so sorted, she ended up winning the support of her family too. Sarah Khan was a perfect choice to play the character of Falak, she was a perfect mix of strong and sweet.

Fatima (Wafa Be Mol)

Wafa Be Mol is another drama serial that has quite a few characters which can easily be termed as cliched but it also has some exceptional characters and Fatima is one of them. Fatima is one of the most intelligent and caring young ladies we got to see in dramas this year. Her intelligent and nurturing nature makes her a really likable character. We look forward to her scenes and she never disappoints.

Navera (Mohlat)

Although the story of the drama serial Mohlat was centered around Maham’s character, it won’t be wrong to say that Navera caught more attention because of the total contrast between Maham and Navera’s personalities. Navera always felt unwelcomed and unwanted, she suffered from low self-esteem but despite such grave circumstances, she still had the courage to stand by the right. Navera found the support she needed from her sister Rida and that was enough for her to understand how much potential she herself had. Navera was always neglected but she was so nurturing and understood what neglect and rejection do to you. This is exactly why she chose to be the complete opposite of that and with this, she was able to win everyone over. Navera’s journey wasn’t easy but her kindness and confidence turned things around for her. Komal Aziz Khan was definitely the star of this show and she brought a lot of warmth in a drama that was so focused on the negativity churned out by Maham.

Rida (Mohlat)

Rida’s character was definitely fun to watch. She was the kind of person who had a very easy-going approach to life. Rida was someone who would always look for comedy in situations but that didn’t mean she did not understand the intricacies of relationships, circumstances, and life. In so many instances, Rida always used to be the voice of reason and because she never took things to her heart, she believed in seeing things for what they were and calling spade a spade. This is what made Rida’s character so special and enjoyable to watch. Sabeena Farooq’s effortless acting and dialogue delivery made this character a lot more special.

Bubbly (Parizaad)

Bubbly is a one-of-a-kind character from the drama serial Parizaad which breaks stereotypes and highlights so many important aspects about people who cannot identify with the gender they are born with. The reason for this ‘confusion’ and the conflict within Bubbly has been shown with utmost clarity. You feel for this character and it helps you learn more about people who face similar struggles. It is always great to see writers penning down such exceptional characters. Saboor Aly’s performance also raised the bar really high.

Haider’s Mother (Fitoor)

In the drama serial Fitoor, it won’t be wrong to say that the only wise and rational character was Haider’s mother played beautifully by Ismat Zaidi. She saw how hard her only child has struggled and how long it took him to move past the heartbreak, therefore she was adamant to turn things around. She was the kind of mother who understood and adored her son but was also not afraid to call him out when she felt he was losing sight of rationality. She did what it takes to make her daughter-in-law Dilnasheen feel welcomed and a part of the family. She realized that because Haider was still preoccupied with the thoughts of Mehmal, it was affecting his relationship with Dilnasheen and for that, she was being the voice of reason and called spade a spade. In Pakistani dramas, it is a rarity to find such mothers-in-law who do not turn a blind eye to the faults of their own sons, therefore this character is not only refreshing but the best one from the drama serial Fitoor.

Afreen (Aulaad)

Afreen was a breath of fresh air in the drama serial Aulaad which had many selfish and negative characters. Afreen was a woman who was caring and loving, even though her husband did not support his parents but she always tried her best to make her husband understand that he was not being fair. She had some really positive traits but she was not been able to ‘help’ her husband or his family the way she would have wanted to. Even though she disagreed with her husband on so many things but she went along with whatever he decided and did so without coming across as a bechari. The writer through this character showed that sometimes the daughters-in-law can give the kind of love to their parents-in-law which the sons do not. Since there were two other daughters-in-law in the drama who were selfish and manipulative, Afreen balanced out this negativity and kept the portrayals from being stereotypical. Sunita Marshal pulled off this character elegantly throughout hence making it stand out.

Mooni (Aulaad)

We were genuinely pleased to see an accurate representation of people with special needs in Aulaad. Mooni was one such character who had certain challenges because of which her parents had to constantly struggle to keep her situation from getting worse. Since every character in this drama served a bigger purpose, we feel that Mooni also served the purpose of making people see that such people need unconditional love. They are also sensitive and loving individuals who are easily disturbed if they are met with challenges that are incredibly overwhelming. Through this character, the writer also showed how important the support of the entire family is in order to keep such family members from feeling alienated. Mooni’s tragic ending was one of the most emotional moments of this drama. Qudsia Ali’s effortless portrayal made the viewers fall in love with her character. Mooni’s exit from the drama proved to be a turning point for many characters in the drama.

Sumbul (Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahin)

Sumbul was the main lead in drama serial Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahin. Despite of everything that happened to her, she never gave up and continued fighting for her freedom. Her backstory was presented on screen in such a way that the viewers had no difficulty relating to who Sumbul was and what shaped up her personality from the start. She was sold to Surraya auntie at a young age and even though she had been living this life for so long, she did not only wish to be free herself one day but she had a bigger objective of freeing all the other girls as well. Strong, sensitive, fearless, and wise, Sumbul was the kind of leading lady who reaffirms our faith in Pakistani dramas. Her journey was carried forward convincingly and her ending was perfect. Yumna Zaidi’s brilliant performance has definitely added more intensity to this character.

Najma (Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahin)

Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahin had so many strong supporting characters, Najma was one of them. Najma was a mother who supported her daughters even though it required going against her husband’s will most of the time. She was not a rebel but an intelligent woman who made a difference bit by bit. The character had been written down logically and translated on screen convincingly. She was a caring and nurturing woman who fought against all odds and was wise enough to know the challenges she faced. Samiya Mumtaz made Najma’s character a treat to watch because she brought out her gentle and caring nature superbly on screen.

Surraya (Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahin)

Surraya auntie ran a brothel and she was once a young girl who was sold just like all the other girls who worked for her. She lacked empathy; she was also highly manipulative and materialistic. This was another character that aptly represented a vicious circle. Even though she was once a victim of human trafficking, she did not think twice before putting the girls’ lives in danger. She learned to be cruel at a young age therefore all she cared about were material gains. The way she exploited girls and manipulated them was presented so well on screen. Her ending showed how she too was no more than a puppet in the hands of those who were behind the scenes running everything. Navid Shehzad was absolutely phenomenal in this role.

Hajra (Raqeeb Se)

In the drama serial Raqeeb Se, the writer Bee Gul has brought forth such a situation which has probably not been seen before in any other Pakistani drama. Through the character of Hajra, the writer has shown how big-hearted a woman can be, how selfless she can be and when she puts her mind to it, how nurturing she can be for everyone around her. Hajra loved her husband and justified it every step of the way and this is why she put everyone around her in perplexity when they saw her calmness and selflessness. Hajra’s love for Maqsood was her strength, which made her selfless to accept the fact that her husband can share his life with a woman he had loved all his life. Hajra was like the binding force of this entire family and although she never gave herself enough credit, she was an integral part of Maqsood’s life who provided him the home, the comfort he needed after all that he went through. Sania Saeed breathed life into this character and made it a lot more special.

Sakina (Raqeeb Se)

Sakina had a tough life, she knew that she won’t be able to find happiness in her life but she chose to pay the price in order to ensure the safety and life of the man she loved. Sakina was full of secrets but she chose silence over everything because she came to terms with what her life had offered her. She loved Maqsood all her life but just because she realized that he has a life of his own, she felt burdened being around him. Sakina never denied loving Maqsood but her respect towards him was bigger than the love she had for him. Hadiqa Kiyani’s portrayal of Sakina was so measured that actually made you feel her pain. This character wouldn’t have left such an impact if it wasn’t for Hadiqa Kiyani’s brilliant performance.

Insha (Raqeeb Se)

As is evident from many of the names included in this list, we absolutely love strong female protagonists who use their strength wisely. Insha was one such character from Raqeeb Se. She was a working woman who was raised by her father in such a way so that she could be completely independent. She was also extremely sensitive which is why she noticed when her father did not love her mother the way she deserved to be loved. Insha was a feminist with a heart of gold. Her relationships were used in an effective manner to show her strengths and weaknesses. This character wouldn’t have been so impactful had Faryal Mehmood not translated it superbly on screen. Insha will surely be remembered for a long time.

Nargis (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Nargis was fierce, she was confident and she was sorted. Nargis had dealt with her fair shares of heartbreak and had seen the ugliest side of life up close, therefore she came to the point that whatever her life was offering her, she had to cherish and value it. This is exactly why she turned out to be such a dutiful and sincere wife and accepted her stepdaughter with all her heart. Nargis was the kind of person who liked to empower others around her even if it meant she had to give up and nurture it by sacrificing a great deal. Nargis’ character was so layered but the best part about her was that she treated people the way they deserve to be treated – she could be your absolute best friend or your total nightmare, given what you wanted her to be. Nargis was wise, intelligent, and had a very distinct perspective towards life. The best part about Nargis was that she never shied away from speaking her mind and she was always right. It won’t be wrong to say, this is one character that has put Rabia Butt’s name on the map. Nargis was definitely the best character seen in a Pakistani drama this year. She is going to stay with the viewers for a long long time.

Zainab (Pehli Si Mohabbat)

Zainab had faced rejection, sadness, and heartbreak, and although she had come to terms with it, she was still recovering. The sad part was that because her own family, especially her brother and her mother chose not to hear her out and trust her, she found it hard to move on. Zainab was a depiction of helpless and hopeless women in society who could have had a better chance at life but were ripped off of their happiness. It was beautiful how despite not having much to give, she at least understood what her younger brother was facing and was always there to support him. Zainab came up with some of the most profound advice for Aslam and the relationship she shared with him was simply beautiful. Uzma Hassan was at her finest in Pehli Si Mohabbat and it won’t be wrong to say, she and Rabia Butt were the only good thing about this entire drama.

Zubi (Pardes)

Pardes was an exceptional drama serial that had so many different characters. Zubaida was the leading lady in the drama whose journey was covered in a convincing manner. Through this character, the writer highlighted the troubles of all those women who had to raise their children on their own and had to constantly compromise. Even though Zubaida always put everyone else before her own self, she was somehow a likable character. She lived her life in a dignified manner and got the kind of ending which was gratifying. Shaista Lodhi made a really intelligent move by choosing to play this role and she did complete justice to it.

Aimen (Pardes)

Aimen’s journey in Pardes started when she was a kid. The viewers watched this kid witnessing the double standards of her immediate family. She also witnessed how her father’s absence and everyone’s selfishness made her childhood bitter and her mother’s life difficult. She grew up to be an outspoken and confident young woman who had certain vulnerabilities and insecurities as well. However, she always spoke her mind whenever she felt that someone was not being fair. Her character was the center of attention for all the right reasons. Durr-e-Fishan acted brilliantly throughout, making Aimen a memorable character.

Noor (Aakhir Kab Tak)

It is always refreshing watching strong female characters on screen. Noor is one such character from Aakhir Kab Tak who is fierce, intelligent, loving, and caring. Even though she was raised in a household where she watched her mother suffering constantly, she refused to accept the norms set by her family. Her character has been etched out brilliantly because there isn’t a single situation where she uses her confidence in a way that would make the viewers question her. Her character has played a major role in bringing about much-needed changes in the way things work in the house. She has through her insight and knowledge turned her father’s business into a complete success. If it weren’t for Noor, her mother would never have realized all the mistakes which she made. Ushna Shah’s brilliant performance makes this character even more likable.

Fajar (Aakhir Kab Tak)

Fajar’s character is completely different from Noor’s; she lacks confidence and depends entirely on her sister for support. Her character perfectly and aptly shows how constant disapproval and scorning affect a child’s personality. Even though Fajar lacks confidence and is socially awkward, she has always been shown as someone who is completely capable of critical thinking. The only reason she was targeted by her class fellow to be the next victim was her timid personality. The writer has through this character shown that rape victims cannot just move on after finding a partner who loves them but they need help from professionals. Usually, such characters are one-dimensional but Fajar’s character isn’t so. Srha Asghar’s performance makes this character even more convincing.

Safia (Aakhir Kab Tak)

For the longest time, Safia was the weakest character in the drama serial Aakhir Kab Tak and perhaps also one which we have seen in dramas many times before. What makes her eligible for this list is the fact that this character underwent a massive transformation which was shown realistically. Even when Safia was being physically and verbally abused by her husband and other people in the house, the writer used this character to send such a strong message to all the mothers out there about how not to raise their children! Although there are many dramas in which such helpless mothers are shown but Safia’s struggles truly resonated with the viewers because the impact they had on her life and on her children’s lives had been shown on screen so aptly. Apart from this, the change in her character has been the best. Javeria Abbasi’s impressive performance made it even easier for us to relate to this well-written character.

This completes the list of best female characters seen in Pakistani dramas this year. Which one of these is your favorite? Feel free to add more names and share your opinion in the comment section below.

Pakistani drama industry has gone through many phases in the past few decades. We have seen the best and worst of Pakistani dramas in all these years. Just when most of the avid viewers had given up on Pakistani dramas, the producers and writers surprised us with multiple dramas that offer variety and meaningful entertainment. Each one of these dramas brings something new to the table. A few weeks back, it was almost impossible to make a list of the best Pakistani dramas because there were hardly any good dramas on air. However, things have taken a turn for the better now. Even those viewers who had stopped watching Pakistani dramas have a lot to choose from now.

There are a lot of entertaining dramas on air at the moment. However, only those Pakistani dramas made it to the ‘best’ list which truly makes me look forward to the next episode.

Here is a list of the best Pakistani dramas on air right now:

Kabli Pulao

Writer: Zafar Mairaj
Director: Kashif Nisar
Schedule: Tuesday 8 pm on Green Entertainment

Kabli Pulao is one of the most unusual stories airing on Green Entertainment. This drama has redefined the idea of love stories in Pakistani dramas. It has also shown on-screen the most unlikely yet the most attractive hero and heroine. Apart from the leading actors Muhammad Ehteshamuddin and Sabeena Farooq, the entire cast has been hand-picked in such a way that every actor fits their respective roles like a glove. Zafar Mairaj has penned down characters that win you over repeatedly and Kashif Nisar’s direction has breathed life into these characters. Kabli Pulao is a classic that keeps on surprising. It is also the kind of drama that entices you a little more with every passing episode. Everything about this drama is perfection personified. Even the OST is spellbinding. If you are not watching this one already, you are missing out.

Jeevan Nagar

Writer: Awais Ahmed
Director: Kashif Nisar
Schedule: Monday 9 pm on Green Entertainment

Green Entertainment definitely takes the lead right now in terms of showing quality content. Jeevan Nagar is another masterpiece that is airing on the channel. This drama makes good use of Sohail Ahmed’s expertise and Rabia Butt stands out in another powerful role. Jeevan Nagar transports you into another world which is an outcome of the writer’s imagination. Jeevan Nagar has some of the most memorable characters and performances to its credit. Awais Ahmed’s script is full of surprises and Kashif Nisar’s direction is the cherry on top. The humorous element of the drama is another reason why it never ceases to entertain. Jeevan Nagar is a must-watch for all those Pakistani viewers who like watching unique stories that entertain.

Nauroz

Writer: Kashif Anwar
Director: Shahzad Kashmiri
Schedule: Thursday 8 pm on Green Entertainment

Nauroz is yet another story that is completely brand new for Pakistani viewers. It is a Pakistani version of all those Disney animations in which characters from another world end up in ours. Kashif Anwar is on a roll since both his current dramas show how far he has come as a writer. Shahzad Kashmiri is an expert when it comes to taking viewers out of closed spaces and into the open. The execution is definitely a clear winner in Nauroz. Mawra Hocane and Shamil Khan’s impeccable performances and their palpable on-screen chemistry make Nauroz a must-watch. The main idea of the story is unique and so far with the exception of a few minor glitches, everything else has been shown convincingly. The plot is highly unpredictable and engaging.

Neem

Writer: Kashif Anwar
Director: Shahzad Kashmiri
Schedule: Monday 8 pm on Hum

While Green Entertainment is clearly taking the lead at the moment, Neem is one drama on Hum that I genuinely look forward to watching. It has so many positive messages which have been presented in an engaging manner. This is another drama in which Mawra Hocane’s performance has made all the difference. Zimal is the heart and soul of Neem while all the other characters and stories are simply not in the same league as this main track. Apart from that, Ameer Gilani has proven through his performance that he wants to experiment and has what it takes to translate different versions of his character on-screen. Neem offers meaningful entertainment and has some of the most beautifully written dialogues. Kashif Anwar and Shahzad Kashmiri are turning out to be an ace team.

Guru

Writer: Likhari
Director: Bilawal Hussain Abbasi
Schedule: Wednesday 8 pm on Express TV

The drama serial Guru tells the story of that section of society that is most often a victim of stereotypical characterization in our dramas. Guru, however, gives these individuals a new identity by showing their strengths in a way that has never been shown before. While Guru’s script is not flawless like the other dramas I have listed before it but its main character and the premise of the story make it a must-watch. This is the first time that Ali Rehman Khan has taken up a role that is meaty and demands a lot from an actor. Ali Rehman’s performance makes you feel for Guru and it also highlights the positive aspects of the character. The emotional element of the drama supersedes every other component of the story and binds you to the drama.

Meher Mah

Writer: Akhtar Qayyum
Director: Najaf Bilgrami
Schedule: Monday 8 pm on Express Entertainment

Meher Mah is one of those dramas on this list which might fall into the love triangle category but it is not another love story by any standards. Although, there are certain aspects of the drama that can easily be termed as typical but overall Meher Mah is entertaining and engaging. Hira Mani and Affan Waheed’s performances stand out. However, what stands out the most about this drama are its characters. The first thing that attracted me to the drama was the way Rohail (Affan’s character) shows his wonderful upbringing. Since then, Rohail has been a breath of fresh air. We definitely need to see more such leading men in our dramas. Similarly, B Jaan is such a positive and loving soul, it is so good to see Humaira Bano nail this role. I also love how the dads are so cool and are best friends. Ramsha also has her ‘fears’ but she has not been acting like those typical insecure women we see in our dramas all the time. There is a certain typicality in the script but overall this drama has so much going for it, and so many refreshing elements as well. Apart from that, the fact that Meher Mah is thoroughly entertaining helps. You might want to forward the scenes of some of the characters but there is enough to keep you coming back for more.

Final Remarks

Other than these dramas, which for me are the best right now, for the reasons stated above, there are also other dramas that are definitely worth watching such as Idiot, Shanaas, and Jhok Sarkar. However, I feel that these dramas have not taken off just yet therefore they are not on the list.

Which Pakistani dramas have your undivided attention right now? Share your views.

Best Pakistani Dramas of All Time is today’s Topic. Pakistani Dramas have evolved a great deal over the years. Back in the 1960s and 80s, the writers put in a great deal of effort to come up with original scripts. There was also the trend of making meaningful comedy plays which served a bigger purpose and kept the viewers engaged as well. With the onset of the first private channel, things changed dramatically. There was more focus on making the dramas visually pleasing and there was also a time when the production houses started taking inspiration from Pakistani dramas which aired across the border. Luckily, that did not continue for too long and writers like Umera Ahmed, Faiza Iftikhar, Samira Fazal and others saved the day. The new production houses also put in all their efforts into bringing those viewers back who had stopped watching Pakistani dramas. This started a new wave of Pakistani dramas lead by many new private channels which continue to provide the viewers with quality entertainment even today.

This list contains dramas which aired from 1960s to 2012. Anyone who wants to find out which Pakistani dramas were the best after 2012 can click on the links under this article because those years were covered by reviewit in the annual lists.

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Alif Noon – 1965

Writer: Kamal Ahmed Rizvi
Director: Kamal Ahmed Rizvi
Producer: PTV
Cast: Kamal Ahmed Rizvi, Rafi Khawar & others.

Alif Noon was mainly the story of two friends who were completely different from one another, one was clever and the other one was extremely innocent. Each episode of Alif Noon covered a specific social evil and it did so without getting too serious. The comic timing of the actors involved and the wit of the writer made this series a treat to watch. Alif Noon was the most entertaining social satire till date.

Waris – 1979

Writer: Amjad Islam Amjad
Director: Ghazanfer Ali and Nusrat Thakur.
Producer: PTV
Cast: Abid Ali, Mehboob Alam, Uzma Gillani, Samina Ahmad, Firdous Jamal, Ghayyur Akhtar, Tahira Naqvi, Agha Sikander and others.

This drama is based on a the family of a feudal lord and his sons. The story revolves around the contrast between the sons and the paths they later choose in their lives which also results in family fued and their downfall. The story of Waris portrayed family politics in a gripping manner.

Ankahi – 1982

Writer: Haseena Moin
Director: Shoaib Mansoor and Mohsin Ali
Producer: PTV
Cast: Shehnaz Sheikh, Shakeel, Javed Sheikh, Jamshed Ansari, Saleem Nasir, Qazi Wajid, Behroze Sabzwari, Badar Khalil and others.

The story of one of the classics Ankahi is based on the struggles of a young girl belonging to middle class and how she is adamant on making the ends meet to support her family. This story showed that despite being clumsy and causing one problem after another, Sana is aware of her responsibilities and believes in doing what is right. Ankahi also shows a love triangle with Sana being the one making the final decision.

Tanhaiyan – 1985

Writer: Haseena Moin
Director: Shehzad Khalil
Producer: Shalimar Recording Company
Cast: Shehnaz Sheikh, Marina Khan, Behroze Sabzwari, Qazi Wajid, Yasmin Ismail, Durdana Butt & others.

Tanhaiyan is one of the best family dramas in the history of Pakistani entertainment therefore even today it is considered a classic. Tanhaiyan was a coming of age story which showed the struggles of its leading characters. It had a comic element and was emotional throughout. The strong characterizations and superb performances left a lasting impression on the viewers. It is one of those Pakistani dramas which can never get old.

Dhoop Kinare – 1987

Writer: Haseena Moin
Director: Sahira Kazmi
Producer: PTV
Cast: Rahat Kazmi, Marina Khan, Sajid Hassan, Qazi Wajid, Badar Khalil, Arshad Mehmood, Kehkashan Awan, Ishrat Hashmi, Azra Sherwani, Hameed Wyne and others.

Dhoop Kinare was the finest drama which revolved around the lives of doctors and everything that they go through. This drama showed doctors’ lives in a very magnified and realistic manner. Dhoop Kinare gave everyone an insight that despite going through so much in personal lives, doctors never falter on their responsibilities. The staff room conversations and the love story of Dr. Ahmed Ansari and Dr. Zoya made this drama very special.

Marvi – 1993

Writer: Noor-ul-Huda Shah
Director: Sultana Siddiqui
Producer: PTV
Cast: Ghazal Siddiqui, Hassam Qazi, Mahnoor Baloch, Badar Khalil, Noor Muhammad Lashari & others.

Drama serial Marvi’s story revolved around a girl Marvi who leaves her village to get higher education in the city. This drama highlighted the feudal mindset and showed the importance of taking a stand as well as education. Even now Ghazala Naqvi’s first introduction is Marvi. This drama also had a massive impact on the viewers and proved to be an eye-opener – it was one of the first of its kind.

Aanch – 1993

Writer: Naheed Sultana Akhtar
Director: Tariq Jameel
Producer: PTV Karachi Center
Cast: Shafi Muhammad Shah, Shagufta Ejaz, Sami Saani, Mehak Ali, Shehla Solangi, Ayesha Khan, Mehmood Ali, Qaisar Naqvi, Farheen Nafees, Kunwar Nafees and others.

Aanch drama is one of its kind. Aanch brought to light the kind of story which was rarely discussed or depicted on TV before. It is a story about the relationship between a step mother and her step children. This drama beautifully showcased how perseverance, patience and love showered by a strong and patient woman makes it possible for her to earn a place in her step-children’s hearts.

Dhuwan – 1994

Writer: Ashir Azeem
Director: Sajjad Ahmed
Producer: Sajjad Ahmed
Cast: Ashir Azeem, Nabeel, Wajid Ali Shah, Zubair Khan Achakzai, Nazli Nasr, Nayyar Ejaz, Rija Amir & others.

Drama serial Dhuwan too was a complete package and a must watch for all those people who haven’t watched it. An extremely engaging and powerful play, this drama showed how five friends who were highly educated decided to make their lives more purposeful by helping their country and people. Their friendships and their objectives both kept the viewers hooked. These character made the viewers laugh and cry with them.

Alpha Bravo Charlie – 1998

Writer: Shoaib Mansoor, Zia-ur-Rehman
Director: Shoaib Mansoor
Producer: ISPR, Shoman Productions
Cast: Qasim Khan, Abdullah Mahmood, Faraz Inam, Shahnaaz Khwaja, Aarshid Kazmi, Wiqar Ahmed, Hashmat Shaikh & others.

Alpha Bravo Charlie was a sequel of the mini series Sunehry Din but this drama gained much more popularity as well appreciation than its prequel. Alpha Bravo Charlie was another entertaining, meaningful and simply beautiful drama which showed how different young boys join the armed forces and grew with each other. The leading lady of this play was also its main attraction since her character was unconventional and appealing.

Doraha – 2008

Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Mehreen Jabbar
Producer: 7th Sky Entertainment
Cast: Humayun Saeed, Sanam Baloch, Sonia Rehman, Adnan Siddiqui, Badar Khalil & others.

Doraha aired at a time when most people had given up on Pakistani dramas. Doraha’s story was somewhat simple but the performances and the execution was perfect. Doraha was also liked by the viewers because of the cast since all the actors performed really well. This was also the time when Pakistani dramas were short and to the point therefore even if you tune into Doraha today, you will enjoy watching it.

Meri Zaat Zara e Benishan – 2009

Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Baber Javed
Producer: 7th Sky Entertainment
Cast: Faysal Qureshi, Samiya Mumtaz, Adnan Siddiqui, Sarwat Gilani, Imran Abbas, Samina Peerzada, Ismat Zaidi and others.

Meri Zaat Zara e Benishan was based on the novel written by Umera Ahmed. It was a story of false accusation that the character of Saba faced and the humiliation and rejection that came along. Saba goes through the worst because the pious and most respected member of the family plots against her only because she can not accept Saba as her daughter in law. Meri Zaat Zarra e Benishaan was a melodrama which covered the destruction that Saba’s entire family faces because of one such incident.

Malal – 2009

Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Mehreen Jabbas
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Sarwat Gillani, Deepti Gupta, Faisal Rehman, Imran Abbas, Ismat Zaidi, Shamim Hilali and others.

Malaal was a story of two friends Danish and Zeenia. Zeenia loves Danish but because he ends up succumbing to the pressures, he leaves her in the lurch and gets married to Mahi. Malaal was a story showcasing how wrong decisions can affect everyone’s lives. It also focused on how selfishness ends up getting you nowhere. This drama had one of the best acting performances to its credit and the best part about this drama was that it highlighted the struggles of people of modern day and age in a realistic manner.

The Baraat Series – 2009 to 2012

Writer: Syed Mohammad Ahmed, Khadija Shah, Vasay Chaudhry, Bushra Ansari
Director: Marina Khan, Nadeem Beyg
Producer: Evernew Studio
Cast: Bushra Ansari, Javed Sheikh, Hina Dilpazeer, Saba Hameed,Samina Ahmad, Hassan Niazi, Ayesha Omer, Shehryar Zaidi,
Sana Askari, Arjumand Rahim, Samina Ahmad & others.

The Baraat Series titled Kis Ki Aye Gi Barat had 4 seasons which were thoroughly entertaining. Each season covered the wedding of a particular character. This series was the perfect combination of comedy and drama. Some of the characters were an instant hit and continued to be the highlight of every season.

Daam – 2010

Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Mehreen Jabbar
Producer: 7th Sky Entertainment
Cast: Sanam Baloch, Aamina Sheikh, Adeel Hussein, Nimra Bucha, Sanam Saeed, Faisal Shah & others.

Pakistani drama serial Daam was also one of those dramas which contributed greatly to the revival of Pakistani dramas at a time when most of the production houses were too busy copying our neighboring country, writers like Umera Ahmed brought back the charm of Pakistani dramas. Daam was the story of relationships, friendship and deceit beautifully penned down and presented on screen by the best people in the business.

Dastan – 2010

Writer: Samira Fazal
Director: Haissam Hussain
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Sanam Baloch, Samina Peerzada, Saba Qamar, Ahsan Khan, Fawad Khan, Mehreen Raheel, Affan Waheed, Babrik Shah, Saba Hameed, Daniyal Raheel, Anita Camphor and others.

Dastan drama was based on a novel by Razia Butt titled Bano. The story of Dastaan was based on the Indo-Pak partition and how it affected and changed the lives of people involved. The story revolved around the journey of the central character Bano who lived a comfortable life but later the idea of going to Pakistan and becoming a part of the new formed Islamic state made her go through the worst experiences of her life. Bano’s journey was filled with ups and downs and it was conveyed in a brilliant manner which made the viewers feel for Bano and every single character every step of the way.

Mera Saeein – 2010

Writer: Samira Fazal
Director: Babar Javed
Producer: A&B Entertainment
Cast: Amina Sheikh, Sunita Marshall, Noman Ejaz, Mohib Mirza, Beenish Chauhan, Savera Nadeem, Faysal Qureshi, Saba Faisal and others.

Mera Saeein is a story of a feudal lord Malik Wajahat Ali who lets his desires rule him, desire for a son, for power, for wealth and desire to be with women and have a control over them. During this course, he meets a strong-willed woman who believes she can bring a change in Wajahat’s personality but she ends up becoming a rival of her best friend. Mera Saeein was all about greed and emotions that were conveyed brilliantly.

Qaid e Tanhai – 2010

Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Babar Javed
Producer: A&B Productions
Cast: Savera Nadeem, Faysal Qureshi, Saba Hameed, Sunita Marshall, Syed Jibran, Neelam Munir, Lubna Aslam, Ismat Zaidi and others.

Qaid e Tanhai is a story of a family that goes through trials and tribulations. A young married couple facing financial difficulties and the mother in law controlling her son which lands his wife in trouble. Qaid e Tanhai is a story of longing and long-distance relationships, it focuses on how when a couple is distant, they start relying on other people for the sake of companionship. In Qaid e Tanhai it is also shown that what goes around comes around because the one who was responsible for distancing the couple ends up all alone too.

Maat – 2011

Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Amna Nawaz Khan
Producer: MD Productions
Cast: Saba Qamar, Adnan Siddiqui, Aamina Sheikh, Noor Hassan Rizvi, Shamim Hilali, Asad Malik & others.

The characters in this drama were black and white but this was an enticing play nevertheless. This was the first drama which showed sibling rivalry and one of the few Pakistani dramas in which the negative character stood out more than the positive one. Maat was an extremely popular drama and as a result a lot of writers copied the idea as well. Even now there are some dramas airing on television which are highly inspired from Maat.

Mein Abdul Qadir Hoon – 2011

Writer: Sarwat Nazir
Director: Babar Javed
Producer: A & B Productions
Cast: Fahad Mustafa, Alishba Yusef, Aamina Sheikh, Faysal Qureshi, Sana Askari, Saba Hameed & others.

Mein Abdul Qadir Hoon was one of those very few Pakistani dramas of that time which showed the struggles of a young man and focused on the male protagonist at a time when most stories revolved around women. This was another coming of age story with a spiritual element to it. The role played by Fahad Mustafa in this drama was one of the best performances of his entire acting career which gave him a new introduction.

Roag – 2011

Writer: Faiza Iftikhar
Director: Babar Javed
Producer: A & B Productions
Cast: Asif Raza Mir, Faisal Qureshi, Sumbul Iqbal, Shagufta Ijaz & others.

Drama serial Roag covered the sensitive topic of child rape at a time when such topics were considered extremely tabooed. Apart from this, it also covered many other pressures and challenges faced by young people. Roag set the bar really high and even today the dramas which cover such topics are often compared with it.

Hamsafar – 2011

Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq
Director: Sarmad Khoosat
Producer: MD Productions
Cast: Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Naveen Waqar, Atiqa Odho, Behroze Sabzwari, Hina Bayat, Saba Faisal & others.

Hamsafar was the most gripping play of its time, it also had an unmatched fan following. It was the story of two people who are forced to get married, they fall in love and the rest of the drama covered the ups and downs in their relationship. Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan’s on-screen couple as well the fast pace of this show in the first few weeks won the viewers over completely.

Mere Pass Pass – 2011

Writer: Samira Fazal
Director: Misbah Khalid
Producer: MD Productions
Cast: Deepak Perwani, Nadia Jameel, Moammar Rana, Aysha Khan (senior), Faisal Shah, Ayesha Sana & others.

The story of Mere Pass Pass was unusual; it was the story of a man who falls hopelessly in love with a married woman. The beauty of this play lied in its simplicity, the perfect characterizations and a very engaging screenplay. Every character and actor left a lasting impact. The casting was faultless and all the actors shared superb on screen chemistry. There were times when the camera work wasn’t very impressive but overall the direction and editing was spot on.

Khuda Aur Mohabbat – 2011 & 2017

Writer: Hashim Nadeem
Director:
Season 1: Anjum Shehzad
Season 2: Syed Ali Raza Usama
Producer: Javeria Saud
Cast: Imran Abbas, Sadia Khan, Kubra Khan, Salman Shahid, Firdous Jamal, Khalid Butt, Shafqat Cheema, Fazila Qazi, Rambo and others.

Khuda aur Mohabbat was a drama based on the novel written by Hashim Nadeem. The story of Khuda aur Mohabbat was based on the journey of Hammad who goes from loving a human being to finding the love of his Creator through that. Hammad and Imaan’s short-lived love story was one of a kind. Their love goes through the scrutiny of societal obstacles and they don’t get to be together. This novel was dramatized twice. The first season that aired in 2011 covered half of the novel but the second season that aired in 2017 showed the complete story.

Akbari Asghari – 2011

Writer: Faiza Iftikhar
Director: Haissam Hussain
Producer: Six Sigma Presentation
Cast: Imran Abbas, Fawad Khan, Sanam Baloch, Humaima Malik, Nargis Rasheed, Asma Abbas, Rehan Sheikh, Nasreen Qureshi, Kiran Haq and others.

Akbari Asghari drama was based on the infamous novel Mirat ul Uroos written by Nazir Ahmed Dehlvi. The story highlighted the stark differences between two sisters Akbari and Asghari. This drama has a comic take on the theme of the story and the Punjabi humor made it one of its kind. This drama was a fine example of ‘never judging a book by its cover’ and the realistic portrayal made it a very interesting watch.

Pani Jaisa Pyaar – 2011

Writer: Moomal Shunaid
Director: Sarmad Sultan Khoosat
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Saba Qamar, Mikaal Zulfikar, Juggun Kazim, Ahsan Khan, Samina Peerzada, Babrik Shah, Samina Peerzada, Firdous Jamal and others.

Pani Jaisa Pyaar is a story of rape victim Sana who is put through tough circumstances because of some wrong decisions made by her family. It also showcases how keeping the truth haunts Sana in her marital life but in the end, when she decides to take a stand for herself by putting her self-respect and mental peace before anything else, everything else shapes up. Pani Jaisa Pyaar was one of those few Pakistani dramas which gave a happy ending to a rape victim showing that what they go through is never their fault.

Durr-e-Shehwar – 2012

Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Haissam Hussain
Producer: MD Productions & Six Sigma Entertainment
Cast: Sanam Baloch, Samina Peerzada, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Qavi Khan, Nadia Jamil, Noman Ijaz, Umer Naru, Syed Muhammad Ahmed & others.

This drama had some of the most heart-warming, soul-stirring and effective dialogues. Durr-e-Shehwar covered the story of two different generations and their attempts to make their marriages work. Durr-e-Shehwar is a classic which every drama fan must watch. If you haven’t watched it do give it a go, it will transport you in a world of its own right from the get-go. You cannot watch it without crying buckets of tears.

2013 Dramas – Hits and Misses

HUM vs. ARY Digital – Who Won The Race In 2014?

Must-Watch Dramas Of 2015

Best Dramas of 2016

2016 Dramas Worth A Binge Watch

Best Dramas Of 2017 – You Should Not Miss

Best Pakistani Dramas of 2018 That Should Not Be Missed!

https://reviewit.pk/best-pakistani-dramas-of-2019-which-are-must-watch/

Pakistani dramas continued to evolve and at the same time deteriorated in some ways this year. There are certain new trends such as stretching dramas especially when they get the ratings and unnecessary focus on visuals which definitely make it difficult to add dramas to this list without ignoring those ‘few episodes’ or glitches which made us question these dramas at some point. Therefore, it would be safe to say that our definition of the “best dramas” includes those dramas which were for the most part engaging and entertaining as well as meaningful, well-written, and acted out superbly. More than the stories of some of the dramas, the characters, and the performances caught our attention. With the passage of time, Pakistani dramas have been more character-driven therefore some of the characters in these dramas proved to be novel or they gave an interesting spin to many of the done-to-death characters. There was unfortunately not a single drama serial this year that was picture perfect but then when a drama airs for so many weeks, that should be a given. However, there were plenty of dramas that had beautifully penned-down characters and performances that left us in awe of the actors who played these roles.

Here is the list of the best Pakistani dramas of 2022. Dramas that have been on air for more than 10 weeks have been included in the list. We will update it once again in December.

The list is in Alphabetical order.

Aye Musht e Khaak

Writer: Maha Malik
Director: Ahsun Talish
Producer: 7th Sky Entertainment
Channel: Har Pal Geo
Cast: Sana Javed, Feroze Khan, Nimra Khan, Shabbir Jaan, Iffat Omar, Asad Siddique, Shahood Alvi, and others.

Aye Musht e Khaak was definitely the kind of drama that touched upon a very sensitive subject with a lot of sensitivity. These kinds of subjects are shied away from in Pakistani dramas but the team of Aye Musht e Khaak not only decided to bring it to the table but dealt with it with a lot of maturity. The protagonists were complete polar opposites when it came to faith & practicing religion. For Dua, everything revolved around her faith, her religion & her belief in her Creator, whereas Mustajab never had that kind of guidance since the beginning & ended up living life on his own terms. Mustajab’s love for Dua was selfish in the beginning because he didn’t understand the true meaning of it. For Mustajab, getting Dua was almost like owning a possession that he liked. Dua changed Mustajab’s life for good when she decided to walk out of his life & then the journey of self-discovery & most importantly, discovering the Creator began for Mustajab, which was the crux of the drama.

Aye Musht e Khaak was another drama of 2022 which showed a female protagonist living life on her own terms. Although her family did have very basic & certain plans for her life when she decided to walk out of this marriage, her father’s support was another refreshing aspect of the drama. Mustajab’s journey to religion & faith was also shown organically & the things he detested the most ended up being an integral part of his life. The overall story of Aye Musht e Khaak was told convincingly & once again, despite a limited number of characters, it had so much to offer that it kept the audience hooked right till the end despite a lot of episodes. Sana Javed & Feroze Khan gave memorable performances such as Dua & Mustajab, adding more to the popularity of the drama.

Bakhtawar

Writer: Nadia Akhtar
Director: Shahid Shafaat
Producer: Momina Duraid Productions
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Yumna Zaidi, Zaviyar Nauman Ejaz, Saqib Sameer, Mizna Waqas, Naureen Gulbani, Sunil Shankar, Huma Nawab, Adnan Shah (Tipu), and others.

Bakhtawar is currently on air and one of those few dramas on this list that has only 10 episodes to its credit. The main appeal of the drama lies in its protagonist. Bakhtawar’s story is refreshing and Yumna Zaidi’s performance has made all the difference. Bakhtawar is essentially the story of a young girl who is determined to make it through life on her own. In order to do so, she takes a decision that changes the direction of her story and complicates things for her as her journey moves forward.

Bakhtawar was perhaps Hum TV’s attempt to put together a different/female version of Parizaad, although it does not even come close to Parizaad, it does keep you engaged and the writer has ensured that the story continues to be meaningful. There are no glaring loopholes in the story, the dialogues are well written and the majority of the cast is giving the characters they are playing their best. This is another one of those dramas that highlight the issues faced by women on different levels and it has been doing so intelligently. Some of the real-life incidents have been woven together in the story to make room for different perspectives. Nadia Akhtar’s script fits the bill but there are times when the production values are not too impressive. Also, some of the visuals do not go well with the situations. Zaviyar Nauman also fails to impress as the main lead. Bakhtawar is Bakhtawar’s (Yumna Zaidi) show; the character and the actor both never fail to impress.

Chaudhry & Sons

Writer: Saima Akram Chauhdry
Director: Syed Wajahat Hussain
Producer: 7th Sky Entertainment
Channel: Har Pal Geo
Cast: Imran Abbas, Ayeza Khan, Noor ul Hassan, Sohail Ahmed, Shagufta Ejaz, Asma Abbas, Yasir Nawaz, Irsa Ghazal, Madiha Rizvi, Zoya Nasir and others.

Chaudhry & Sons was this year’s Ramzan special 30-episode drama that aired on Har Pal Geo. Written by Saima Akram Chaudhry, it had all the flavors one could easily expect from her. Although the underlying theme that makes Ramzan dramas special is the comedy but it can not be denied that Saima Akram Chaudhry’s scripts run high on emotions. Chaudhry & Sons was no different because it showed how in the end, family ties & relationships matter the most & end up shaping your life for the better. Chaudhry & Sons’ had an ensemble cast & each character had a uniqueness to it. The most endearing part of this drama was the relationships both Billu & Pari shared with their grandparents.

Chaudhry & Sons was definitely a treat for those viewers who enjoy Punjabi humor & understand the underlying meaning behind such conversations. The actors also deserve full credit because in so many instances, it was obvious that they themselves added certain dialogues & emotions, making it easier for the audience to relate to them. Although there were some aspects of the show that weren’t too convincing but on the whole, it was definitely an enjoyable drama that served its purpose of light-hearted Ramzan family entertainment. All the actors made Chaudhry & Sons worthwhile due to their brilliant performances & immaculate comic timings.

Dobara

Writer: Sarwat Nazir
Director: Danish Nawaz
Producer: Momina Duraid Productions
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Bilal Abbas Khan, Hadiq Kiani, Sakina Samo, Shabbir Jan, Fareeda Shabbir, Usama Khan, Sabeena Syed, Nabeel Zuberi, Maheen Siddiqui, Zoya Nasir, Angeline Malik, Sheryar Zaidi, Aslam Sheikh, Sarah Nadeem, Javed Sheikh, and Nauman Ijaz.

Dobara had unusual and interesting characters; the premise of the story was also novel especially in the first few weeks. The story revolved around a young widow Mehrunnisa who did not get to enjoy her teenage years because of early marriage. Her husband was not just much older than her but he was also like a father figure who constantly disciplined a young girl who had a fun and adventurous nature. The drama opened with Mehru deciding to live her life to the fullest after her husband’s death and that is when she met a young man Mahir who could easily pass as the younger version of Mehru. This drama highlighted the way society expects women to sacrifice their happiness for their families and judges them when they choose to be happy.

Mahir and Mehru’s union was one of the most interesting elements of the drama. Mehru’s character lost its spark soon after her marriage to Mahir but Hadiqa Kiyani made sure that she kept the viewers glued with her brilliant performance. She brought out the best in her character even when Mehru’s character did not make a lot of sense. Mahir continued to be ‘mystery’ right till the end which added an element of intrigue. Mahir was the center of attention because there were so many different shades to his personality and he was flawed yet likable in some ways. It was a superbly etched-out character which became even more appealing because Bilal Abbas Khan breathed tangible life into it almost effortlessly. The director Danish Nawaz also made sure that every important scene left an impact. Sarwat Nazir’s writing for the most part was impressive as well. Dobara is definitely a must-watch, if you haven’t watched it yet then go watch.

Fraud

Writer: Zanjabeel Asim
Director: Saqib Khan
Producer: iDream Entertainment
Channel: ARY Digital
Cast: Saba Qamar, Ahsan Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Rabia Kulsoom, Adnan Samad Khan, Mehmood Aslam, Nida Mumtaz, Nazli Soomro, Asma Abbas, Annie Zaidi and others.

Fraud is another one of those dramas that are currently on air. It has been on air for more than 20 weeks but it is still entertaining enough to keep the viewers looking forward to the upcoming episodes. The story revolves around three different households; all 3 of them belong to a different class of society. It also shows how differently these characters choose to solve the issues and problems in their lives. The drama is much more than just about the “fraud” which changes the course of the main protagonist Maya’s life forever. It has a ‘commercial’ track to it as well involving conspiracies and it has certain refreshing elements such as the mother-in-law who wants the best for her daughter-in-law even though her son passed away.

Fraud is an all-out entertainer, which makes it one of the best dramas right now. At the same time, it has some great messages which have been integrated well into the story. It also has quite a few interesting characters. The top-notch performances, great production values, and visuals that go well with the story add to the entertainment value. Zanjabeel Asim Shah knows how to entertain her viewers without coming across as frivolous. Saqib Khan’s direction is on point and some of the actors entertain and engage throughout. Ahsan Khan has yet again managed to play a negative role in such a manner that you look forward to watching his scenes. Saba Qamar is brilliant as usual, Naeema Butt outshines in a role unlike any other she has performed before and Rabia Kulsoom makes her presence felt in every scene. Fraud will keep you hooked throughout, if you have not watched it already, do give it a go.

Habs

Writer: Aliya Makhdoom
Director: Musaddiq Malik
Producer: Six Sigma Plus
Channel: ARY Digital
Cast: Ushna Shah, Feroze Khan, Dania Enwer, Ayesha Omar, Sadia Faisal, Irsa Ghazal, Janice Tessa, Musaddiq Malik, and others.

Drama serial Habs is still on-air but it has easily become one such drama that the viewers enjoy watching. The main aspect that made Habs stand out, in the beginning, was the kind of treatment it got in terms of execution. It reminded us of old PTV dramas with no loud background music & subtlely in how the situations unfolded. Habs’ story revolves around Basit & the writer has beautifully highlighted how his childhood traumas have shaped him to be who he is today. The parallel has also been drawn with Ayesha’s character who has a completely different mindset & puts her family ahead of her. The way both Basit & Ayesha despite their differences find themselves drawn to each other was nothing short of a treat to witness in Habs.

Although the number of characters in Habs is limited, but the writer Aliya Makhdoom has made each one of them so dynamic that you actually feel invested & want to learn more about them. Each & every character is playing their part beautifully in contributing to the overall story & its development. Habs is also refreshing in a way that usually in Pakistani dramas, it is a man who is the savior of a woman but here, it is Ayesha who is helping Basit face his demons, unlearn the hatred & look at life & his relationships with a new perspective. It is also interesting to note that Basit found it easy to bring his guards down in front of Ayesha because she made sense & presented everything logically to him. Ayesha & her mother-in-law’s relationship was another endearing track in Habs. Bano’s character is dignified & the way she picks up the pieces after her heartbreak makes her a strong character too. Ayesha & Basit both have had their fair share of miseries thrown by life at them, however, Basit became bitter whereas Ayesha steered through it with a brave face. Musaddiq Malik has made his debut as a director with the drama serial Habs & he has definitely shown his prowess as well as his uniqueness with the way he has executed Habs. These days where dramas are filled with loud OSTs & background scores, as well as exaggerated expressions & dramatics, the slow & calming feel of Habs makes it a treat to watch.

Hum Tum

Writer: Saima Akram Chaudhry
Director: Danish Nawaz
Producer: Momina Duraid Productions
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Ahad Raza Mir, Ramsha Khan, Sarah Khan, Anoosheh Rania Khan, Aina Asif, Junaid Khan, Ayesha Sohail, Danish Ali, Uzma Beig, Arjumand Rahim, Adnan Jaffar, Munnaza Arif, Farhan Ali Agha, Saife Hassan, Muhammad Ahmed.

Hum Tum was one of those few comedy dramas this year that was a complete package. It was not mindless entertainment since the writer made a conscious effort to add meaning to the script. The cast couldn’t have been more perfect; all the actors clearly enjoyed playing their respective roles. There were times when Ahad Raza Mir’s Urdu pronunciation was not ideal but other than that he gave a solid performance. The director Danish Nawaz gave the script the right treatment. Apart from the casting, the dynamics of at least one of these couples, Neha and Sarmad, were such that their scenes were thoroughly enjoyable. Sarah Khan and Junaid Khan made a great on-screen couple. They also played their respective characters brilliantly. Adam and Neha were a lot like many other on-screen couples we have seen in previous Ramazan specials but the casting made a big difference. There were times when Adam in particular took it too far but the fact that he had underlying respect for Neha because of her intelligence made him a likable character.

Hum Tum had a variety of characters and there was something new and likable about all of them. Whether they were the independent females such as Maha, Neha, Milli, or Sasha or the male leads, all these characters brought something new to the table. The most important element of this play that stood out was the older characters such as Daddu and Tamana Nani. They were not just the older parents in the story but they were also characters with a life and objective of their own. Both of them had their own careers and aspirations in life. They were full of life and questioned the idea that a person should stop living their lives to the fullest at a certain age. These characters were just as strong as most of the leading characters. Hum Tum grows on you and once it does, you can’t help but fall in love with it. It was the best for sure.

Jo Bichar Gaye

Writer: Ali Moeen/Col Z. I. Farrukh
Screenplay: Haissam Hussain and Mehreen Alam
Director: Haissam Hussain
Producer: H2 Films
Channel: Har Pal Geo
Cast: Wahaj Ali, Maya Ali, Talha Chahour, Nadia Jameel, Adnan Jaffar, Sajid Shah, Fazal Hussain, Rana Majid, Aurangzaib Mirza, Omar Darr, Ahmed Abbas, Shireen Zahid, Usman Zia, Omar Cheema, Zaheer Taj, Fahad Hashmi.

Jo Bichar Gaye was hands down the best drama which took the viewers completely by surprise not only because of its content but also because of its powerful execution. This drama dared to show in detail the incidents that led to the East Pakistan tragedy. Jo Bichar Gaye had so much going for it yet it was somehow not promoted as aggressively as some of the other commercial projects that air on Geo. The drama was based on a book written by Col. Z. I. Farrukh, who was also one of the main protagonists in the story. He was one of the army men taken in as prisoners of war when Dhaka fell. This drama also marked the comeback of the iconic director Haissam Hussain to television and Nadia Jamil also made her acting comeback with Jo Bichar Gaye. The production house H2 Films definitely deserves credit for taking this initiative and putting together such a masterpiece. Jo Bichar Gaye’s writer intelligently and neutrally managed to shed light on all those factors which led to the fall of Dhaka. The fact that the novel this drama was based on is written by someone with vast military experience who was stationed in Dhaka and was in the middle of the conflict reflected in the details which had been the focus of attention throughout.

The script of the drama with the utmost clarity showed all the different dimensions of the issue in the fairest manner. It focused on the lack of foresight, conspiracies, and also the way young people such as Rumi were misled and used for ulterior motives. The writers and the director did exceptionally well while striking a balance between what was going on, on the political and military front, and everything happening in the personal lives of the characters. The viewers found themselves invested in the personal relationships of the characters as much as they were in the events on the political front. Starting from the leading cast such as Wahaj Ali as Rumi, Maya Ali as Sonia, or Taha Chahour as Captain Farrukh to the supporting actors such Nadia Jamil in a candid and interesting role and all those new faces in the most powerful roles, everyone literally managed to transport you to another world. Jo Bichar Gaye is an underrated gem that is a must-watch.

Mere Humnasheen

Writer: Misbah Ali Syed
Director: Ali Faizan
Producer: 7th Sky Entertainment
Channel: Har Pal Geo
Cast: Hiba Bukhari, Shehzad Sheikh, Ahsan Khan, Syed Jibran, Momina Iqbal, Moomal Khalid, Haris Waheed, Farhan Ali Agha, Salma Hassan, Meherbano, Munazzah Arif and others.

Mere Humnasheen ended recently & throughout its airtime, it kept on getting hyped up for all the right reasons. After a very long time, Pakistani drama viewers got to see a female protagonist who had certain goals in her life that she wanted to achieve apart from getting married. Mere Humnasheen can easily be classified as one of the mega serials of 2022 because it struck the chord & had all the elements that worked in its favor. Although initially, the viewers weren’t too happy with the way the Pukhtoon community was being portrayed but through the course of Khajista’s journey, the changes in the thought process of her tribe became the strength of the drama.

Mere Humnasheen had all the flavors a viewer asks for, it had drama, family politics, family rivalry, love story, revenge, and everything in between. However, the writer should take a bow for coming up with a character like Khajista who was dignified & knew that she had fought so hard to be where she was, therefore she could never take anything for granted. Darakhzai, despite all his shortcomings also ended up winning the hearts of the people because of how he evolved himself & wanted to assist Khajista in chasing her dreams. Dr. Hadi brought a lot of relief with him because every time Khajista landed in hot waters, he did everything he could to help her & eventually ended up falling in love with her. Mere Humnasheen’s story had everything that the drama viewers have seen before but the way it was treated & executed made it refreshing & outstanding. This drama also gets the credit for starting a conversation about the lack of attention tribal areas get in terms of education. The writer Maha Malik consciously highlighted the difficulties faced by women living in such areas but their resilience was also put forth, making it another appreciable aspect of Mere Humnasheen.

Sang e Mah

Writer: Mustafa Afridi
Director: Saife Hassan
Producer: MD Productions
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Atif Aslam, Nauman Ejaz, Samiya Mumtaz, Sania Saeed, Hassan Noman, Omair Rana, Hania Amir, Zaviyar Noman, Kubra Khan and others.

Sang e Mah was definitely the drama that got all the hype way before it started airing. It was due to the fact that the viewers thought it was a sequel of Sang e Marmar, a mega sit serial of 2016. However, it didn’t take much for Sang e Mah to impress the audience & show that it also had a lot more to offer in terms of story, direction & most importantly unique & dynamic characters. Sang e Mah also had the credit of introducing Atif Aslam in Pakistani dramas as an actor & it didn’t take long for him to establish why he chose Hilmand & why Hilmand came to him. An ensemble cast with such established & seasoned actors was a part of Sang e Mah & told the story like it has not been told before.

Sang e Mah was also one such drama that focused a lot on diversity & inclusivity. Therefore the characters from the Sikh community, as well as a Christian character, were made a part of the story in a beautiful manner. Sang e Mah started off as a revenge story but had so many layers to it that made it hard to guess that the underlying theme was based on the emotion of love that Haji Marjan & Zarsanga had for each other. Sang e Mah was more like a journey that the viewers took alongside all these characters & props to the writer Mustafa Afridi for adding so much depth & layers to these characters that the audience formed a connection with them immediately. The women in Sang e Mah were dynamic & strong, they lived life on their own terms against all odds & it was an interesting journey to witness. The dialogues, story, depth in the characters, some comedy, and unique situations make Sang e Mah a memorable & one of the best dramas of 2022. However, Sang e Mah has given Pakistani drama viewers a gifted actor in the form of Atif Aslam & we are definitely looking forward to his projects.

Wehem

Writer: Imran Nazir
Director: Adnan Wai Qureshi
Producer: Moomal Entertainment
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Savera Nadeem, Shamim Hilali, Kinza Hashmi, Zaviyar Nauman Ijaz, Babar Ali, Tara Mehmood, Adnan Gulzar, Hurriya Mansoor & Others.

Every now and then Moomal Entertainment impresses and pleasantly surprises the viewers with its novel ideas and well-written scripts. Imran Nazir’s Wehem is not just another story about a woman wanting to take control; it also has a well-thought-out plotline. The characterizations, their backstories, and the element of intrigue keep the viewers on the edge. Wehem’s biggest strength is its unpredictable script and powerful performances by experienced actors. Although the channel has written Kinza Hashmi and Zaviyar Nauman’s names as leading actors, anyone who is watching this drama will agree that neither their characters nor their performances take the lead. It is one of those few dramas where the senior actors take the lead and keep you hooked on their beautifully nuanced performances. Wehem is the story of a mother, a wife, and a strong but insecure woman whose actual reality remains a mystery even now. Her character is flawed yet you feel for her and even find yourself rooting for her. Savera Nadeem is impressive as Rukhsana, her relationship with her mother-in-law is the highlight of the drama.

Savera Nadeem’s fans should definitely tune into this one. Shamim Hilali, Babar Ali, and Tara Mehmood’s performances also stand out. Zaviyar Nauman fits the character but does not bring much to the table. Kinza Hashmi’s performance has been convincing throughout but her character Eshal is definitely not leading the story. Adnan Wai Qureshi’s direction fits the bill because he has made sure that Imran Nazir’s intelligently written script gets the right treatment. Wehem is a thriller that should not be missed.

Which Pakistani drama kept you hooked this year? Share your thoughts.

Another year is drawing to a close and it is time to re-evaluate the dramas which different channels aired in 2021. It is always really exciting shortlisting dramas for these annual lists since sometimes so many quality dramas do not get the kind of appreciation they deserve on our website due to the limitation on the number of reviews that are published on Reviewit. Therefore, making a well-thought-out list of the best Pakistani dramas is also our way of acknowledging the efforts of those writers, directors, producers, and actors who think out of the box and manage to entertain the viewers.

2021 was an exciting year for drama makers as well as the drama buffs since Hum in particular was more than eager to experiment with different topics. ARY Digital also aired a few dramas that were meaningful and engaging. However, we only wanted to choose the best dramas for this particular list. Despite certain shortcomings, these dramas for the most part delivered. We all know by now that there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ drama hence we also had some issues with a few of these dramas but overall they definitely fit the bill and were best among so many different plays that aired in 2021.

Here is the list of the best Pakistani dramas of 2021: 

The list is in Alphabetical order.

Aulaad

Writer: Syed Ameer Ali Shah
Director: Aabis Raza
Producer: Big Bang Entertainment
Channel: ARY Digital
Cast: Muhammad Ahmed, Marina Khan, Marina Khan, Sunita Marshal, Hasan Niazi, Furqan Qureshi, Nabeel Zuberi, Mahenur Haider, Minsa Malik, Hina Altaf, Qudsia Ali, Humaira Bano, and others.

There are only a few Pakistani dramas that do not rely on star power and narrate the story of older characters. Aulaad was one such drama that highlighted how important it is for parents to be economically independent and not to rely entirely on their children. Also, Munni’s character in Aulaad translated the innocence and needs of a special child flawlessly on screen. Through this drama, the writer conveyed a really important message which is hardly ever highlighted the way it was in the drama serial Aulaad. The solid characterizations and the emotional element of the drama always stood out. When this drama started many people thought that it was inspired by the Bollywood film Baghbaan and to a certain extent it was but unlike other dramas which took inspiration from Bollywood films, Aulaad had enough substance to keep you engaged and coming back for more.

The phenomenal acting by some of the young and experienced actors made all the difference. Muhammad Ahmed is well-known for his apt portrayals and in Aulaad he made the viewers feel for him every step of the way. Marina Khan added grace to her character and together this unusual on-screen couple was remarkable. Qudsia Ali also played Munni’s character so brilliantly that most of the viewers couldn’t help falling in love with her. Her impactful and effortless portrayal in the drama made her character stand out. All the other actors also did complete justice to their respective characters which definitely made this drama worth watching. The director Aabis Raza also made sure that the essence of the story did not get lost in translation. Overall, Aulaad was an emotional ride with more sad moments than happy ones but it told a story that needed to be told and heard! If you missed out on this one, do give it a go.

Aakhir Kab Tak

Writer: Radain Shah
Director: Syed Ali Raza Usama
Producer: Moomal Entertainment & MD Productions
Channel: HUM TV
Cast: Ushna Shah, Azfar Rehman, Srha Asghar, Javeria Abbasi, Shahood Alvi, Adeel Hussein, Haroon Shahid, Gul-e-Rana and others.
Writer: Radain Shah
Director: Syed Ali Raza Usama
Producer: Moomal Entertainment & MD Productions
Channel: HUM TV
Cast: Ushna Shah, Azfar Rehman, Srha Asghar, Javeria Abbasi, Shahood Alvi, Adeel Hussein, Haroon Shahid, Gul-e-Rana, and others.

Aakhir Kab Tak is another drama this year that provides meaningful entertainment. It is yet another feather in the cap of one of the most underrated writers of the industry, Radain Shah. Through this drama, the writer has highlighted how a child’s upbringing affects his or her personality. This is a different version of the drama Mubarak Ho Beti Hui Hei and we really feel that this subject matter needs to be dealt with more often in such an intelligent manner in dramas. The characterizations in the drama and for the most part, the pace of the show make it a must-watch. Unfortunately, our producers have started using rape as a tool to get the public’s attention therefore every other drama has such a track. However, Aakhir Kab Tak shows another side of such criminal acts and one which has not been highlighted in any other drama so far.

The impressive performances and the kind of treatment given to the story make it entertaining even though it deals with so many serious issues. Noor’s character played by Ushna Shah is a breath of fresh air in so many ways. It is one of the most likable female characters we got to see in Pakistani dramas this year. Srha Asghar has once again outdone herself in a role completely different from the one she played in Pyar Ke Sadqay. The supporting actors and characters in the drama stand out just as much as the leading ones. Aakhir Kab Tak has different variety of characters and tracks. It did drag a little in the past few weeks but now it is back on track and keeping the interest of the viewers alive. This drama should not be missed.

Chupke Chupke

Writer: Saima Akram Chauhdry
Director: Danish Nawaz
Producer: MD Productions
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Ayeza Khan, Osman Khalid Butt, Aymen Saleem, Arslan Naseer, Ali Safina, Mira Sethi, Asma Abbas, Uzma Beg, Farhan Ali Agha, Tara Mehmood, and others.

In Pakistani dramas, it is a rarity to find romantic comedy which is done right and Chupke Chupke ended up being one with a lot more to it. Chupke Chupke was a Ramzan special drama that aired throughout the month and the success it achieved was unparalleled. It had a brilliant cast, engaging storyline, and the perfectly done quotient of comedy to it which really contributed to its success. Chupke Chupke provided perfect family entertainment which actually made the viewers laugh and then gave so much to feel connected to each one of them that there was a high demand for the second season as well. The friendship of Haadi and Faazi, the love story of Haadi and Mishi, love story of Meenu and Faazi along the catfight of wives of Nawab Sahab Naik Parver and Naik Bakht were some of the highlights of Chupke Chupke. Viewers also loved how they showed strong relationships between cousins and how they stood up for each other.

Chupke Chupke brought a lot of attention to the entire cast of the drama and also faced criticism for some of the themes shown in the drama alongside the casting of Ayeza Khan to play a college student. All in all, it just showcased how widely this drama was being followed but the love and fame it got outbid some of the criticism it got. Chupke Chupke showed that at times, formula dramas also end up being successful if they are treated in the right manner. It was a fun and feel-good drama that definitely deserves to be on this list of best Pakistani dramas that we got to see in 2021.

Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahin

Writer: Amna Mufti
Director: Kashif Nisar
Producer: Kashf Foundation
Channel: PTV & TV One
Cast:Yumna Zaidi, Yasra Rizvi, Sammiya Mumtaz, Noman Ijaz, Navid Shahzad, Omair Rana, Wahaj Ali, Bonita Malik, Hina Altaf, Noor-ul-Hassan, Adnan Shah Tipu, Kashif Mehmood, and others.

Amna Mufti is a remarkable writer who makes sure that all her scripts provide much more than just entertainment. Many of her dramas highlighted issues that are most often brushed under the carpet since they do not bring in the ratings! Kashf Foundation definitely deserves credit here for investing in such projects. Kashif Nisar never shies away from directing such dramas and he always has a grip on every single aspect of the story. This drama, therefore, had a dream team of creative and intelligent people. Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi effectively highlighted issues such as human trafficking, child labor, exploitation of the poor, corruption, lack of empathy, and even animal rights. It gave a face to every child who is deprived of his or her rights since all the tracks in the drama started from the time when these children were not given their birthrights. Since they were born in families which were either poor or had fathers who did not prioritize their well-being. All the characters in Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahin had a different journey, unique personalities and they represented a section of the society which in some way either added to the problem or tried to break free from it. It isn’t easy penning down so many different tracks with such precision yet Amna Mufti succeeded in doing so.

The fact that this drama was not aired on one of the leading channels definitely took away an edge needed to guarantee viewership but even then it was watched by many and got the appreciation it deserved. Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahin starred some of the most phenomenal actors of the industry which definitely added to the overall appeal and feel of the drama. Yumna Zaidi truly outdid herself in a role that was extremely challenging. Navid Shahzad also stood out in a negative role even though most often the viewers have seen her in a completely different avatar. Omair Rana, Yasra Rizvi, Kashif Mehmood, Sammiya Mumtaz, and all the child actors made their presence felt throughout. Child stars Saadoon Ali and Bonita Malik were truly exceptional in their respective roles as Jamshed and Allah Rakhi’s younger versions. Also, the director Kashif Nisar did not add a commercial element to the story at all which made it even more impactful. This drama is not for the light-hearted since it upsets on so many different levels. However, it is not to be missed!

Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay

Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Farooq Rind
Producer: Nina Kashif & Momina Duraid Production
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Mahira Khan, Kubra Khan, Usman Mukhtar, Haroon Shahid, Huma Nawab, Zainab Qayyum, Shamim Hilali, Ali Tahir, Kaif Ghaznavi, Khalid Malik and others.

The drama Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay is based on the novel written by Umera Ahmed. Usually, when the novels are dramatized, there is not much room left for changing the story. However, the sheer intelligence of director Farooq Rind has taken it to another level where viewers who have not read the novel are enjoying the suspense factor related to Mashal’s death. If simplified, Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay looks like another love triangle of cousins involved but what makes it different and worth watching is how the emotions come into play in this drama. Writer Umera Ahmed deserves full credit for picking up a seemingly basic story but adding so much depth and so many layers into it where it actually gives you a lot to reflect upon. The most important message that the drama imparts is how the early years are the defining factors of one’s life. Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay started on such a note which actually showed how negative emotions and traits end up ruining the personalities of children who are surrounded by such toxicity.

Mahira Khan and Kubra Khan’s convincing performances have left viewers spellbound. The clarity with which the emotions have been portrayed and come across on screen adds a lot more to the drama-watching experience. It won’t be wrong to say that Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay has given opened up a conversation about unresolved childhood traumas and also has clearly shown how the society and people around turn a blind eye to someone’s mental and emotional sufferings. Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay definitely is one of the best dramas on air right now.

Laapata

Writer & Director: Khizer Idrees
Producer: MD Productions
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Sarah Khan, Ayeza Khan, Ali Rehman, Gohar Rasheed, Akbar Islam, Asma Abbas, Munazzah Arif, Rabia Noreen, Khalifa Sajeeruddin, Emmad Butt, and others.

Laapata is the kind of drama that explored the lives of the younger generation; their aspirations, their dreams, and all the problems faced by them. It won’t be wrong to say that it definitely was a breath of fresh air with the writer and director bringing fresh ideas to the table. The best aspect of Laapata was the fact that it never got predictable and all the things that the viewers wished to see in a drama were presented in it. From showing head-strong female lead to supportive father, a family coming together in a time of need to the male lead learning from his past mistakes – Laapata had so much to offer.

Although there were a few aspects that were far stretched and there were some flaws in the execution too, overall Laapata was definitely an enjoyable experience that had absolutely nothing typical to it. Sarah Khan and Ali Rehman’s chemistry was one of the winning factors of this drama. Gohar Rasheed once again got to showcase his talent and Ayeza Khan was perfectly convincing in this glamorous role with her character having streaks of negativity. The writer and director Khizer Idrees deserves full points for trying something new and also experimenting a lot when it came to the execution of the drama. The camerawork and angles added so much to the drama-watching experience. Another plus point that made Laapata one of the best dramas of 2021 was the pacing and a perfect number of episodes to wrap it all up.

Neeli Zinda Hai

Writer: Adeel Razzaq
Director: Qasim Ali Mureed
Producer: Six Sigma Plus
Channel: ARY Digital
Cast: Urwa Hocane, Sonia Mishal, Mohib Mirza, Osama Tahir, Jinaan Hussain, Kinza Malik, Agha Mustafa Hassan, Tehreem, and others.

It takes a lot of courage for drama-makers to come up with unique ideas and experiment while making a drama. Neeli Zinda Hai happens to be one such drama that is based on a fictional story with elements of reality to it. Although the drama has become slow-paced, the writer has added all the elements to Neeli Zinda Hai to make it gripping and engaging. It has been dramatized in such a manner that it actually leaves you intrigued. The story, in general, may be predictable but it’s the performances of Sonia Mishal, Jinaan Hussain, Urwa Hocane, and Mohib Mirza that convince you to tune to it every week.

The story of Neeli Zinda Hai has its fair share of family politics but in general, it still has the viewers looking forward to knowing more about Neeli and her backstory which has yet to be revealed. It is a known fact that drama-makers rarely experiment and usually stick to the storylines and dramas that bring attention and generate ratings, therefore to see a team coming up with a different idea such as Neeli Zinda Hai and executing it in such a manner that does entertain you is a success for the team.

Pardes

Writer: Sarwat Nazir
Director: Marina Khan
Producer: Six Sigma Plus Production
Channel: ARY Digital
Cast: Sarmad Khoosat, Shaista Lodhi, Durr e Fishan, Affan Waheed, Hammad Shoaib, Bushra Ansari, Gohar Rasheed, Atiqa Odho, Atabik Mohsin,
Hina Javed and others.

ARY Digital’s Pardes was an outstanding drama serial this year based on a new idea. This drama focused on the problems faced by Pakistanis working overseas and most importantly how their immediate family suffers as a result of this. Daldal did tackle the issue but it had a different storyline altogether. Pardes was more focused on the exploitation of the male members who provide for their families and the sacrifices their immediate family has to make as a result. Pardes is the kind of drama that grows on you gradually and when you think that the story might be getting typical, something happens to prove you wrong. Pardes definitely fit the bill because the emotional and realistic element of the drama couldn’t have been more impactful. It covered the story of different generations and further highlighted how deep-rooted the effects of such circumstances are.

Sarwar Nazir always manages to ace such scripts that highlight certain social issues that are usually not a subject matter of Pakistani dramas. Shaista Lodhi’s performance stood out since she translated the trials of her character flawlessly on screen. Affan Waheed and Durr-e-Fishan’s on-screen chemistry and the couple were a huge hit as well. Pardes provides the kind of quality entertainment that should not be missed.

Parizaad

Writer: Hashim Nadeem
Director: Shehzad Kashmiri
Producer: MD Productions
Channel: HUM TV
Cast: Ahmed Ali Akbar, Noman Ejaz, Syed Muhammad Ahmed, Urwa Hocane, Ushna Shah, Yumna Zaidi, Saboor Ali, Mashal Khan, Tipu Shah, Kiran Tabeer, Laila Zuberi, Madiha Rizvi, Malik Hamid Raza, Nadia Afgan, and others.

Parizaad has a star-studded cast, a meaningful script, and the best cinematography. This is one of those Pakistani dramas which is currently on air and deserves a spot on this list because of its unique plot and protagonist. Parizaad is one of those few dramas currently that has captivated the viewers who long to watch something unique. There are so many aspects of this drama that set it apart from the crowd. It has attracted even those viewers who had given up on Pakistani dramas altogether. The writer Hashim Nadeem has penned down a script that is unique in so many ways. Although this is a serial but the way the characters come and go gives it the engaging factors which the series have. A new character is introduced after every few weeks which shifts the way the story moves forward. The writer has definitely laid down the foundations for a brand new genre by doing so. Most often, certain characters that are part of the story are part of it right till the end. In Parizaad however, some of the characters are constant, others come, do what needs to be done and then they leave. This makes the storyline unique and even more appealing. Apart from this, the writer has not used any of the done-to-death scenarios to entice the viewers. Parizaad’s story at some level represents the story of every individual out there who has ever dared to dream.

In an era when young and good-looking heroes and heroines are considered as the basic requirement of any drama serial at all, Parizaad has broken all stereotypes by introducing a male protagonist who is unlike any other. Parizaad’s male lead’s success and the fact that people are absolutely in love with this character has definitely redefined the general concept of the main protagonist in Pakistani dramas. It goes to show that the viewers want to watch real people’s stories on screen. A protagonist does not have to be eye candy or a toxic man, which is most often the case. More dramas should have protagonists such as Parizaad who does not only break stereotypes but also set the bar high. Ahmed Ali Akbar’s outstanding performance has given him a new identity and it won’t be wrong to say that his performance is enough to entice the viewers. Saboor Aly, Noman Ijaz, and some of the new actors leave you impressed and looking forward to more.

Phaans

Writer: Samina Ijaz
Director: Syed Ahmed Kamran
Producer: MD Productions
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Zara Noor Abbas, Shehzad Sheikh, Sami Khan, Yashma Gill, Arjumand Rahim, Ali Tahir, Kinza Malik, and others.

Phaans was one such drama that imparted a very strong message for survivors of physical abuse and violation. In the past, Pakistani drama makers have produced a lot of dramas revolving on a similar theme but they ended up glorifying the abuser in one way or the other. In Phaans, the focus of the story was always on the character of Noor played phenomenally by Zara Noor Abbas. It showed how strong-willed she was and despite having a very basic education, she knew what her rights were. It was also very refreshing to see a mother being so supportive of her daughter. Although she did not have much to give to Noor she made sure to stand by her daughter so that she could fight her battles.

In the second half of the drama, when the real culprit was revealed, the drama makers had more in store for the viewers because Sahil, played by Shehzad Sheikh got to showcase how twisted he was and how he believed in justifying his cruel acts. Shehzad Sheikh gave probably the best performance of his career in the drama serial Phaans and proved his mettle as an actor every step of the way. Phaans did end up being dragged and slowed down towards the end but the overall takeaway from this drama was the message of courage and spellbinding acting of Shehzad Sheikh as Sahil.

Raqeeb Se

Writer: Bee Gul
Director: Kashif Nisar
Producer: MD Productions
Channel: HUM TV
Cast: Sania Saeed, Hadiqa Kiyani, Noman Ijaz, Faryal Mehmood, Iqra Aziz, Saqib Sameer, Hassan Mir, Hamza Sohail, Salman Shahid, and Saba Faisal

Writer Bee Gul is known for her unconventional storylines and characters that give even the most seasoned actors a new identity! Her style is always bold and unapologetic since she is not afraid to show scenarios that most writers would not even think of penning down for a television audience. Kashif Nisar is known for his powerful directorial skills and together these two creative individuals are a force to reckon with! Raqeeb Se’s main plotline and its characters were highly unconventional and at times difficult to relate to because they were unlike any other we have seen on television. We have watched many love stories on television but not even one like this one! For a change, the women who were in love with the same man were not shown fighting with one another but that man became the reason why they ultimately bonded. While Sakina’s open-hearted and caring nature was difficult to connect to at times, those short but meaningful scenes showing how she felt as if she is the other woman when Maqsood treated Hajra a certain way, made her character human! Hajra’s character kept the viewers guessing for the longest time but gradually it shaped up into an amazing character and together these women were the highlight of this drama! Two unusual characters who met in the most bizarre circumstances ended up giving each other the kind of acceptance which both of them never even got from their spouses!

All the tracks in Raqeeb Se were unique and they highlighted the inner struggles of the three main leads, in particular, in a powerful manner. This was also perhaps one of those few dramas in 2021 that had the most powerful ending. Probably for the first time in a Pakistani drama the female characters were so strong that the male characters took a backseat. Having said that, Noman Ijaz was beyond impressive as a man who kept you guessing! Faryal Mehmood was also the star of the show throughout. Iqra Aziz was criticized for her role and even performance in the beginning but her role also turned out to be meaningful and exciting. Hadiqa Kiyani’s outstanding debut performance left the viewers in awe of her talent. The OST of the drama was just as soul-stirring as the content as a whole. Raqeeb Se might not be everyone’s cup of tea but we are pretty sure that there are so many viewers like us out there who will fall in love with this unusual love triangle and many who must have found it difficult to choose between Hajra and Sakina because the writer never really wanted us to make that choice. The well-written dialogues of the drama made every scene a treat to watch.

Raqs-e-Bismil

Writer: Hashim Nadeem
Director: Wajahat Rauf
Producer: Shazia Wajahat & MD productions
Channel: HUM TV
Cast: Imran Ashraf, Sarah Khan, Mehmood Aslam, Nida Mumtaz, Momin Saqib, Furqan Qureshi, Anoushay Abbasi, Javeria Abbasi, Azeem Sajjad, Zara Sheikh, Gul-e-Rana, Saleem Mairaj, and others.

Hashim Nadeem is known for his powerful characters and settings which are always different from the ones we usually get to see in our dramas. His heroes in particular never cease to impress. He does go off track in the middle but usually ends up giving a decent ending to his scripts. Raqs-e-Bismil was a well-paced and for the most part well-written drama with some amazing performances. The main lead Moosa and his heart-wrenching journey was the highlight of the show throughout. The story was knitted together really well especially in the beginning 13 weeks and was also unpredictable throughout. The director Wajahat Rauf gave this script the perfect treatment and was definitely the one responsible for the fast pace of the drama for as long as it continued to be so. The script also questioned preconceived notions and gave a new face to certain characters who are often stereotyped in dramas.

Raqs-e-Bismil also proved to be another feather in Imran Ashraf’s cap since he nailed a brand new avatar. Momin Saqib is another actor who stood out until Esa’s character was relegated to the background. Mehmood Aslam and Furqan Qureshi were also convincing in their respective roles. Raqs-e-Bismil’s cinematography and the way each scene was captured made it a visual treat. Zohra and Sitara’s characters were perhaps the weakest element of the drama and in an attempt to stretch the drama some sidetracks were given more screen time than necessary. An impactful leading lady and more convincing developments towards the middle would have made this drama even more powerful. Even though Raqs-e-Bismil had many flaws, overall it was a good watch.

Safar Tamam Hua

Writer: Rahat Jabeen
Director: Shehrazade Sheikh
Producer: MD Productions
Channel: Hum TV
Cast: Madiha Imam, Ali Rehman, Syed Jibran, Maha Hassan, Samina Ahmed, Saife Hassan, Haris Waheed, Sonia Nazir, Ayesha Gul, and others.

Safar Tamam Hua was the kind of drama that reminded you of old classic PTV dramas. It had that calm vibe and showed the dynamic of a family that tried its best to hold it together in times of difficulties. The story of Safar Tamam Hua reinstated the status of ahead of the family and how certain decisions impact all the members of the unit differently. Safar Tamam Hua also touched upon the sensitive topic of differently-abled people and how they deserve nothing but love and attention. The character of Rija played by Maha Hassan brought a new dimension to the drama.

Madiha Imam played the role of Anoushay brilliantly. Syed Jibran was right in his element in a negative character of Jamal. Ali Rehman gave yet another convincing performance as Sami. The story of Safar Tamam Hua also highlighted the issues and problems faced by the younger generation when they step into a practical world. Specifically, the character of Anoushay had a lot going on but she never gave up and always knew that she had to fight in order to support her aunt who took the role of her mother and did complete justice to it. The best aspect of Safar Tamam Hua was the relationships and how they all stood together. There was forgiveness and redemption as well which was shown beautifully in this drama.

Shehnai

Writer: Radain Shah
Director: Ahmed Bhatti
Producer: iDream Entertainment
Channel: ARY Digital
Cast: Ramsha Khan, Affan Waheed, Maham Amir, Javed Sheikh, Samina Ahmed, Saleem Mairaj, Javeria Abbasi, Nida Mumtaz, Zainab Qayyum, Umer Alam, Maryam Noor, and others.

Shehnai was definitely a family drama with an element of comedy to it which was done convincingly. The writer Radain Shah deserves full credit for bringing something fresh and exciting to the table. This drama was a perfect portrayal of what goes into arranging a big fat wedding and how everyone reacts to it. There were so many facets to this story such as family politics, love stories, relationships, friendships & betrayal. Although the character of Bakht had her own set of problems and her own way of dealing with it all, it was refreshing to see a character like Meerab who was so calm, collected, sorted, and in touch with his emotions. It is a rarity to see a male character like Meerab who believes in giving the benefit of the doubt to the person he loves and no matter what happens always stands by his decision.

Shehnai drama aired amidst the Covid-19 restrictions, therefore seeing so much festivity in a drama was definitely an enjoyable experience. The indecisiveness of the characters along with the unpredictability related to Meerab and Bakht’s wedding was a lot of fun to watch. The one character who took this drama to another level was Qifayat played by Saleem Mairaj. Usually, Saleem Mairaj is never seen in such a character but to see him playing a comic role with a tinge of negativity was nothing short of a treat. Shehnai was definitely the kind of drama that provided quality family entertainment and there was never a dull moment to it. Although it did show how the elders were being affected by what was going on, it still had a lot of warmth to it because it reinforced the importance of such relationships.

Which one of these dramas was your favorite and why? Which one of these dramas did you miss and will watch next? Do you think any other Pakistani drama from 2021 should be on this list? Share your views.

There are various factors that attract the viewers initially to a drama and OSTs are one of them. All the leading production houses use these OSTs to attract viewers while promoting their dramas before they actually go on air. They try to rope in the best musicians, lyricists, and singers for the purpose. Sometimes, these OSTs become so popular that even those people, who do not follow Pakistani dramas, listen to them and become familiar with the dramas in this manner. Also, these OSTs are written and composed keeping in mind the main theme of the storylines being shown in the dramas. Therefore, very often they are used as a background score which makes the viewers connect to different situations even more. A lot of thought and hard work goes into these OSTs therefore it is really important to appreciate all those individuals who used their creative potentials behind the scenes to create these masterpieces. Some of the best OSTs in the past and the present have been written by drama writers which is why the lyrics are always the most attractive element of these OSTs.

Here is a list of the best OSTs of Pakistani dramas 2021:

Parizaad

Vocals: Asrar
Composer: Waqar Ali
Lyricist: Hashim Nadeem Khan

Parizaad is a meaningful drama with so many different dimensions to it. The OST of the drama does complete justice to the main protagonist because the lyrics describe different aspects of his personality impeccably. The fact that the writer of the drama has penned down the lyrics definitely makes a huge difference. Also, since the piano is an important part of Parizaad’s journey, the composer Waqar Ali has used the piano notes to reflect different kinds of emotions in this OST. The lyrics talk about dreams, heartbreak and even looking for acceptance. Overall, this OST has a haunting effect which is also true for the drama which captivates you. Most of the people were more interested in watching the drama when they heard the OST since it had a different feel to it. It is definitely one of the best this year.

Raqeeb Se

Vocals: Hadiqa Kiani
Composer: Ustad Baqir Abbas/ Hadiqa Kiani
Lyricist: Khawar Kiani

Raqeeb Se was another unconventional drama serial this year that kept the viewers engaged right till the end. This drama also had an OST which grabbed the attention of even those viewers who were not watching it. We are pretty sure that this OST was so soulful and powerful because it was sung by Hadiqa Kiani who also played one of the central characters in the story. Apart from her melodious voice, the lyrics were also beautifully penned down. These lyrics were written by Hadiqa Kiani’s mother who happens to be the one who is behind some of the best songs sung by the singer. The lyrics of the OST centered around the role played by Sania Saeed’s character more than any other aspect of the drama which is another reason why the viewers connected to it on a different level.

Raqs-e-Bismil

Vocals: Vicky Akbar
Composer: Riaz Ali Khan/Hassan Ali
Lyricist: Farhat Abbas Shah

Raqs-e-Bismil was a powerful drama with many emotional twists and turns in the story. The main theme of the drama was undying love and the pain it can cause if you are not destined to be with the one you love. Therefore, the OST also revolved around a lover’s yearning to meet his beloved. It is the kind of romantic OST that resonated with many. Vicky Akbar’s soulful voice added the impact that was needed to make it even more powerful. This OST was in Punjabi which we believe is another reason why it was so impactful. The composition also added more appeal and life to this OST. It was one of our favorites this year. We are glad that the director Wajahat Rauf used the OST effectively throughout without overusing it.

Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi

Vocals: Roshaneh Zafar
Composer: Sami Khan
Lyricist: Sami Khan

Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi was the kind of drama that made the viewers reflect upon different injustices in society. It also gave hope by showing how the hopes and aspirations of the characters materialized in the end. Since the drama was mostly about chasing dreams and not giving up, the OST was also about just that. It was a beautifully penned-down OST with a catchy composition. It gave hope and was inspirational just as was the journey of most of the characters. Sami Khan yet again proved himself as a talented musician who composed and wrote this OST perfectly to match the storyline of Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi.

Safar Tamam Hua

Vocals: Abbas Ali Khan
Composer: Abbas Ali Khan
Lyricist: Sabir Zafar

Safar Tamam Hua was an entertaining drama that showed the journeys of its characters from a time when all of them were naïve. It was also about relationships and how you learn to value them with time. The OST of the drama was soothing and melodious. It was short and the lyrics were not too detailed but Abbas Ali Khan’s music and composition made all the difference. Since the title of the drama and even the script kept the viewers guessing about the actual intent or purpose till the end, the OST was also not too ‘revealing’ in terms of the plot. It is the kind of OST that is perfect to listen on repeat.

Aakhir Kab Tak

Vocals: Alycia Dias & Ali Tariq
Composer: Syed Adeel Ali
Lyricist: S.K Khalish

Aakhir Kab Tak is another iconic drama of 2021 with the most meaningful and entertaining script. The OST of the drama might be difficult to understand for those who are not watching the drama since it has been written keeping in mind the challenges faced by Fajr’s character. The latter part of the OST highlights those positive male characters that come into Noor and Fajar’s lives and turn things around. It has a haunting feel to it and the composition changes as the lyrics change.

Pardes

Vocals: Amanat Ali & Sithi Saha
Composer: Naveed Nashad
Lyricist: Qamar Nashad

Pardes was one of those few drama serials this year which touched upon a different topic altogether. It shows the trials of all those people who go abroad to work and how their families suffer. The OST of the drama was composed and sung so well that people connected to its meaning on a completely different level.

Azmaish

Singer: Rizwan Anwar and Nimra Mehra
Composer & Lyricist: Rizwan Anwar

The OST of Azmaish was not only beautifully composed but perfectly worded too. It had to describe Basit’s life and his unrequited, one-sided love for Nimra, while also touching the subject of how he yearned to be with her. Rizwan Anwar definitely understood the theme and the requirement of the story, which is why he came up with the most befitting OST for the drama serial Azmaish. It was easy on the ears and the beautiful vocals of Rizwan Anwar and Nimra Mehra brought soulfulness to it. The melody and the music were beautiful too, making it one of the best OSTs of this year.

Fitoor

Singer: Shani Arshad & Aima Baig
Composer: Shani Arshad
Lyricist: Sabir Zafar

It won’t be wrong to say that the first impression of the drama serial Fitoor was created by the OST that echoed in the teasers when the drama was about to air on the channel. It was the kind of OST that had that charm that immediately attracts the audience and makes you want to listen to it again and again. The lyrics of this OST were meaningful too which depicted the suffering the love has caused to both Dilnasheen and Haider. No wonder why the OST became a major part of the drama and so many dream sequences were shot with this song echoing in the background, adding more meaning to the situations. Shani Arshad and Aima Baig have sung this song beautifully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTrtIWz0Xms&ab_channel=LyricalMusicAddiction

Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay

Singer: Yashal Shahid
Composer: Azaan Sami Khan
Lyricist: Sabir Zafar

Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay’s OST became a top favorite in no time. Composer Azaan Sami Khan deserves full credit for coming up with such a unique melody and adding all those intricacies through the sound effects which really elevate the experience of listening to this song. Yashal Shahid has become an overnight sensation because of Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay’s OST. The best part is that Azaan Sami Khan put Yashal Shahid’s vocals to good use and extracted the kind of emotion that was required for this OST. The melodious voice along with soulful music make this OST one of the best that we have come across. This particular OST got the attention of a lot of celebrities too and they were seen praising it rightfully.

Laapata

Singer: Kiran Waseem and Tehseen W. Chishty
Composer: Farhan Zameer
Lyricist: Wardah Lodhi

The OST of Laapata can be termed as quirky and fun. The OST doesn’t really give much away about the story or the theme of the drama but still fits it perfectly. The genre of Laapata was not truly classified until Falak meets Daniyal, therefore keeping in mind the initial episodes of the drama, this fun and peppy song talking about the love between two individuals fits Falak and Shams’ story perfectly. Both the singers Kiran and Tehseen have unique and clean voices and they have sung it beautifully.

Laapata

Singer: Ali Alvi
Composer & Lyricist: Ali Alvi

Although this particular song was not used as the OST of Laapata but became a major part of some of the episodes because of the way it was used during those slow-motion scenes which kept the audience engaged. Ali Alvi must be extremely proud of this song that he came up with because it has a very calm and soothing vibe to it. Another such song is perfect for long drives.

Shehnai

Singers: Asim Azhar and Nehal Naseem
Composer & Lyricist: Qasim Azhar and Hassan Ali

Shehnai’s OST was just like the drama itself – fun, festive, and happening. The story of the drama serial Shehnai was all about Bakht and Meerab’s wedding covering all the mishaps that unfolded during the course of it. No wonder why the composers and lyricists came up with such an OST that covered the festivities of a wedding perfectly. The way it was shot was another masterstroke because it introduced the drama to the audience in such an intelligent manner. The moment you listen to this OST and watch its video, you get the gist of what this show is all about – an intelligent piece of work.

Pehli Si Mohabbat

Singer: Ali Zafar
Composer & Lyricist: Ali Zafar

Ali Zafar deserves all the credit for this soulful OST of Pehli Si Mohabbat. The drama itself had a lot going for it in terms of stellar cast and a strong team of drama-makers, therefore Ali Zafar had to give his best shot and come up with such an OST that not only did justice to it but also added more value to the entire drama-watching experience. This is the reason when every time this OST was echoed in the background, it added more meaning to it. Ali Zafar came up with befitting lyrics to describe the theme of the story and sang is with all his heart and soul, making it one of the best OSTs of this year.

Kasa e Dil

Singer: Hadiqa Kiyani and Sahir Ali Bagga
Composer & Lyricist: Sahir Ali Bagga

Sahir Ali Bagga has definitely been on a winning streak when it comes to OST. With each passing year, he gets to add another feather in his cap with one beautiful OST after another. This year, although the drama Kasa e Dil didn’t turn out to be a super-hit serial, the OST of it was definitely unforgettable. To add Hadiqa Kiyani’s beautiful voice was a masterstroke by Sahir Ali Bagga and they both created something extremely special when they sang it together. The lyrics, the music, and the melodious voices of the singers made it one of the best OSTs of 2021.

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Which OSTs from 2021 Pakistani dramas were your favorite? Share your views.