The Golden Ladies of TV

By Ariba Syed

In the ever-evolving world of Pakistani entertainment, where trends change and new faces emerge constantly, only a few have managed to create a niche for themselves. These are the women whose talent, adaptability and dedication have stood the test of time, contributing uniquely to the rich tapestry of Pakistani drama and film. Their ability to reinvent themselves and remain relevant in an industry that often favours youth is a testament to their exceptional artistry and passion.

The Masters of Reinvention

At the top of the list of iconic women stands Bushra Ansari who embarked on her artistic journey in the 1960s. Initially aspiring to be a singer, she soon found her niche in acting, singing, mimicking and writing. Her breakthrough came with Fifty-Fifty, where her impeccable comedic timing and versatility won hearts. Over the years, she has seamlessly transitioned between comedic and serious roles in dramas like Aangan Terha and Udaari. Even today, she commands attention with powerful performances in Tere Bin and Jhok Sarkar. When asked how she manages to stay relevant, Bushra candidly shared, “I can do many things at the same time. I love to act and I want to pursue creativity in whatever I do.”

Samina Ahmed, another veteran of the industry, began her career in the late 1960s. She became widely recognized through the iconic show Sach Gup and sitcom Alif Noon and performed many serials including Aangan Terha and Family Front. Her ability to effortlessly shift between comedy and drama has kept her work fresh and compelling. She remains an integral part of television, with recent roles in Suno Chanda, Sang-e-Mah and Fairy Tale. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “The key to staying relevant is to keep learning. Every project teaches me something new, and I embrace change rather than resist it.”

Sakina Samo, known for both acting and directing, rose to fame in the 1980s with powerhouse performances in Dewarain and Marvi. Over the years, she has proven her storytelling prowess behind the camera as well. Even today, her performances in Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam reaffirm her dominance on the mini screen. Speaking about her evolution, she said, “TV directing has given me the experience and confidence to feel like I could take the reins on a full-length feature…”

Atiqa Odho, who initially worked as a makeup artist, was discovered by Anwar Maqsood and cast in Sitara Aur Mehrunissa in 1992, catapulting her to fame. Since then, she has starred in iconic dramas like Dasht and Humsafar and films like Jo Darr Gya Woh Marr Gya. She has ventured into hosting and entrepreneurship with her own cosmetics brand. Her recent lead role in Kabli Pulao is a testament to her enduring star power. When asked about longevity in showbiz, she responded, “I feel that if you really put your heart into your craft, there’s no end to the opportunities out there.”

Sania Saeed, whose roots lie in theatre, made her television debut in Tapish (1989) but truly rose to fame with Aahat (1991). Her profound performances in Sitara Aur Mehrunissa, Sang-e-Mar Mar, and Aseer Zadi established her as one of Pakistan’s finest actresses. Even today, she remains relevant with projects like Kuch Ankahi and Sang-e-Mah. Reflecting on her choices, she said, “I believe in choosing projects that challenge me. Reinvention isn’t about staying trendy; it’s about staying true to the craft and constantly pushing boundaries.”

Saba Hameed, a powerhouse performer since the late 1970s, became a household name with Family Front, Mere Humsafar, and Aisi Hai Tanhai. She continues to dominate the screen, recently delivering a standout performance as Noor Mama in Gentleman. Speaking about her steadfast presence in the industry, she stated, “Acting was merely a hobby initially and, soon, it became my full-fledged career. I am very thankful for all that acting has given me — appreciation, fame, respect, money and I’ll keep doing it until I can…”