Drama - Glam Magazine

Saba Qamar — The Art of Being Unclassifiable

Maimoona Hyder — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:52:12 +0000

By Zurain Z. Imam

Refusing to be reduced or read easily, Saba Qamar turns contradiction into power—and ambiguity into her sharpest weapon.

In an industry conditioned to reward binaries—good or bad, virtuous or villainous—Saba Qamar has built an empire in the in-between.

Often likened to Hollywood icon Meryl Streep for her transformative acting range, Saba is less a performer and more a presence—an actress who dissolves into contradiction, embraces fracture, and chooses women who are difficult, disruptive, and defiantly real. “Grey characters are more real… more human,” Saba says. “Perfection is boring… flaws are interesting.”
In that ethos lies her quiet rebellion—not just against the industry, but against the very idea of being easily understood.

Born on April 5, 1984, in Hyderabad, Saba Qamar’s life began not in privilege, but in absence. The early loss of her father did not simply mark her childhood—it quietly restructured her emotional world. “Losing my father at a young age didn’t just leave a void… it reshaped how I feel and observe,” Saba reminisces. “As a child, you don’t fully understand grief, but you carry it deeply. It made me more aware of silences—of what people don’t say as much as what they do. I began to feel things more intensely… to notice what others often hide.”
There was loneliness in that loss—but also formation.

“As an artist, I don’t just perform emotions—I draw from something real. That early loss gave me depth, empathy, and a kind of honesty I think people connect with.”
Raised by her grandmother in Gujranwala and shaped by shifting geographies—from Lahore onward—she learned early how to exist without permanence. “Growing up across multiple cities felt like living in a constant in-between,” Saba says. “Just as something became familiar, it would change again. It can feel unsettling as a child… like you’re always learning how to belong.”
But that instability became discipline. “It taught me how to adapt without losing myself… how to find a sense of home internally rather than in a place. You become observant—you watch, you listen, you learn to read people quickly. And as an artist, that becomes a strength.”
She carries fragments of every place she’s lived—each one surfacing, quietly, in her performances.

Her journey into acting—particularly from a conservative Syed family—was not rebellion, but alignment. “Choosing acting wasn’t simple. There was hesitation… resistance… even within myself. But there was a quiet, persistent pull I couldn’t ignore,” Saba stresses. “Acting wasn’t about glamour—it felt like a way of expressing what I couldn’t say out loud.”
At some point, waiting for approval became more dangerous than uncertainty.
“If I kept waiting for everything to feel safe, I might never step into what I truly felt aligned with. So, I chose the leap. It wasn’t rebellion—it was conviction.”
Saba also resists the mythology of reinvention. “I think the woman I am today was always there… in an unformed way, “Saba asserts. “Life didn’t create her—it revealed her. The losses, the uncertainty—they strip away what isn’t real.” Her strength was not constructed—it was uncovered. “I didn’t become someone new. I understood who I already was—and learned how to stand in that fully,” Saba emphasizes.

Long before acclaim, there was collapse. Early in her career, Saba suffered a heart attack while performing on stage.
“I didn’t even realise what was happening… I just kept going.”
A combination of stress. relentless work and responsibility too early in life took their toll. “That incident made me realise that health comes first… no matter what.”
Her ultimate success was not effortless—it was how to survive.

Saba’s early breakthrough came through the satirical comedy Hum Sab Umeed Se Hain, where her mimicry and timing revealed a sharp comic instinct—one often overshadowed by the gravity of her later work. But it was her transition into layered drama—Maat, Digest Writer, Sangat, Baaghi and Cheekh—that redefined the female protagonist on Pakistani television, particularly on Hum TV. “If the role doesn’t scare me, I don’t want to do it, Saba proclaims forthrightly.
About Baaghi, inspired by the life of slain internet phenomenon Qandeel Baloch, Saba says; “I didn’t want to copy her… I wanted to understand her. There was so much pain behind that confidence.” About Cheekh Saba opines; “Women are always told to stay quiet. I wanted to show what happens when she doesn’t. Silence is the biggest crime.”

If earlier roles challenged society, Case No. 9 demanded something more dangerous—total emotional immersion. “Emotional scenes take a real toll… on the mind and the body, Saba reveals. “I’ve learned to take care of myself and breathe through it.” The role however did not end when the cameras stopped. “These characters don’t just disappear. When you go through something intense, you don’t erase it—you grow from it. The emotions stay.” Her portrayal of a woman navigating trauma within a hostile system became less performance, more indictment.

Her biggest project, Hum TV’s Muamma, which ran through early 2026 and concluded in April, marked a striking turn into psychological territory. As Jahan Ara—a layered, obsessive, and deeply complex woman—Saba delivered one of her most intense performances in recent years. The drama drew strong audience engagement for its slow-burn exploration of trauma, manipulation and power within confined domestic spaces. Saba embodied a psychologically complex woman whose quiet volatility is driven by moral ambiguity and psychological unease, her intention not to seek redemption but to expose the unsettling truth that the darkest impulses are often deeply human—and dangerously self-justified. “There’s no bigger devil than humans. Fear is not outside… it’s within us.” Saba said about the hugely successful serial. In Muamma, empathy fractured. The audience was implicated. And Saba operated at her most restrained—and most unsettling. Industry chatter already places this role among her most compelling post-Baaghi and Cheekh performances.

Saba says her engagement with a character begins in silence. “I try to sense the soul of the character… what is she hiding… what wounds is she carrying.” She says she doesn’t construct performances—she allows them to surface.
“I don’t rush it. Slowly, she reveals herself.”
On set, ego dissolves into discipline. “I’m here to serve the story, not my ego. I’ll give a hundred takes if needed.” And ultimately Saba values honesty over flattery; “You can feel the difference between truth and formality.”

Saba’s transition to cinema—particularly Hindi Medium opposite Irrfan Khan—brought international acclaim. “Working with Irrfan was like going to an acting school… he was so real, you forgot the camera was there,” Saba enthuses. She chose the project for substance—not scale. And it showed.

Saba’s off-screen life carries the same refusal to romanticise pain. Speaking candidly about an eight-year toxic relationship; “We are taught not to leave the first man… but that one sentence ruined eight years of my life,” Saba says ruefully. “He lied to me… humiliated me… it destroyed my mental peace,” she adds.
Her clarity now is unwavering; “I don’t want to be stuck in an abusive relationship… I want compatibility. Love should be unconditional—but not at the cost of your peace,” she insists.

Saba’s voice extends beyond performance into critique. “People often joke about mental stress… but experiencing it first-hand is eye-opening”, she muses. “We’re also still stuck in labels… I believe in gender equality.” She further challenges the culture of scrutiny; “Why do we discuss someone’s appearance… and then target their personality.” Saba’s advocacy on mental health—particularly during World Mental Health Month—remains grounded and urgent; “Mental health is just as important as physical health… talking about it is a sign of strength.”

As a National Ambassador for UNICEF, Saba has extended her influence into child rights and girls’ empowerment—particularly against child marriage in Pakistan.
“Why should any child be forced into a future they did not choose?” she challenges. Her work bridges visibility and responsibility—amplifying voices often unheard. In an industry where silence is often survival, Saba has chosen confrontation. Following defamatory claims by a journalist, she pursued legal action with clarity;
“No one has the right to make false accusations just for attention.” Her stance reinforced dignity in an environment that often weaponised speculation, especially against women.

Despite immense popularity, Saba Qamar remains curiously distant from the machinery of celebrity. “I want to live life, not just spend it,” she opines.
No relentless visibility. No overexposure. Even controversies—from the Badshahi Mosque photoshoot to public scrutiny of her personal life—have not diluted her authority. If anything, they reinforce it.
She controls the narrative—by choosing what not to reveal.

Beginning 2026 with the huge success of Muamma , looking ahead, Saba returns to a more relationship-driven narrative with Hurmat, an upcoming Hum TV drama co-starring Ahmed Ali Akbar, written by Kashif Anwar. Expected later in 2026, early indications suggest a grounded, emotionally resonant story—offering a deliberate contrast to Muamma’s psychological intensity. Beyond that, Saba has hinted at yet another undisclosed project on a different channel—signalling a multi-network presence and continued dominance across screens. Meanwhile, the Urduflix web series Mandi in which Saba plays Uzma Rana, a powerful, ambitious politician alongside Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ainy Jaffri, and Shayan Khan, remains in development, with details still under wraps. Taken together, her trajectory reflects a deliberate evolution: from social realism (Case No. 9) to psychological depth (Muamma), and now toward a balance of mainstream storytelling and experimental range.The industry consensus is clear—2026 is not a pause, but an expansion. Saba Qamar isn’t slowing down—she is widening her canvas.

There are rare moments in an actor’s career when multiple narratives run in parallel—when every screen carries their presence. Saba Qamar is living that moment.
But unlike the frenzy that consumed earlier superstars, Saba remains grounded, precise, and indifferent to noise. She shows up. She does the work. And she leaves.
“I don’t act… I feel.,” she clarifies.
From a grief-marked childhood in Hyderabad to international recognition, Saba Qamar is not merely a star—she is a shift. From glamour to gravity. From archetype to ambiguity. From performance to presence.
She gives you everything on screen.
And just enough of herself to keep you wondering…

The post Saba Qamar — The Art of Being Unclassifiable appeared first on Glam Magazine.

An Epic Tale of a Woman’s Struggle, Revenge, and Enduring Hope – Muamma

Maimoona Hyder — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:11:24 +0000

In our society, a divorced woman is often treated as an outcast. The prevailing belief is that the fault in a failed marriage lies mostly with the woman, and this perception subjects her to relentless societal scrutiny. Her personal life, prospects of remarriage, and even her daily routines are scrutinized under a harsh public gaze.

It is against this backdrop of societal pressure, personal loss, and heartbreak that drama “Muamma” begins its gripping narrative. Spanning 30 episodes, this series is directed by Saqlain Khan, written by Imran Nazir, and produced by Momina Duraid. The drama features a stellar cast, including Saba Qamar, Usman Mukhtar, Nimra Shahid, Syed Jibran and Maria Wasti, Muamma airs on HUM TV every Wednesday and Thursday at 8 PM, offering viewers a rich blend of suspense, emotional depth, and social commentary.

The story revolves around the enigmatic character of Jahan Ara. Surrounded by rumours and whispered speculations. The narrative is a kaleidoscope of human emotions, betrayal, survival, and redemption, providing viewers with an intense and immersive experience.

Jahan Ara is portrayed as an intelligent, shrewd, and cunning woman. Outwardly, she may appear innocent and empathetic, but beneath the surface lies a mind that strategizes with precision.

However, Jahan Ara’s life is far from easy. She navigates a world dominated by patriarchal norms and male authority, encountering challenges at every turn. Her father’s bias, her brother’s cruelty, and the betrayal of men around her have been recurring themes in her life. Her first marriage ends abruptly, with powerful feudal lord Sarmad orchestrating events to force her into a toxic union with him. This marriage becomes a nightmare filled with abuse, humiliation, and relentless cruelty. Yet, in these dark moments, Jahan Ara’s courage, patience, and intelligence begin to shine.

Through a twist of fate, Jahan Ara eventually exacts justice on Sarmad for his misdeeds. Seven years later, she returns as a strong, influential, and fearless woman, determined to confront life on her own terms. Her mission becomes exposing the betrayals and deceit of men and overcoming any obstacles that come her way. She is now the proud owner of a beautiful house, which she rents exclusively to newlywed couples. But beneath the surface, she quietly observes their relationships, looking for cracks and tensions a subtle yet powerful metaphor for her quest for justice and understanding human frailties.

Life, however, presents yet another challenge in the form of Shah Jahan, one of her tenants. The dynamics between Jahan Ara and Shah Jahan form a pivotal part of the drama. Their relationship, evolving amid tension, attraction, and mutual discovery, has the potential to transform Jahan Ara’s life in ways even she cannot predict. Each episode reveals new layers of intrigue, suspense, and emotional intensity, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Muamma is not just a story of entertainment; it is a social commentary that fearlessly portrays the realities of a divorced woman in a conservative society.

Saba Qamar delivers a powerhouse performance as Jahan Ara. Her portrayal captures a spectrum of emotions from vulnerability and grief to courage and determination. Her ability to convey the subtleties of pain, intelligence, and moral strength has won the hearts of audiences within the first few episodes. Usman Mukhtar, Nimra Shahid, and the supporting cast contribute significantly to the drama, ensuring that every character is vividly realized and essential to the storyline.

Saba Qamar’s return to HUM TV after a long hiatus has been highly anticipated. She has previously delivered exceptional performances in acclaimed dramas such as Bunty I Love You, Maat, Dastaan, and Besharam, leaving an indelible mark on every role. In Muamma, she brings maturity, depth, and nuance, making Jahan Ara a character that viewers both admire and empathize with. Her presence ensures that the drama is not merely watched but experienced.

Beyond entertainment, Muamma carries a profound social message. It teaches that a woman who stands firm for her rights and confronts societal pressures can emerge victorious despite adversity.

Muamma is poised to become a classic, remembered not just for its gripping storyline but also for its social relevance and strong performances. It stands as a testament to HUM TV’s commitment to selecting compelling themes, producing high-quality content, and contributing to societal awareness. The drama is a vivid portrayal of courage, resilience, and justice, and it resonates across generations.

By presenting a woman’s struggle with honesty, sensitivity, and drama, HUM TV has set a benchmark for quality storytelling. Muamma is a triumph of narrative, performance, and social commentary a drama that will not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and provoke thought.

The post An Epic Tale of a Woman’s Struggle, Revenge, and Enduring Hope – Muamma appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Jinn Ki Shaadi Unki Shaadi – Where Jinns Meet Humans

Maimoona Hyder — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:41:08 +0000

The Pakistani drama industry has always been a place where magic happens when the right blend of artists, stories, and vision come together. Every once in a while, audiences can sense that something extraordinary is about to arrive, and HUM TV’s upcoming project “Jin Ki Shaadi, Un Ki Shaadi” is one of those rare productions. Starring the internationally acclaimed Wahaj Ali and the immensely talented Sehar Khan in their first-ever on-screen pairing, and helmed by the masterful direction of Saif e Hasan, the drama promises to captivate viewers with its unique story, compelling characters, and grandeur.

Wahaj Ali, who began his acting journey in 2015 with Ishq Ibadat, has risen to become one of the most admired actors in the country. His remarkable ability to bring depth, truth, and emotional intensity to his roles has earned him fans not just in Pakistan but across the globe. With memorable performances in dramas such as Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi, Bikhre Moti, Fitoor, Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha and Jurm, along with his portrayal of Imam Rumi in Jo Bichar Gaye, he has established himself as an actor of great versatility. Blockbuster serials like Ehd-e-Wafa and Tere Bin further elevated his stardom, making him one of the most sought-after names in television today. His contribution to cinema with Superstar added another dimension to his career, proving that his artistry transcends mediums.

Opposite him stands Sehar Khan, a name that has charmed audiences with her innocence, vibrance, and natural screen presence. Starting her career in 2018 with Sanwari, Sehar quickly earned recognition for her engaging performances and versatile roles. Born in Islamabad, she has worked in popular dramas such as Rang Mahal, Zakhm, Mushk, Fairy Tale and Tan Man Neel o Neel, each showcasing a different shade of her acting talent. The phenomenal success of Fairy Tale brought her into the limelight like never before, with her chemistry in the drama becoming a talking point everywhere. The appreciation translated into a well-deserved HUM Award in 2024 for Best On-Screen Couple, further solidifying her place as one of the brightest young stars of the industry.

The drama comes to life under the direction of Saif e Hasan, whose name is associated with some of the finest productions in Pakistani television. Starting with Dil Ki Madham Boliyan, he has given the industry masterpieces such as Sang-e-Mar Mar, Sammi, Ehd-e-Wafa, Parizaad and Tan Man Neel o Neel. Known for his ability to weave stories that are emotionally charged and visually striking, Saif e Hasan has won numerous accolades, including Lux Style Awards, for his outstanding contribution to the craft. His vision promises to make Jin Ki Shaadi, Un Ki Shaadi not just another drama, but a memorable experience for viewers.

What makes this drama stand out is its unusual yet refreshing storyline. It is not just a tale of love, but a satire laced with humor, fantasy, and raw emotions. The title itself hints at its clever theme, portraying how society often obsesses over others’ marriages while overlooking their own realities. The narrative follows two brothers, Asad and Ali, who, in accordance with their late parents’ will, are compelled to live in their ancestral mansion. Once there, they encounter a family of jinns, which sets the stage for a rollercoaster of events. The twist arises when the unmarried brother, played by Wahaj Ali, is bound by a condition: he must marry within six months or lose his inheritance. What unfolds is a fascinating blend of comedy, suspense, and emotion, with a parallel love story between a jinn and a human adding further depth and intrigue. It is a story of love, loyalty, and the clash between human and supernatural worlds, crafted in a way that will keep audiences hooked.

Alongside Wahaj Ali and Sehar Khan, the drama boasts a stellar supporting cast including Arslan Naseer, Romaisa Khan, Sidra Niazi, Syed Jibran, and Nadia Afghan. With a strong lineup of performers, every character in the drama promises to leave an impression. The story has been conceived by Shamoon Abbasi and written by Syed Nabeel, whose script blends wit, emotions, and drama with seamless finesse. The production is in the hands of MD Productions, a banner that has consistently delivered quality dramas that resonate with audiences at home and abroad.

The on-screen pairing of Wahaj Ali and Sehar Khan has been a long-standing wish of fans, who have often expressed their desire to see the two together. With this project, that wish finally becomes a reality. Their combined star power, undeniable charisma, and acting prowess are expected to bring electrifying chemistry to the screen, making Jin Ki Shaadi, Un Ki Shaadi one of HUM TV’s landmark productions.

The drama premiered on 8th September and airs Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 PM on HUM TV. With its refreshing concept, powerful performances, and captivating direction, Jin Ki Shaadi, Un Ki Shaadi is entertaining audiences and leaving a lasting impression in the world of Pakistani drama.

The post Jinn Ki Shaadi Unki Shaadi – Where Jinns Meet Humans appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Where Jinns Meet Humans

Ayman Munaf — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:01 +0000

The post Where Jinns Meet Humans appeared first on Glam Magazine.

Mann Jogi – Projecting reality through art

Glam Magazine — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:33:56 +0000

Sultana Siddiqui recently set the stage for viewers to mull over a powerful narrative of resilience and acceptance as producer of ‘Mann Jogi,’ the first of three mini-serials, currently airing exclusively on HUM TV. The former PTV director and now President of HUM Network who won accolades for her brilliant serial ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’ on HUM TV, has ventured into this domain after 12 years. Unable to bear the rising tide of intolerance, terrorism and bigoted issues prevailing in society, she took up the banner to bring awareness to people. Directed by the acclaimed Kashif Nisar, with a gripping script by Zafar Mairaj, ‘Mann Jogi’ serves as a heartfelt reflection on the impact of anger and intolerance in our lives, conveying a narrative that stands as a sharp commentary on the complexities of human behaviour.

Starring the talented Bilal Abbas Khan, Sabeena Farooq and Mirza Gohar Rasheed, the serial brings together a cast that is delivering a powerhouse performance.

With an in-depth exploration of societal issues, ‘Mann Jogi’ sheds light on the destructive tendencies that plague our communities, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences they entail. Through its thought-provoking storyline offering a fresh perspective, the drama confronts the injustices perpetuated by negative attitudes, inviting viewers to question their own behavior and actions and the choices they make.

As the serial proceeds, audiences are taken on an emotional journey, witnessing the effects of anger and intolerance on individuals and society as a whole.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the serial, its director Sultana Siddiqui shared;

“The project was born out of a deep-seated desire to create thought-provoking content, specifically addressing the destructive tendencies within the society. We wanted to create impactful and meaningful content that would resonate with the audience. The overarching thought behind the project is to explore pervasive societal attitudes, particularly the anger and intolerance that often leads to injustice. The narrative reveals how individuals jeopardize others’ lives for personal gain, with some cunning people supporting these actions and ultimately destroying innocent lives.”

What sets ‘Mann Jogi’ apart is its ability to convey important messages subtly. The drama tackles sensitive topics without resorting to sensationalism. For instance, scenes such as lynch mobs are not clearly shown in its fourth episode, as the intention is only to effectively convey the narrative rather than create unnecessary shock value.

As far as the performances are concerned, the cast of ‘Mann Jogi’ delivers exceptional performances, with Bilal Abbas Khan shining as Ibrahim, portraying his character’s fate with remarkable depth, Sabeena Farooq as Aliya showcasing a range of emotions from fear to solace and Mirza Gohar Rasheed displaying strength and vulnerability as Shabbir. Despite having fewer dialogues, Bilal Abbas Khan’s acting has won the hearts as he knows how to convey the intent through his expressions.

Overall, “Mann Jogi” is a compelling and resonant drama that is making waves for all the right reasons and sparking important conversations around societal attitudes and human behavior.

The snippets showcasing netizens’ love for the play further affirms the impact ‘Mann Jogi’ is making in the world of Pakistan’s drama industry.

The post Mann Jogi – Projecting reality through art appeared first on Glam Magazine.