2023 saw a plethora of exceptional dramas that showcased the immense talent of the Pakistan’s top actresses. These leading ladies not only portrayed their characters to perfection but also became the embodiment of those roles.
From powerful dialogue delivery to melting hearts of viewers with just their expressions, these drama queens delivered performances that were nothing short of iconic.
Let’s celebrate the top 10 Pakistani actresses who ruled our TV screens in 2023.
10. Ramsha Khan and Kubra Khan
It’s a tie for the tenth spot because these two divas were equally brilliant in their own right. Kubra Khan’s depiction of the manipulative morning show host Jannat Ali Khan was spectacular. Her ability to capture Jannat’s duality, transitioning from a charming on-screen persona to a cunning force orchestrating events, was nothing short of captivating.
In stark contrast was Ramsha Khan’s Tabassum Mughal, a middle-class girl who is trying to support her family through tuition, is a big fan of Jannat’s show. Ramsha depicted Tabassum’s innocence and hero-worship flawlessly, showcasing her acting prowess as the character evolves from a starry-eyed admirer to a pawn ensnared in Jannat’s machinations.
9. Hadiqa Kiani
Renowned singer turned actress Hadiqa Kiani mesmerized audiences with her role as Bakhtain in the controversial drama serial Hadsa that nearly got cancelled. Addressing the challenges faced by a rape survivor, Hadiqa Kiani’s on-screen grace elevated the narrative, delivering a powerful and sensitive performance that left a lasting impact on viewers.
8. Hania Aamir
The bubbly diva stole hearts of Pakistani awaam once again. This time as Maheer in the hit drama serial Mujhe Pyar Hua Tha. Her character fought for love, grappled with betrayal, and found solace in an unexpected relationship. The on-screen chemistry between Hania and Wahaj Ali contributed to the drama’s success.
7. Sajal Aly
The ever-charming diva Sajal Aly owned the screen as Aliya Agha in Kuch Ankahi. Her strong and independent character resonated with the audience, tackling societal pressures and compromises faced by middle-class families. Sajal’s grace, powerful dialogues, and relatable portrayal connected with viewers on multiple levels.
6. Mawra Hocane
Mawra Hocane left everyone in awe with her performance in Nauroz. She showcased her skills as the lead character unlike any other. Stepping away from the usual dolled up damsel, Mawra owned the role of Rashtina, depicting the challenging life of a disowned child. Her confident portrayal, spot-on dialogue delivery, and immediate response to every twist and turn made Rashtina a character to cheer for.
5. Aina Asif
The teen is making more headlines and garnering applause more than most established stars of the industry, and it is easy to see why. Aina Asif, a rising star from Baby Baji, delivered a very mature and endearing performance as Ainee in Mayi Ri. The chemistry between Ainee and Fakhir resonated with viewers, addressing sensitive issues like child marriage with absolute finesse.
4. Mahira Khan
A household name, anything Mahira touches turns to gold. Same is the case with Razia, a compelling drama in which Mahira is not even a central character!
Mahira is more of a narrator. Her portrayal breathes life into the role, ensuring the viewers relish her on-screen presence without diverting attention from the core story of Razia. Her dedication and authenticity in bringing this character to life are truly awe-inspiring, showcasing Mahira Khan’s performance as a testament to sheer cinematic artistry.
3.Saba Qamar
Making a remarkable return to the small screen, Saba Qamar’s portrayal of Rania, a taxi driver, in Sar-e-Rah addressed critical social issues. Saba emerged as the ultimate female hero, contributing to the success of the series and leaving an enduring mark in the hearts of viewers.
2. Yumna Zaidi
Yumna Zaidi’s phenomenal portrayal of Meerab in Tere Bin showcased her mastery of the craft. Her character’s unyielding stance against injustice, highlighted in iconic scenes like the pool scene, left the audience in awe, making Zaidi’s performance a standout in 2023.
1. Sabeena Farooq
The best performance (in our opinion) has to be Sabeena Farooq’s Barbeena. Fresh off her villainous role in Tere Bin, Sabeena continued her streak of excellence in Kabuli Pulao. Her grace and killer dialogues stole the spotlight, showcasing her versatility as she seamlessly transitioned from a villain to a queen, earning a prime spot in viewers’ hearts.
Hats off to these actresses for making 2023 a year to remember, leaving us emotionally invested in the magic they brought to our screens. Which one was your favorite, and did we leave anyone out? Let us know in the comments below.
