Why Durefishan Saleem is the next big thing

Durefishan Saleem is here to stay. Despite the fact that the Pakistani entertainment industry is oft-evolving, with many making their mark and others losing their footing, the young actor is steadily carving her path to full-fledged stardom. The talented starlet, armed with an arsenal of impressive work, has fully geared up to position herself as the next big sensation.

Durefishan's diverse performances have not only showcased her acting prowess but have also left an enduring and profound mark on the hearts and minds of viewers. With each project, the actor is proving to be a versatile performer, capable of navigating diverse roles and narratives with finesse and an enviable skill set.

Impactful roles

The star, who debuted with Dil Ruba, has gone on to sign numerous projects in recent years that have absolutely blown up, propelling Durefishan into the beaming limelight. In 2022, she essayed Mehak Shamsher opposite Danish Taimoor, who played Nawabzaada Shamsher Dilawar in the highly divisive and mind-bogglingly successful Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi. 

Despite the controversies, the show not only captivated audiences but also achieved a remarkable milestone by crossing the unprecedented 1 billion views mark while still being broadcasted. By the time the spell of the show began spreading like wildfire, the audience's love affair with Durefishan had already begun in earnest.

Striking while the iron was hot, Durefishan signed on to Jaisay Aapki Marzi as Alizeh opposite Mikaal Zulfiqar who essayed Sherry. The 2023 show showcased the importance of consent, and the young star did not shy away from fielding questions regarding the same. While speaking about the show, Durefishan said, “I can’t wait for you all to see us talk about marzi/consent as loudly as we could have on screen.” Further talking about her character, Durefishan revealed, “Alizeh is a girl of today’s age; strong and resilient and how she copes with [the] patriarchy that is just not instilled in men but women too is what Jaisay Aapki Marzi is all about.”

Additionally, when a certain video clip from Jaisay Apki Marzi made rounds on social media, wherein Alizeh was seen being humiliated by Sherry, and the former is shown to hold a distressed expression on her face as she is forced to follow her husband through a hotel lobby, Durefishan was quick to console those who found resonance with the scene. A fan seemed to see themselves in the video clip as they shared the same on social media with the following statement: “When Alizeh was running behind Sherry in the hotel, it was me since eleven years.”

Sharing the comment to her Instagram Stories, Durefishan expressed her heartbreak over the very real troubles surrounding toxic marriages and relationships. She penned, “I cry every time I read these comments and maybe this is why I was so convinced for a script like this. Walk out of relationships/marriages that are red flags. Whether it’s after months or years.”

However, Durefishan's hold over the audience did not cease here. The same year, the starlet made her mark in Ishq Murshid alongside Bilal Abbas Khan. Yet another show that captivated audiences to the point where the on-screen's reel-life chemistry was rumoured to spill over into their real lives, Durefishan's sure-footed performance and pulse on what her fans expected from her shone brightly. Her chemistry with Bilal set hearts ablaze, and the young actor swiftly cemented her place in the audience's lives, becoming a face that many looked forward to watching on-screen. 

Currently, in 2024, Durefishan is enticing her fanbase with Khaie opposite Faysal Quraishi. The show is a "revenge saga" and as per the praises the show is generating, one can assume that the starlet has yet another fan-favourite in the grasp of her palms. 

Recognition

Durefishan's body of work is not one that has gone unnoticed. In 2021, she received a nomination for the 20th Lux Style Awards in the category of Best Emerging Talent in TV for her role in Dil Ruba. Given that this was her debut performance, the starlet had already taken a large leap in ensuring that all eyes were fixated on her journey. 

The following year, in 2022, her talent garnered another nomination at the 21st Lux Style Awards, where she was recognized in the Best TV Actress (Viewers' Choice) category for her contribution to the drama Pardes. While she did not win in either category, jury members and audiences became aware that hers was a talent worth monitoring and lauding. In 2023, the star was propelled further into the spotlight at the Lux Style Awards, co-hosting the prestigious 22nd LSAs alongside Ahmad Ali Butt, Fahad Mustafa, and Saba Qamar.

As Durefishan readies herself for the next phases of her journey, it would not be an understatement to assume that she will go on to achieve massive milestones and accumulate further adoration and accolades. Her well-wishers and fans await her next moves with mounting anticipation, as the starlet steadfastly climbs each rung of the ladder of inevitable success.

Have something to add? Share it in the comments