“Awesome! What a mind blowing performance! But why isn’t she so famous?”
Have this thought ever come to your mind while watching a Pakistani drama or movie?
That’s true, there are many Pakistani celebrities who have tremendous acting skills but they are still at distance from the spotlight.
So, in this blog, we have decided to explore the most underrated Pakistani celebrities. We wish them to come into the limelight and to be recognized more for their exceptional performances.
1. Samiya Mumtaz
Samiya Mumtaz is an unpopular Pakistani film and television actress. She started her acting career in PTV times through the drama serial “Zard Dopehar” in 1995. She is also known for her remarkable performances in Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, Yaariya, Sadqay Tumharay, Ali ki Ammi, and Udaari. Whether it’s a supporting role or a lead role, she always outshines in her shows. Samiya also made her debut in the film “Dukhtar.” But unfortunately she’s still unknown to the masses.
2. Ahmed Ali Akbar
Not as famous as Fawad Khan but knows how to steal the on-screen presence with his stellar acting. He has successfully made a television and film career and known for his role in Guzarish, Ehd-e-Wafa, and Laal Kabootar. Akbar started his acting career with PTV when he was only 13 and till date he put all his efforts to make his character successful no matter if it’s small or big. He has also bagged an international award for his performance in Laal Kabootar.
3. Imran Ashraf Awan
This underrated Pakistani actor is known for his characters like Bhola in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, Shammu in Alif Allah aur Insaan, and Adam in Mushk. Give him any role and he can prove that he’s meant for it. That’s what his acting is all about. He wasn’t even recognized until Ranjha Ranjha was released. He struggled for seven to eight years and never mind getting minor characters in Pakistani dramas. But in the last few years he has proved his mettle as an actor and has also been awarded the LUX style award as the best actor in 2020 for his drama Ranjha Ranjha Kardi. But still, why is he not so famous?
4. Nimra Bucha
If you’ve seen Churails, you must have noticed the character of Batool who’s a strong woman but also at the same time empathic towards others’ sufferings. The character wouldn’t be successful enough if it has been played by anyone else than Nimra Bucha. She’s a hidden gem of Pakistan but also not-so famous. She started her acting career from Traverse Theatre. Nimra has also studied drama at Bard College, New York. Her famous dramas include Baandhi, Mera Yaqeen, Akhri Station, and Daam. Other than dramas, she also has successful films like Manto, Jeewan Hathi, Ho Man Jahan under her name.
5. Sonya Hussyn Bukharee
A charismatic, attractive yet talented actor Sonya Hussyn is another addition to the most underrated celebrities of Pakistan. Although she has been seen recently in the popular 2021 dramas like Ishq Zahe Naseeb, Saraab but still she’s less recognized and appreciated for her work. Aesi Hai Tanhae is also one of her best dramas for which she has earned the nomination for Lux Style Awards but still couldn’t manage to get the award. She started her acting career in 2011 with drama serial Dareecha and is ruling the heart of many with her exceptional performances no matter if it’s a positive or negative character.
6. Nadia Afghan
Nadia Afghan has been working in the drama industry for two decades but stole the spotlight a few years back with her role in a comedy sitcom Suno Chanda. More than her looks, she’s remembered for her power-packed performances in Parizaad, Shehr-e-Zaat, Sammi, and Baaghi. Whether she has been assigned a positive or negative role, she knows how to intrigue viewers with her flawless performance. Wondering, why is she so underrated?
7. Yumna Zaidi
Well, she’s no longer underrated but she used to be before her hit drama serials Pyar k Sadqay, Raaz-e-Ulfat, and Ishq Zahe Naseeb. Apart from her beauty, she has made the audience believe in her acting. If you’ve watched Dil Na Umeed To Nahi, you can’t resist praising her performance as a victim of women trafficking. Besides DNUTN, she’s also popular for her drama Ullu Barae Farokht Nahi. She’s one of those underrated actresses of Pakistan who despite being super underrated has managed to create her name with her dynamic roles.
8. Wahaj Ali
Similar to Yumna, Wahaj is also a power house of talent but still behind the curtain. He’s known for his role in Ehde Wafa, Ghisi Pitti Mohabbat and Dil Na Umeed To Nahi. Although he started his career as an assistant director at Samaa TV but when it comes to acting, he knows how to grasp audience attention. Before Ehd-e- Wafa, he wasn’t much known but now we’re happy to see him gradually skipping the underrated tag with his stupendous performance in every drama.
9. Adnan Shah Tipu
This unpopular Pakistani actor has worked in both Indian and Pakistani films. He has made a Bollywood debut in Kajraare directed by Pooja Bhatt. Adnan Shah has also worked alongside Arshad Warsi and Jacky Bhagnani. He has more than 15 films under his name most famous of which includes Dukhtar, Welcome to Karachi and Ramchand Pakistani. The best thing about him is that while playing a comic or negative role or even a minor role he knows how to touch people with his character. All the popularity he has gathered till date is only because of his exceptional roles and acting skills. And still he’s underrated!
10. Sanam Saeed
The tall and beautiful Sanam Saeed is still far behind when it comes to recognition. She started her acting career in 2010 with the drama serial “Daam” and in 2013 she rose to prominence with her drama “Zindagi Gulzar Hai.” She’s one of the few actresses of Pakistan who’s been celebrated across the border as well. Sanam made her film debut in “Bachaana” and then went on acting in five more films including Cake, Dobara Phir Se, Mah e Mir, and Azad. Her film Cake is also awarded Best Feature Fiction Award at South Asian Film Festival. Apart from acting, she also has a career as a singer and model. She has also appeared in Coke Studio season 3 as a background vocalist.
Who else you would like to add in this list of most underrated Pakistani celebrities?
I prefer books and diaries more than phones and Facebook. Soulfully connected to Pakistan. And I passionately believe that I can change the world through blogging.
