Top ten: Our favourites from television

The Express Tribune brings you a list of the best male and female television actors.

Despite the increasing trend of foreign soap operas and movies, our local productions continue to survive and thrive. The credit surely goes to strong storylines, direction and good production but saying that actors are not an integral part of this success will be wrong. Therefore, we bring you a list of top 10 male and female TV actors of Pakistan that made us laugh and cry throughout the year.

Fawad Khan



The hunk of the Pakistani television industry, Fawad Khan became an instant heartthrob with his killer smile and intense eyes since he made his appearance as the band member of Entity Pardigm (EP). But what took him to new heights was Humsafar, in which he played a romantic husband who ends up hating his wife. Since then, Fawad has worked in many serials, with Zindagi Gulzar Hai being his latest venture. Let’s see how well he fares in this one.

Fahad Mustafa



The renowned Fahad Mustafa came into the limelight for his silent role in Sheeshay Ka Mahal in 2002. However, his lead role in 2011 Main Abdul Qadir Hoon proved to be a milestone for his career. Since then, Fahad is a well-recognised face of TV industry. However, it’s his portrayal of a rich, spoilt politician in Mera Saeen 2 that became a hit.

Adeel Hussain



The ‘John Abraham’ of Pakistan is famously remembered as Ibad of Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu. Adeel Hussain received rave reviews for his acting in the serial, which followed the fame of Humsafar. Although Adeel had appeared in many drama serials before this one, his character as a son of a business tycoon who marries a girl without his parents’ consent, earned him a well-deserved spotlight.

Faizan Khawaja



The Pakistani actor, who has appeared in some minor Bollywood films, is famous for his work in several Pakistani TV serials. His recent venture is Aik Nayee Cinderella, where he plays a poor boy who befriends an orphan girl and helps her win the love of a rich cousin. Faizan, working alongside some big names of the industry, has managed to get himself noticed with his strong performance.

Syra Yousuf



VJ and model Syra Yousuf, ventured into acting with her drama serial Mera Naseeb. Her character Nazia — a young, pretty girl who sacrifices her love for her family and marries a man of her mother’s choice — received widespread appreciation from viewers. Her recent drama Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay, sees Syra in a bubbly character Serena along with her husband Shehroz Sabzwari. She can also be seen in another TV show, Coke Kahani.

Samina Peerzada



The veteran TV actor Samina Peerzada, who has become the celebrated ‘TV mom’ of the industry, executes every performance with perfection. The famous actor has big projects to her name, be it small screen projects or silver screen ones. Her recent drama Zindagi Gulzar Hai, sees her in a role of a middle-class, struggling mother who wants to give her daughters the best education. Two thumbs up for this one, but none for her role of a nagging nani in Shehr-e-Zaat.

Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui



The young actor-model has made a name for himself in a short period. His performance in Meray Dard Ko Jo Zuban Miley, as a deaf-mute young man, marked his breakthrough. Currently, he is seen romancing Alishba Yousuf in Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay and is also seen in a supporting role in Zindagi Gulzar Hai.

Hina Dilpazeer



The versatile actor, who is famously known as Momo from Bulbulay, got rave reviews for her role in comedy drama Quddusi Sahab Ki Bewah. She plays a variety of roles in the serial, with each one being entirely different from the other in appearance, accent and performance. The drama series became heavily popular soon after its telecast and surpassed the record of many blockbuster Pakistani dramas.

Sarwat Gilani



The young actor has become a familiar face of the industry with her plays like Meri Zaat Zarrae Benishan, Saiqa, Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat etc. However her role in Mata-e-Jaan as a grieving widow, who endeavours to win the love of her dead husband’s parents, took her to new heights. Her pair with Adeel Hussain was widely appreciated by the audience.

Sanam Baloch



The young, versatile and bubbly actor Sanam Baloch has all that makes her the first choice for every big project. With her performance in dramas like Noor Pur Ki Rani, Mannchalay, Daam, Dastaan etc, she proved her significance in the industry. However, her girl-next-door persona in Durr-e-Shahwar won everyone’s heart. She made people cry with every tear she shed, and convinced directors that she is a true star.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2012.          

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