10 Talented Pakistani Actresses

Written by Rafay Shareef 

Many popular Pakistani TV actresses are moving to films and contributing to the reviving film industry of Pakistan. These female actresses are the strongest backbone of our film industry. With their hard work, dedication and talent they have set the bar quite high for the new aspiring actresses that are entering the film fraternityLet’s talk about the top ten Pakistani actresses who have bestowed towards the film industry. 

Mahira Khan – A Loreal brand ambassador of Pakistan in the world, Mahira made her debut in 2011 and was awarded best actress. In the same year she was awarded best satellite TV actress for her record-breaking drama ‘Humsafar.’ Her career got a breakthrough after the success of Humsafar and she starred in many films like ‘Verna,’ ‘Bin Roye’ and many more. Furthermore, she was praised by the Bollywood actor ‘Shahrukh Khan’ for their film Raees. She is ruling our industry since then and has made Pakistan proud globally.  

Saba Qamar – “A sheer delight on screen” as called by Times of India. She started her acting career accidently and then gradually realized that this is what she was meant to do. She started her career as a model and then as a host too and got her first success in the acclaimed drama ‘Dastaan.’ Moreover, she has done one Indian film alongside legendary Irfan Khan (late) for which she was praised on both sides of the border. Also her must watch dramas are Baghi and Cheekh. Saba Qamar will be giving her best to Pakistan’s film industry as well as the drama industry in the coming years as she has many projects in the pipleline 

Sajal Aly – The undisputed queen of versatile acting. The utmost talented and the most acclaimed leading actress of our industry right now. She started acting at an early age and didn’t took so much time to be in the list of leading film actress. She rose to prominence after her successful television series ‘Gul-e-Rana’ which earned her widespread recognition as well as a role in Indian film ‘Mom’ alongside Siri Devi. She has impressed us a lot by her performances although her performances have been outstanding from the outset of her career. Her work in ‘O Rangreza’ and ‘Yaqeen ka safar’ was highly praised and she even grabbed awards for her exceptional acting in both the dramas which was the due reward of her continuous hardwork. We are looking forward for her exciting future projects.  

Sanam Saeed –Being a film and theatre graduate, Sanam Saeed started her showbiz career from modeling but then she began acting and got her top-grossing television series ‘Zindagi Gulzaar Hai,’ which was the most watched drama in Pakistan and around the world. She also starred in the movie Cake, Dobara Phir Sey, Azad, Mah-e-Meer and Bachaana. She is also a brilliant musical theatre artist and has worked for various stage plays as well.  

Ayeza Khan – well-known actress known for her flawless beauty on screen, gained fame from the drama serial, ‘Pyaare Afzal.’ Ayeza khan has given the most hit dramas to the industry including ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’, and now she has also started working in telefilms. She is praised for her work and has a huge fan following. Her recent dramas ‘Thora Sa Haq,’ and ‘Mehar Posh,’ have got the highest TRP ratings.  Ayeza is a face that audiences 

Maya Ali – Maya Ali came into the field on her own. Her father never wanted her to pursue this field. She started as a VJ and a reporter and then moved towards hosting and modeling. However, her dream was to act and she finally made her debut with a drama serial. She received the award for the best actress after her performance in ‘Diyaar-e-Dil.’ She climbed to fame after the drama ‘Mann Mayal’. She also made her debut film alongside Ali Zafar named as ‘Teefa in Trouble.’ She succeeded in securing her place in the top list of Pakistan’s taleneted actress.  

Ushna Shah – Ushna Shah is the most underrated actress of our industry. She started as a RJ and then as a host. Born to a veteran TV and radio artist Ismat Ara, also a sister of famous theatre director Shah Sharabeel and TV actress Isra Ghazal. She rose to prominence after the success of her thriller drama ‘Bashar Momin’. She is such a diversified actress who not only acts but inspires many by her act. People acclaimed her for her mind blowing performance in ‘Alif Allah or Insaan’. She has also grabbed awards for her brilliant performances. One can’t deny that she has the potential to be in the A-list of our industry. 

Sonya Hussyn – Young and talented actor, Sonya Hussyn, started her career a few years back when a director spotted her in an audition and offered her a role. However, she refused to act but her father encouraged her not to let down this opportunity. She has proved herself in numerous dramas as a diversified and a versatile actress. She appeared on the big screen by making her debut in “Moor.” She always creates a powerful impact on the audience. Her latest dramas are ‘Muhabbat Tujhay Alvida’ and ‘Ishq Zahe Naseeb’. 

Sana Javed – Pyaare Afzal’ gave her the prominence and later on she starred alongside Danish Taimoor in ‘Mehrunisa V Lub V.’ She was critically acclaimed for her portrayal as a rape victim in ‘Ruswai’ which earned her the “Best TV Actress” award. Sana Javed has a busy schedule for the coming years and Pakistan is eagerly waiting for her releases. 

Yumna Zaidi – is a young Pakistani actress known for her dramas in the Pakistani television industry. She is recognized for her roles in the drama serials Khushi Ek Roag, Meri Dulari, Dil Muhallay Ki Haveli, Rishtay Kuch Adhooray Se, Mausam, Guzaarish and Zara Yaad Kar. Her latest dramas are Pyar key Sadkey and Raaz-e-Ulfat. She is known for her strong acting skills and is an excellent actress.  

Pakistan’s industry was shut down in 1979, due to the enforcement of the rules by the then government, however, no one could have predicted that Pakistan would come with full force in the late 2000’s and today an industry thriving of wonderful actresses has emerged and from here onwards there is no turning back!