Pakistan’s Top Ten Drama Actors

Written by Rafay Shareef

The television industry of Pakistan was always strong and consistent during the time when film making was almost banned in Pakistan. Since then dramas or serials were the only thing audiences could look forward to. Many actors contributed to this growth, which has now led many dramas of Pakistan being dubbed in Arabic, Turkish and other languages. Contributing towards this major growth are the many male actors of Pakistan as well. Here is the list of the top 10 drama actors of Pakistan who are extremely talented. 

Saleem Mairaj – Before stepping into the television world, Saleem used to work as a theater artist. He has been in the industry for almost 3 decades now. Being a versatile actor, he has acted in classic as well as sitcom serials. He has always gone for diverse roles which ranged from negative roles as well as comedic roles. One cannot deny the fact that Saleem Mairaj has never disappointed the audiences with his acting skills, despite of being a supporting character. His work in television includes Ishq Ki Inteha (2009), Kash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti (2011), Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi (2013), Kise Apna Kahein (2014) and Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain (2014). Saleem made his Lollywood debut in 2007 horror film Zibahkhana. Saleem has made a cameo appearance in 2014 comedy film Na Maloom Afraad and in its sequel Na Maloom Afraad 2 (2017). He will appear in Upcoming Action-Comedy film Jhol, and in the horror flick.

Imran Ashraf – One of the most praised actors of Pakistan who has given remarkable performances to the television industry through his superhit drama “Ranjha Ranjha Kardi.” He is known to be picky and choosy with his characters and hence always gives his best performances to his audiences.  He appeared as a transgender in Alif Allah or Insaan and played that character professionally. He also worked in InkaarJaal, Rani NokaraniKahin Deep Jaley and his upcoming drama is Mushq. He will also be doing his debut in the Lollywood Film “Dum Mastam.”

Humayun Saeed – Humayun has been in the field for around a decade and has given super hit dramas for the industry. He made his debut in 1995 and in 1996 he was awarded the best actor award for his performance in the drama, “Ab Tum Jaa Saktey Hou.” His recent drama in 2020 “Mere Paas Tum Ho” created waves across Pakistan. His first film debut was in 1999 called, “Inteha,” and he got a national award for the first movie he did. He has done many movies since the resurgence of Pakistani cinema in 2013 with includes “Main Hun Shahid Afridi, Bin Roye, Punjab Nahi Jaungi,” and the fourth highest grossing movie of Pakistan “Jawani Phir Nahi Aani.” Working in numerous dramas and films, Humayun stands as one of the top commercial actors of Pakistan.  

Ahad Raza Mir – Pakistani born Canadian actor Ahad Raza Mir is following the legacy of his father and his paternal grandfather through his acting skills. He has established his own craft through his hardwork and dedication towards the field. Ahad rose to prominence after his drama “Yaqeen Ka Safar,” which earned him the best actor award. He has impressed the audiences with his performances in dramas. He landed his film movie, “Parwaaz Hai Junoon,” and his upcoming films include “Hum Plus Tum,” alongside his real-life partner Sajal Ali. 

Hamza Ali Abbasi – Hamza started his career with a short film, “The Glorious Resolve,” and two other films as well, “Main Hoon Shahid Afridi” and “Waar.” In 2013, he gave us a superhit drama “Pyaare Afzal” which gave him the success and recognition in the industry. His other notable works were “Mann Mayal” and “Alif.” His future projects “The Legend of Maula Jutt” and “Kambakht” are still in process. However, Hamza Ali Abbasi has now stepped back from the acting field and would do projects related to Islam or certain Islamic icons and/or leaders where he feels he can promote his religion and use his skills as an actor to contribute to such roles. 

Zahid Ahmed – Zahid worked in eight stage shows before entering the drama industry. He made his debut with the series “Mehram” and then got his fame through “Alvida.” The audeinces loved his performance in  “Ishq Zahe Naseeb,” and he will be making his film debut in “Jhol” and “Sorry: A Love Story.” Another well known drama of Zahid Ahmed is the recently aired drama, “Muhabbat Tujhe Alvida” which navigates through the life of a middle class man whose wife is very greedy and can go to any lenghts to get her fortune. This drama has gained a lot of popularity and is one of the most watched drama in Pakistan nowadays.

Ahmed Ali Akhbar – Ahmed is one of Pakistan’s talented actors. He has grabbed awards for his acting skills nationally and internationally. He started his career at the age of thirteen on PTV’s drama “Stop Watch” and in 2013 he marked his film debut in “Siyaah.” He then started his career as a professional TV artist in 2014. He has worked in films like Karachi Se Lahore, Lahore Se AageyParchi and others as well. His blockbuster film was Laal Kabootar which was highly recognized in Pakistan’s Film fraternity.  His movie, Laal Kabootar, was well done as we gained popularity in the non-commercial 

 

Bilal Abbas – Bilal started his journey with the drama “Saya-e-Dewar Bhi Nahi.” He gained recognition after the success of his drama,”O Rangreza.” Soon he started getting the spotlight and then he climbed to extraordinary heights at a very early age of his career when his drama “Cheekh” got successful. In the drama “Cheekh,” he starred next to a well known Pakistani superstar, “Saba Qamar.” He has also worked in the movie “Thora Jee Lay.” His upcoming project is “Dunk” alongside Sana Jawed. Bilal is the actor for the young generations as he has proved himself at an early age and is a promising future movie star of Pakistan. 

Ahsan Khan – Ahsan began acting from a young age and belongs to an entertainment background family. He is known for his remarkable performances in Dastaan. He is also known for a drama based on social issues named, “Udaari,” where he plays a child molester. His notable drama was Alif and was one of the most watched dramas. He has also appeared in multiple films including Billi, Chupan Chupai and his upcoming project is Rehbra. 

Usman Mukhtar – Born to a film actress, to actress Nasira, who has acted in 158 films and was known for her roles as a villain, Usman aimed to become a director but started his career as an actor. He had started his career a few years back on the big screen and made his film debut with Janaan. He later on he also worked in another movie project, “Parchi.” He gained the popularity with his drama “Aana” and his on-going project is “Sabaat.” 

Here wishing all our drama heroes best of luck for their future endeavors and hoping to see more from them in coming years. And soon make this industry grow again.