Instep picks five seasoned actresses without whom the medium of television will suffer and feel incomplete.
There is no denying the fact that when it comes to television serials produced at home, women reign supreme. Change, however, is inevitable and the old guard is almost always replaced by the new one(s).
Though television is still an evolving industry in Pakistan, having seen a resurgence in following and ratings in these past few years, with scores of actors delivering worthy performances, some names supersede others, either because their consistency and skill is one that can’t be replicated or perhaps because both the camera and the audience adore them.
The five actresses mentioned below fit this description perfectly and therefore merit at minimum, a brief discussion. Ultimately, these are stars without whom, the medium of television will not only suffer but feel perpetually incomplete.
Bushra Ansari
One of the most sought-after faces in the entertainment world, the versatile Bushra Ansari has had a long and diverse career. With four decades in the business, her talent can be seen across various mediums such as TV shows, sitcoms and films.
From serious roles (Mera Naseeb, Bilqees Kaur) to comic ones, (Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat), Ansari can transform into any character with finesse.
Presently beguiling the audience with her performance in the controversial drama serial Udaari (as Sheedan), Ansari has certainly proven that despite the years, her craft hasn’t diminished. Her presence alone makes a TV serial worth investigating.
Challenging both herself and the audience consistently, Ansari is gearing up to play a Hindu bangle factory owner called Nandini Daas in the upcoming drama serial Seeta Bagri. Given her performance in Udaari as the folk singer Sheedan, this next one will command serious notice.
Saba Waseem Abbas
Actress Saba Waseem Abbas (also known as Saba Pervez) has been a force in television since 1980. Having starred in several notable TV serials, Abbas has gone on to play strong female roles on numerous occasions - a rarity then and now.
When essaying cruel roles, she is just as convincing and effective.
Currently, the actress is essaying the role of a mother in the drama serial Dillagi but not one who is repressed. In contrast, her role in Mann Mayal is of a submissive housewife with no say in any matters. What’s great about Abbas is that she can essay two polar opposite roles with equal ease and grace.
Samina Peerzada
Film and TV actress Samina Peerzada, who started off her acting career with films in 1982, has come a long way.
Starring in several films in the early years of her career, Peerzada has a long list of hit TV plays to her credit including Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Daastan, Durr-e-Shahwar and Shehr-e-Zaat.
What makes her remarkable is how she makes each performance stand out and completely believable. As Kashaf’s mother in Zindagi Gulzar Hai, she cut a tragic figure and in Durr-e-Shahwar, she was just as sublime.
Currently playing a prominent role in Judai and Bay Qasoor, Peerzada has the knack of pulling attention from others when she appears on screen, not deliberately but simply due to her magnetic presence.
Making her Hollywood debut with Saila Kariat’s The Valley at the twilight of her career, Peerzada has proven that age really is just a number.
Samina Ahmad
Known for her snappy dialogues on screen, veteran actress Samina Ahmed began her career with serious plays on state TV but gained fame over time for her comedic turn in Akkar Bakkar, Taal Matol, Alif Noon and Such Gup, among others.
An award-winning actress, Ahmed played the role of Rukhsana in Dukhtar (2014) and also owns production house called Samina Ahmad Productions.
Under her company’s banner, she produced the popular series, Family Front. Currently playing a whiny mother-in-law in Is Khamoshi Ka Matlab, Ahmed also played important roles in this year’s popular TV plays like Sangat and Gul-e-Rana.
Those who follow her work closely would know that there is always an element of humour to her performances, even the serious ones, which makes her one of the most effective actors of this generation and the one before that.
Rubina Ashraf
From cameos to lead roles to starring in ensemble shows, Rubina Ashraf is a name synonymous with quality and the golden age of PTV dramas.
Ashraf began her career in the eighties and rose to prominence with the drama serial Saawan Roop. Since then, she has delivered several stand-out performances in multiple TV plays.
Even though she is selective about roles nowadays and doesn’t appear on the small screen as frequently as before, her appearance is well worth the wait. Having starred in Gul-e-Rana as the female lead’s mother, she reminded us just how brilliant she can be even with average source material.
Moving beyond television, Ashraf is supposedly gearing up to make her big screen debut with upcoming comedy flick Lahore Se Aagey (the sequel to Wajahat Rauf’s Karachi Se Lahore).