There are some names that rule the roost and ride the hype and some that stay low profile, despite their good work. Instep picks out four such rising stars...
The transition, from TV to film, of multiple prominent actors such as Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Mehwish Hayat and Fahad Mustafa has left a void in TV and simultaneously made room for new actors to shine. Popular names among the new-age actors include Sajal Aly, Ahad Raza Mir, Mawra Hocane, Feroze Khan, Sana Javed – all of whom have movie debuts to their name – and others who, despite proving their mettle time and again, don’t get the kind of attention they deserve.
Instep highlights four incredibly talented and versatile actors who are dominating television these days and should get more recognition for their work…
Iqra Aziz
Our list begins with the very diverse and versatile Iqra Aziz who is gearing up for her next drama serial, Ranjha Ranjha Kardi in which she essays the role of a very naïve girl, as per the recently released teasers. She recently played the female lead in Suno Chanda opposite Farhan Saeed and the play became so popular that its second part is in the works due to huge public demand. Iqra stepped in the world of television over four years ago and the actor has a diverse set of roles to her credit – she has essayed a vast range of characters onscreen and pulls them off really well. Some of her notable works include plays like Khamoshi, Qurban, Tabeer and Choti Si Zindagi. This petite actress should make a big splash on the big screen.
Sanam Chauhdry
Starring in at least three dramas that are currently on air, and that too in prominent roles, Sanam Chauhdry has showcased her acting chops in over 20 television plays in more than five years. The good part is, she didn’t stick to playing one kind of role and explored positive, negative and grey characters. In the recently concluded Ghar Titli Ka Par she played the antagonist, in the on-going Ru Baru Ishq Tha there are layers to her character while in Ab Dekh Khuda Kya Karta Hai she essays the role of a very innocent girl. This makes Sanam stand out among her contemporaries, who generally take up similar roles in every project. Unfortunately, her films Ishq 2020 and Jackpot that released earlier this year didn’t generate good response.
Ali Abbas
Essaying the role of an aggressive inspector in Ru Baru Ishq Tha, Ali Abbas is another actor whose characters have depth and performance margin. He is playing key roles in on-going drama serials Mera Khuda Jane and Tum Se Hi Talluq Hai (aside from Ru Baru Ishq Tha which is also on air) – both of which are in sharp contrast with each other. The former features him as an insecure and aggressive man while in the latter, he is more mature, understanding and content with life. Ali has played both lead and supporting roles in different capacities in a number of TV plays and has proven his diversity as an actor. Some of his most popular projects include Khali Haath and Main Maa Nahin Banna Chahti that consistently topped the ratings chart.
Imran Ashraf
Imran Ashraf is another versatile actor who fits every character he plays on the small screen. From transgender Shammu in Alif Allah Aur Insaan to Sunny in recently concluded Lashkara, Imran’s performances are challenging and effortless at the same time. His next, Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, in which the actor will be seen as a mentally challenged young man Bhola, looks quite promising. The teasers have started coming out and Imran’s intense performance looks impressive.
