Entertainment
A Dynamic Virtuoso: Yumna Zaidi

By Zurain Imam
In a drama-scape riddled with stereotypical roles being assigned to Pakistani TV actresses, supernova talent Yumna Zaidi has strategically and successfully dodged the type-casting bullet by always opting for unconventional and disparate roles buoyed by nuanced performances. The 34-year-old Leo originally from Sahiwal, who is undoubtedly one of the most talented and beloved actresses on television with an almost obsessive fan-following, is stoic about her career choices and evolution which has helped her to carve a distinctive aura that unequivocally sets her apart. Zaidi has indubitably mastered the balancing act between critical and commercial acclaim, garnering both rave reviews; waltzing through the ratings game and mesmerising her fan base. Her devotees habitually upload reels
from her myriad dramas and Zaidi is often a top trend on X (formerly Twitter).
Explains Zaidi about her professional preferences, “If you see my work on television, I have attempted a variety of genres and roles – so much so that I don’t think any other actor, that I know of in this industry, has done that. My present and my past projects are full of multiple storylines. “In recent times her body of work shines with a bevy of disparate roles, including commercial hits inclusive of the hugely popular and record-breaking ‘Tere Bin’ and a slew of critical successes such as the award-winning ‘Bakhtawar’.
“I enjoy challenges and taking risks, “says Zaidi, “It’s when you break the formula by doing things differently that you click with the audience. In the early years of my career, I deliberately didn’t opt for conventional roles. It’s important to develop the audience’s taste to the kind of performances that you can deliver. If I got offered five different scripts, I would often make some of the people who had approached me upset by choosing the least typical role. If I hadn’t done that, I would have run the risk of being typecast. Any time a drama became successful, a number of similar scripts started coming my way. I’ll now keep the same approach for films as well.”
Zaidi made her TV screen debut in 2012 as a supporting character in the domestic-drama Thakan which was followed by lead roles in several television series in the same year including the melodrama Khushi Ek Roag; andthe romantic serial Teri Raah Main Rul Gai. The followingyear in 2013 she made a special appearance in the series Sannata and acted in the family drama Meri Dulari and the revenge play Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi, the latter earning her recognition and a nomination for Hum Award for Best Supporting Actress. Later in 2014, she played a supporting role in Kashif Nisar’s Kis Se Kahoon and gained further popularity by portraying a troubled wife in Farooq Rind’s tragic-romance Rishtay Kuch Adhooray Se which established her as a leading actress and earned her Hum Award for Best Actress and Best Actress Popular nominations. She continued to garner praise for portraying diverse characters in the jealousy-riddled drama Mausam (2014) and the tragi-comedy Jugnoo (2015) which earned her three Hum awards nominations. In 2015 Zaidi also acted in Guriya; Paras and Aap ki Kaneez which garnered her more Best Actress nominations. Zaidi continued to ride the crest of success with the tragic-romance Guzaarish (2015); Momina Duraid’s romance Zara Yaad Kar (2016); Kashif Nisar’s dark revenge drama Pinjra (2017) and Pukaar (2017).
“I enjoy challenges and taking risks,” says Zaidi. “It’s when you break the formula by doing things differently that you click with the audience. In the early years of my career, I deliberately didn’t opt for conventional roles. It’s important to develop the audience’s taste to the kind of performances that you can deliver.”
In 2017 Yumna Zaidi also starred in Hum TV’s Yeh Raha Dil opposite Ahmed Ali Akbar. Her scintillating on-screen chemistry with Ali Akbar was praised by viewers and earned them a nomination for Best On-screen Couple at the Hum Awards. In the same year she portrayed Sila, a sexual harassment victim in director Momina Duraid’s Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila writtenby Bee Gul and directed by Kashif Nisar. In 2019 she acted in Dil Kiya Karey, directed by Mehreen Jabbar and made a special appearance in Angeline Malik’s anthology series Choti Choti Batain on HumTV. She further rendered an extended cameo in Hum TV’s ground-breaking Ishq Zahe Naseeb.
After establishing herself as a major player Zaidi starred in Inkaar (2019) Pyar Ke Sadqay (2020), Dil Na Umeed To Nahi (2021) Sinf-e-Aahan(2021), Parizaad (2021)and Bakhtawar (2022).
Inkaar (in which she played a brave university student fighting against a flawed judicial system; Piyar Ke Sadkay (in which she portrayed an ingénue social misfit) and Bakhtawar (as the titular gender transforming survivalist Bakhtawar,) each earned her Lux Style Awards for Best Television Actress. (Bakhtawar earned Zaidi both Best Actress Critics and Viewer’s Choice Awards).
Zaidi has the honour of becoming the Lux Style Awards’ most awarded female actor in the Television category with five awards to her credit.
Zaidi has also expanded her repertoire by acting in a slew of diverse telefilms including Momina Duraid’s Subah Be Daagh Hai (2014) directed by Junaid Masood Khan; Shaadi Impossible (2019) directed by Mohsin Talat’ andthe Angeline Malik’ helmed Raja Ki Raji (2020).
But it was the Yumna Zaidi-Wahaj Ali buoyed drama serial Tere Bin which explored the vacillating fairy tale love story between Murtasim and Meerub that became a ground- breaking hit in 2023. Directed by Siraj-ul-Haque, Season One of Tere Bin aired from December 28, 2022 to July 6,2023 and its second season premiered on December 29, 2023, garnering immense popularity.
Which brings us to Yumna Zaidi’s momentous and, dare we say, typically unconventional cinematic debut 12 years after she entered the entertainment industry in director Umair Nasir Ali’s sports film Nayab- in which Zaidi plays the titular role of Nayab, an aspiring cricketer from Karachi who has a passion for the sport but is hesitant due to societal limitations and lack of opportunities. The movie further deals with her brother’s disappointment in not attaining his dreams of being a cricketer and instead supporting his sister’s aspirations, despite their father’s objections.
With a script written by the famed Laal Kabootar duo Ali Abbas Naqvi and Basit Naqvi, the cast includes Javed Sheikh, Usama Khan, Fawad Khan, the theatre actor who has worked in multiple web series including Churails. Nayab was released nationwide on January 26, 2024 and had its international release in cinemas on February 2nd 2024. The film’s international distribution by HUMFilms signalled a global release that transcends geographical boundaries.
Yumna Zaidi has said she was cautious while navigating and shifting from one medium to another but also excited. “I always take on things as a challenge and I am very focused on doing it well. Big screen has its own charm, so when I began shooting Nayab I was nervous and excited at the same time. I was a bit anxious in the beginning but during the promotion of Nayab, my anxiety went away.”
Zaidi had been offered myriad movie roles before Nayab but she had refused them. But she was drawn to Nayab’s strong content which won her heart. “It’s a brilliant story and it is meaningful. I was hooked to Nayab’s script and I just couldn’t let it go to anyone else.”
“From the initial ABCs of cricket to rigorous training sessions, practice matches on the final pitch, it’s been a long process practising for two-and-a-half months on both batting and bowling and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.” In her ongoing commitment to avoid stereotyping Zaidi said she didn’t watch cricket matches before the shoot. “Luckily during my learning sessions, I got to meet some professional women cricketers who really inspired me. I came to know about their lives, and how much they had sacrificed for their dreams and goals.”

Elaborating about her role Zaidi explains that Nayab is a daring girl whose passion for cricket is limitless. Nayab has an unconventional story. It’s about sports, family, relationships, emotions, the support that a girl gets if she wants to pursue a career, by the people around her, her brother, her partner. “In Pakistan, cricket is still essentially viewed as a man’s sport. Becoming a cricketer in our chauvinist society is not an easy task. First of all, it’s not easy for a middle-class girl to get permission from her family, secondly there are no big grounds where girls can play freely and then there is a long and tedious selection process. So, my role in Nayab depicts the struggle of every aspiring young female cricketer.”
After having walked the ramp six years ago in December, 2017 for designer Aisha Farid’s collection Crystalline at HUM Bridal Couture Week, Zaidi has upped her glam quotient and recently undergone a style metamorphosis appearing in uber-luxe and edgy fashion pictorials as well as dressing up glamorously during promotions for Nayab.
Yumna Zaidi is concurrently wrapping up the shoot of the TV drama series
‘Gentleman’ in which for the very first time graces the small screen with Humayun Saeed. This highly anticipated drama directed by Haisam Hussain and written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar is a riveting blend of romance, mystery, and clandestine affairs, delving deep into the lives of two seemingly incompatible individuals whose fates intertwine in a most enigmatic manner.
Did Zaidi have doubts about being paired with the beloved veteran actor?
“We both felt that no other script could have done more justice to us being paired on screen,” Zaidi ripostes. “And now, after having worked with Humayun Saeed, I have become a fan of his. He really puts in 1,000 percent into his acting, and he’s also such a good, humble person.”
After having walked the ramp six years ago in December, 2017 for designer Aisha Farid’s collection ‘Crystalline’ at HUM Bridal Couture Week, Zaidi has upped her glam quotient and recently undergone a style metamorphosis appearing in uber-luxe and edgy fashion pictorials as well as dressing up glamorously during promotions for Nayab.
In conclusion Yumna Zaidi reflects about her success, “I just feel that I have worked very hard to get where I am now and maybe that’s why everything has turned out so well. Sometimes you manifest something and you connect with the universe and, then, the universe gives back to you. I have always manifested the future for myself.
The best part about our life is that no matter what bad happens to us, HE [God] is there silently watching over, and only this thought is so comforting. Be thankful for everything in your life.”
In Tune
Faakhir Mehmood – Music Embedded in the Soul
Meeting an artist whose voice defined an era, Faakhir Mehmood greets you not with the air of a pop legend, but with the warmth of an old friend. Witty and friendly, Faakhir’s journey from the Awaz days, crafting patriotic anthems and soulful ballads is a chapter in Pakistan’s music history.
Now, as digital waves replace cassette decks and TikTok trends redefine hits, Faakhir continues making melodies and staying true to what first pulled him into music. “Honestly, it feels like riding a wild musical roller coaster,” he smiles, reflecting on his journey. From engineering classrooms to global stages, the transformation has been surreal. “I barely recognize the engineer-turned-musician in old pics!”

Faakhir’s musical career first took flight with Awaz, the iconic ’90s pop band that helped shape the sound of a generation. And while the band has long disbanded, the memories remain golden. “What I miss the most is the friendship, the chaos,” he says fondly. “Haroon’s energy, Asad’s stratocaster riffs, my frantic keyboard noodling… and those epic moments when we’d finally agree on a final version of a song. It was electric.”
From those jam-packed, impromptu sessions to today’s meticulous studio marathons, Faakhir’s process has evolved with time but the same heart remains. “Back then, we’d jam until someone had to escape for a date,” he laughs. “Now it’s long hours in the studio, powered by karak chai or a strong Americano.”
While his discography is filled with iconic hits, it’s ‘Kaash Hum Juda na Hotay’ from the album Mantra that holds the deepest place in his heart.“It came from a very personal space,” he shares quietly. “It still gives me goosebumps every time I hear or sing it.” His breakout solo anthem, “Dil na Lagay Pakistan”, still stirs hearts across the country—something he says was born out of youthful hope and a desire to connect with the nation. “I wanted to give people a proud, emotional wake-up call for loving the country. It just came in my heart one day.”
And who could forget ‘Mahi Ve’—the song that became a cultural reset? “Ironically,” he chuckles, “that melody was actually a rejected jingle from an ad I did. Later, I turned it into a full-fledged song. Never thought it would become a classic!”
A man of many hats—composer, singer, director—what role does he enjoy the most? “Composing,” he answers instantly. “It’s like cooking a fusion dish. But performing live? That’s the ultimate high. That energy, that crowd—it’s addictive.” Despite the quieter public presence in recent years, Faakhir’s creativity hasn’t slowed down. “I’m always composing,” he reveals. “I have tons of unreleased material sitting in my vault.”
Still, he admits the changing tides of the music industry have been a lot to keep up with. “Streaming, social media, TikTok—it’s overwhelming,” he says honestly. “I desperately need someone to help me with that part!” He credits Coke Studio for keeping local music alive and ever-evolving. “It’s like a chemistry lab,” he says. “Taking old, new, folk, pop—mixing it all together to create something that resonates with everyone. It’s genius.”
To young musicians trying to find their voice in this fast-paced world, his advice is delightfully simple,“Stay weird. That’s your flavour,” he says. “Learn the tools, sure, but don’t let them erase your creative spark.”

Behind the scenes, Faakhir still surprises fans. Did you know he’s a certified electrical engineer? “Yes, I can probably fix your Wi-Fi router,” he jokes, “but only after I’ve tuned a piano.”
As for what’s next, the composer hints at a few exciting collaborations. “They’re brewing,” he says with a mischievous grin, “but I’m so lazy! Fingers crossed.”
If he could give his younger self any advice? “Pace yourself. Don’t be lazy, don’t get too comfortable.”
And what does success look like to Faakhir Mehmood in 2025? He smiles thoughtfully. “A peaceful home, a cup of karak chai, a melody on the keys… and knowing that someone out there still hums one of my songs and understands the heart behind it.”
In the end, how does he want to be remembered—not just as a musician, but as Faakhir? He answers simply, without pause, “As someone genuine, generous, kind-hearted… and who truly loved his craft.”
Entertainment
Hundan: Touching the Core of Humanity

In the bleak, haunting silence of Gilgit-Baltistan’s snow-capped mountains, a story of nature, love, loss and its consequences took place centuries ago. Told in hushed tones by flickering firesides by the elders, it was immortalized in the film Hundan. Written, directed and produced by Karamat Ali, who belongs to the area, the filmmaker has a deep-rooted passion for folklore and cultural preservation.
A mass communication graduate, Karamat Ali brings to the screen a story bound in legacy. Hundan is a docu-drama that protects forgotten voices, confronts environmental exploitation and resurrects the dying Burushaski language.

“My grandmother used to cry while telling me this story.”Karamat said,when asked what inspired him to make Hundan. “This story was part of my childhood. My grandmother would narrate it with such emotion that it stayed with me. There was no television, no other distractions in those days. The story is about coexistence, and how doing wrong never goes unpunished.” That seed of storytelling was planted in 2007. After an initial attempt as a documentary and a reenactment performance that won hearts at a cultural event, he decided to take the bold step into narrative cinema. Eighteen years later, Hundan was born.

“Trophy hunting is not sport, it’s a crime against innocence.”At its heart, Hundan is a powerful protest against trophy hunting, a practice that has devastated local wildlife, particularly the endangered species like the ibex.“Who has given us the right to kill an innocent being just for entertainment?” Karamat questions with intensity. “We portrayed both sides — the greedy, and those trying to stop the greed. But my intention was clear: to show the heartbreak, the loss. There’s a scene where a mother ibex is killed in front of her young. That pain is real. And unforgivable.” The symbolism goes deeper. “Hun means wood, and dan means stone. Together, ‘Hundan’ is a metaphor — when you go against the path of righteousness, nature will respond. It becomes your teacher.”
Hundan also protects Burushaski, a dying language native to the region. “When someone is about to die, people go to see them with all their emotions. That’s what I’ve done with Burushaski — I’ve shown its joy, sorrow, anger, peace and mourning,” says Karamat with feelings. Though the film is being dubbed in Urdu for a wider audience, its original language remains its soul.
Filming Hundan was anything but smooth. The movie was supposed to be shot during the snow season, but due to climate change, the team found themselves waiting weeks for snowfall that never came. “I had to manually fill snow in some patches to make the scenes consistent,” he explained. Budget was another battle. “Most of the money went into fuel — we needed heaters, electric mattresses and generators to survive the mountain cold.”
But passion found a way. The cast, though not professional actors, were chosen with precision. Shahino was played by Alhan ul Qudrat, a seismologist, while Mayon was brought to life by Zahid Azeem, a school principal, both belonging to the area. Their physical endurance made it possible to shoot in the toughest terrains. “I didn’t stick to a fixed script,” Karamat says. “I’d explain the previous and upcoming scenes and asked the actors to speak in their own way. Munira Shah, who played Nisa, didn’t speak Burushaski — she had to learn her dialogues and understand it from scratch.” The grandmother’s character was portrayed by a real elderly woman, encouraged to act as naturally as she would. An old man who was also a professional storyteller delivered the final tale in the film.
Hundan is dedicated to Ghulam Uddin Hunzai, a beloved teacher and poet who translated the Quran into Burushaski and wrote educational books despite having only learned through the Qaida. “He was selfless. He taught generations — and now, they are all successful in their fields.”
When asked what advice he has for aspiring filmmakers, Karamat doesn’t hold back, “You need to be madly in love with your story. Don’t make films just to get views – make them to change lives. If your story doesn’t have a purpose, don’t tell it. And don’t do it if you don’t have the resources — unless you’re truly passionate. You need to be mad about your work.”
Karamat isn’t done telling stories. His next project, “A Missing Piece — Peace,” is a short film series focusing on the alarming youth suicide rate in Gilgit-Baltistan. “In one year, 56 suicides were reported aged 14 to 35. That’s heartbreaking. The lack of opportunity, peer pressure etc, it’s real, and it’s killing our youth.” He’s also preparing for a cross-border film on Pakistan-China friendship, partially shot in China. “It’s a story of a child’s struggle, a message of unity.”

“If Hundan could stop just one person — many just come for the fun — from trophy hunting,” Karamat says, “we’ve succeeded. Why not turn it into a sight-seeing opportunity instead? The animal doesn’t know it’s part of the game — it’s not a sport, it’s murder. Shoot it with a dart and make it unconscious, don’t kill it for the sport of it.”
Hundan: An Echo of a Dirge is more than a film. It’s a resurrection of language, a cry against cruelty, and a tribute to the power of folklore. Through the eyes of a grandmother, the blood of the mountains, and the beating heart of a culture on the edge, Karamat Ali has told a story that refuses to be forgotten. And as long as the stones whisper and the wood remembers, Hundan will echo its message.

Cast & Crew Share the Soul Behind Hundan
Alhan Ul Qudrat (Shahino)
“I never imagined I’d step into acting — it just wasn’t part of the plan. But growing up in the mountains, we’ve witnessed these stories all our lives. They’re part of who we are. The message of Hundan — that we must preserve wildlife and avoid harming nature — really resonated with me. Because what we destroy in nature eventually finds a way back into our own lives. It was also a proud moment to be part of the first film ever made in the Burushaski language. I gave it my all.”
Zahid Azeem (Mayon)
“Like Alhan, this was my first time in front of the camera — and honestly, I never thought I’d be able to do it. But with Karamat’s mentorship and the support on set, everything felt possible. Burushaski is my own language, and I feel lucky that I could express this story in words that come from my roots. It made the experience even more personal.”
Munira Shah (Nisa wife of Shahino)
“I don’t speak Burushaski, and I was really nervous about my accent. I told Karamat I wasn’t sure I could do it — but he simply said, ‘I’ll support you,’ and that meant everything. I had always dreamed of visiting Hunza, but I wanted to go with purpose. The love and support I received were overwhelming. We weren’t just a crew — we were a family. Every moment was joyful, filled with warmth and laughter.”
Shagufta Rasool (Asst. Director)
“Karamat is an incredible director — truly committed and calm even during duress. Yes, there were challenges during the shoot, but every problem was taken care of. The support from our team, especially our First AD Amjad — who’s also Karamat’s brother — made it all smooth. We pulled through as a strong, united crew.”
Extract: Filming Hundan was anything but smooth. The movie was supposed to be shot during the snow season, but due to climate change, the team found themselves waiting weeks for snowfall that never came.
In Tune
Abdul Rafay: A Voice with a Soul

In the vibrant world of music, where every note tells a story and every lyric speaks to the soul, Abdul Rafay stands out as a voice that resonates with emotion and depth. His melodic journey began at home, with an elder brother whose passion for music lit the first spark. A simple introduction to a classical music teacher became a turning point, as the guru recognized Rafay’s talent—a voice reminiscent of the classical Patiala gharana. From that moment, Rafay’s path in music was destined.

Under the mentorship of Intezar Hussain at NAPA, Rafay’s talent blossomed. “Sir Intezar was more than a teacher, he was a mentor who pushed me to explore, innovate and perfect my craft,” Rafay shares. This guidance not only honed his classical roots but also introduced him to the nuances of stage performance and vocal versatility.
At just 13, Rafay’s win at the Youth Festival, competing against seasoned vocalists proved his mettle. “That moment was surreal,” he recalls. “It was a validation of my hard work and the first major milestone in my life.” The nation’s interest for Rafay deepened during his stint as a finalist on Pakistan Idol. His soulful performances captivated millions, propelling him onto international stages and into the hearts of fans across continents. “Pakistan Idol was a game-changer,” Rafay says. “It opened doors I hadn’t even dreamed of.”



In 2019, Rafay’s contributions to patriotic music earned him the prestigious Pakistan Peace Award from the Air Force. “It was an honour to be recognized for something that resonates so deeply with me—using my voice to uplift and unite.” Sharing the stage with legends like Abida Parveen, Ali Zafar and Sonu Nigam has been another feather in Rafay’s cap. “Sonu Nigam’s humility left a lasting impression on me. It’s these experiences that fuel my passion to keep growing and learning,” Rafay reflects.
Rafay’s discography is as impressive as his journey. From the heartfelt Na Hone Du Juda for B4U Music in India, to the soulful Woh Pyar Tha for Bol Beats, his voice has resonated across borders. His song Piyaaa with Laal Series showcases his versatility, while the patriotic Khaak Ki Qasam stirs national pride. Rafay has also lent his voice to popular OSTs like Apne Hei Tu Hain for Green Entertainment and Main Hun Kahani for Express Entertainment, cementing his place in the hearts of drama enthusiasts. His musical style is a blend of classical rigour and contemporary flair, drawing inspiration from artists like Arijit Singh. “Classical music is my foundation, but I enjoy experimenting with genres, always staying true to the essence of each.”
His journey hasn’t been without challenges. Navigating the music industry without connections has been tough, but Rafay’s resilience remains unshaken. “I focus on improving my craft, believing that opportunities will come when the time is right.” Looking ahead, Rafay is excited about upcoming projects, including original soundtracks and collaborations. “I’m also keen on exploring international collaborations. Music is a universal language, and I want to use it to bridge cultures and connect people.” For young, aspiring singers, Rafay’s advice is: “Stay true to yourself, work hard, be humble, and let your authenticity shine through. Success will follow.”
Reflecting on his journey, Rafay cherishes every moment, especially those with his mother, his unwavering supporter. “Her belief in me is the cornerstone of my success,” he says. As Rafay continues to enchant audiences with his soulful voice and heartfelt performances, his legacy of authenticity, passion and perseverance is one that will inspire generations to come.
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