Saba salutes Shehnaz's spark

Actor talks about career, comedy and her favourite actor

Saba Hamid surprised and charmed fans during her appearance on a local channel's night show with a candid confession: she is "jealous" of none other than Shehnaz Sheikh.

"If there is an artist that I am a fan of and would want to copy, it has to be Shehnaz Sheikh," Saba said with an affectionate grin. "She has no match in Pakistan when it comes to situational comedy and its timing. I'm such a huge fan that I am actually jealous of her."

The revelation delighted audiences, especially fans of classic Pakistani dramas, who remember the magic Shehnaz brought to television screens in the 1980s. Whether it was Tanhaiyaan or Ankahi, Shehnaz carved a space for herself as a powerhouse performer known for her expressive face, sharp timing, and lovable characters. Saba fondly recalled a scene from Ankahi, where Shehnaz's character accidentally staples her boss's tie. "It was brilliant," Saba said. "No one could've delivered that moment with such effortless charm."

And coming from Saba, that's saying something. With a career spanning more than three and a half decades, Saba is no stranger to unforgettable performances herself. From the beloved sitcom Family Front to more recent hits like Mere Humsafar, Noor Jahan, Ae Dil, and Mann Mast Malang, she has proven her ability to move between drama, comedy, and social commentary with grace and impact.

'Comedy is my first love'

In the same interview, Saba was asked why she hasn't returned to comedy, especially considering how beloved her sitcom Family Front remains. Her response revealed a bittersweet truth.

"I want to do comedy," she said. "It's my favourite genre, and I would love to do more of it. But it has to be situational and not slapstick or farce. Unfortunately, such projects just aren't made anymore."

For someone whose comic timing once lit up family living rooms, this felt like a quiet lament. Saba made it clear she isn't interested in broad, over-the-top humour. "It has to be rooted in the scene, in real emotion," she emphasised, just like Shehnaz's legendary performances.

Saba also reflected on the evolution of Pakistani dramas, noting that while the industry has grown in production scale, it has lost the emotional resonance and originality that made earlier work so impactful.

"In the '80s, delivering dialogues written by writers like Ashfaq Ahmed, Bano Qudsia, Amjad Islam Amjad, and Noorul Huda Shah was a joy," she said. "Their words were powerful, engaging, and deeply human."

She compared the rawness of that era with the current system, where actors now have entire teams deciding their wardrobe and look. "Back then, actors styled themselves, prepared their get-up, and brought their own energy to the set," she said. "There was nothing artificial, no pretentiousness. That's why older dramas still feel original."

Interestingly, Saba also shared that her true passion these days lies in direction. "I enjoy direction more because it carries more responsibility," she said. "An actor focuses on one character. A director builds the world."

Her directorial venture Jaisay Aapki Marzi (2023) was a ratings and critical hit, further solidifying her role as a creative force behind the camera.

When asked about fellow actor Naumaan Ijaz, Saba had nothing but praise: "He's a gem of our industry. Time has only refined him."