Here are some of the leading ladies of the Pakistani entertainment world, who have made their country proud by attaining global fame.
Pakistani artists have made a name for themselves not just in their homeland but across the borders. Be it their choice of roles or versatile performances, they are always on top of the game. With time, Pakistani content has gained wide recognition, mainly because of breaking the stereotype by opting for serious subjects.
There are many talented Pakistani actresses who are making a strong foothold on global platforms as well. From leading their country’s name to international circuits to celebrating pathbreaking content, these women have gained wide recognition globally. Today, we will take a look at some inspiring Pakistani female artists who have attained global fame.
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One of the most popular actresses in the Pakistani entertainment industry, Sanam Saeed, enjoys a massive fanbase in India and Pakistan. A graduate of film and theatre studies at Lahore, Sanam is known for portraying women-centric roles. The actress was hailed for her role as ‘Kashaf Murtaza’ in Momina Durani’s Zindagi Gulzar Hai. Sanam portrayed the character of ‘Zuvi’ in Zindagi Originals, Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam. The actress was globally recognised for her role after the show was awarded the ‘Best Anthology’ honour at the grand awards ceremony in Singapore.
The actress spoke about her excitement after the show was recognised globally. Talking about people’s response to the show, Sanam said:
“I am elated to see the response towards ‘Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam’ at this scale. Audiences have accepted the show, across the globe with open arms and I am overjoyed to witness the recognition the show has received today. Representing India and Pakistan at this prestigious international platform and winning the award, just encourages us as artists to perform better and walk the extra mile to deliver content that is unique and inspiring.”
The one and only Pakistani actress, who was roped in for Ms. Marvel, Nimra Bucha started her career in theatre in 2006. She studied drama in the United States and is a renowned theatre artist at Traverse Theatre. Nimra is hailed for her works in Daam, Mera Yaqeen and Zindagi original Churails. She received a huge applause for her bold character in Churails. The powerhouse of talent, Nimra Bucha made her way to Hollywood when she played the role of ‘Najma’ in the series Ms. Marvel.
Talking about her experience of working in a superhero franchise, Nimra shared:
“I had no idea about what Ms Marvel would be about, even when I auditioned, I auditioned for a different role and got roped in for this. And they don't tell you much either. In other projects, you have the script with you for six months, you spend time rehearsing, you know your part, you know the story, and you build your own character. But with Ms Marvel, there has been this element of secrecy from the beginning.”
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Known for her incredible work, Mehreen Jabbar is a Pakistani film and television director, who is known for her gritty and hard-hitting films and TV series. Her work in Pakistan and South Asian Television has got her critical acclaim. In 2008, Mehreen’s debut feature film, Ramchand Pakistani got her global recognition as she was awarded the Global Film Initiative Grant.
The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, was awarded the Fipresci Prize by the International Federation of Film Critics, the ‘Audience Award’ at the ‘Fribourg Film Festival’, Switzerland and an ‘Honorable Mention’ by the 13th Annual Satyajit Ray Award at the London Film Festival. Not just this, Mehreen was also invited to the Museum of Modern Art, New York to screen her film. Her Zindagi original series, Ek Jhoothi Love Story received huge applause from the audience.
One of the most charming actresses in the Pakistani entertainment world, Sarwat Gilani is hailed for breaking stereotypes with her power-pack women-centric roles. Sarwat Gilani made her film debut in 2015 with the movie, Jawani Phir Nahi Aani and was later seen in many popular shows. Sarwat got of lot of love and applause from critics and audiences for portraying the role of Sara Khan in Zindagi's original Churails. The show was honoured at the British Asian Media Awards for its bold narrative.
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Sarwat was also highly appreciated for slipping into the role of 'Mehek' in Zindagi Originals, Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam, which was awarded the ‘Best Anthology’ honour at the grand awards ceremony in Singapore. Talking about the global win, Sarwat stated:
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate our entire team for this big win. ‘Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam’ is a story that has resonated with many women and we are thankful for the love and appreciation the series has received globally. It is a matter of great pride for us to come under one roof to collect this award and celebrate this prestigious win together.”
Popular Pakistani director and producer, Momina Duraid is the CEO of MD Productions. She is also the senior producer and creative head of the television network Hum TV, which is a globally renowned Pakistani channel. Some of the popular series created by Momina include Dastaan, Qaid-e-Tanhai, Humsafar, Shehr-e-Zaat, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Mann Mayal, Udaari, Bin Roye, Suno Chanda, Ehd-e-Wafa and many more.
Momina is a perfect example and inspiration to many women, who changed the face of Pakistani drama on a global platform. In 2015, Momina was named on the Pond’s list of Miracle Journey: The 100 Most Inspirational Women.
These talented Pakistani women have made a name for themselves against all odds and have made their country proud by becoming leading names on global platforms.
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