Tag: Haseeb Hassan

  • The most loved dramas of 2023

    The most loved dramas of 2023

    Say a word of thanks to the producers, writers and directors who decided to make dramas that were truly worth our while. They left us hooked, laughing and crying along with beloved characters.

    Check out the best of Pakistani dramas from this year.

    1. Jannat Se Aagay

    Writer: Shah Yasir
    Director:
    Haseeb Hassan
    Channel:
    Geo Entertainment

    Jannat Se Aagay digs into the complexities of identity and personal aspirations, focusing on Jannat and Tabassum, two young women from different backgrounds trying to discover themselves in a complicated world.

    The drama stands out for its compelling storyline, unpredictable script, and engaging narrative. While not flawless for die-hard Umera Ahmed fans, it’s recommended for its entertainment value, script quality, and performances. The return of Umera Ahmed adds to the anticipation, making Jannat Se Aagay a noteworthy entry in the world of Pakistani dramas in 2023.

    2. Shannas

    Writer: Adarsh Ayaz
    Director: Yasra Rizvi
    Channel: Green Entertainment

    Shanaas was a unique addition to our screens this year, featuring unconventional content. It follows Aneesa (Hajra Yamin), who discovers that she was adopted as a child. The drama unfolds as Aneesa navigates a journey to find her biological parents, encountering various characters tied to her past. Addressing adoption and class differences, the script, along with exceptional performances by Hajra Yamin, Sania Saeed, Shamim Hilaly, Yasra Rizvi, and others, handles the sensitive topics with care. An honest effort by the writer, director, and actors makes “Shanaas” a must-watch, delving into a sensitive subject in a thoughtful and tasteful manner.

    3. Kabli Pulao

    Writer: Zafar Mairaj
    Director:
    Kashif Nisar
    Channel:
    Green Entertainment

    The sensational Kabli Pulao aired on Green Entertainment, immediately cementing itself as a contender for the best series of 2023, not only for its compelling narrative but also for the network, sparking anticipation for future content. An unlikely romance between Haji Mushtaq (Muhammad Ehteshamuddin) and Barbeena (Sabeena Farooq), an Afghan refugee widow, the drama delves into their unconventional love story, exploring the challenges of cross-cultural relationships. Ehteshamuddin’s portrayal captivates with depth, and Farooq’s acting keeps viewers eagerly anticipating each episode.

    The drama’s commitment to shedding light on refugee struggles offers a refreshing departure from mainstream storytelling. A seamless blend of a compelling storyline and outstanding performances, “Kabli Pulao” stands out as one of the best stories of 2023.

    4. Fairy Tale

    Writer: Sarah Majeed
    Director:
    Ali Hasan
    Channel:
    HUM TV

    Fairytale is the firm fan favourite on the list, the story of Umeed’s life—a happy, imperfect young girl with a modern perspective. Despite embracing typical romance tropes, the drama’s light approach resonated so well with young Pakistanis that a second season was created, deviating from the initial plan. Fairytale’s characters are immensely fun, and the chemistry between the heroine and the hero is what keeps the show alive.

    5. Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri

    Writer: Rahat Jabeen
    Director:
    Shahid Shafaat
    Channel:
    HUM TV

    Ranked number 1 in the 5 Best Pakistani Dramas of 2023, Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri stands out with its crisp storyline. Initially underrated, the drama gained momentum as it progressed, proving to be the most romantic series. Dana Nair impressively portrays the role of an amateur girl experiencing love, capturing expressions and comments perfectly. Khushal Khan, akin to a desi Romeo and Juliet, acts vibrantly, overshadowing with genuine emotion. The drama showcases a passionate love story, making it a standout in the realm of Pakistani dramas.

  • Jannat Say Aagay is a story of envy and inspiration

    Har Pal Geo TV is airing the new drama serial Jannat Say Aagay, starring Talha Chahour, Kubra Khan, Ramsha Khan and Gohar Rasheed. Haseeb Hassan is the author and director of what is turning out to be a complex love story.

    ‘Jannat say aagay’ is about a morning show host Jannat Khan, played by Kubra Khan. The other main character is Tabbasum (Ramsha Khan), a fan inspired by Jannat’s success.

    Jannat hosts the morning show Jannat Jahan and goes to all kinds of lengths to make her show a superhit, treading into the dark side if need be.
    Tabbsum takes up a caretaker job in Jannat’s house to become close to her, so she gets to know about the reality of the superstar.

    It’s an intriguing beginning to a promising show. Let’s see where it takes us in the future.

  • Insights: Fawad-Sanam wrap up Zee5’s ‘supernatural fantasy with a family reunion’

    Insights: Fawad-Sanam wrap up Zee5’s ‘supernatural fantasy with a family reunion’

    Actors Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed have reunited for a Zee5 show 10 years after Zindagi Gulzar Hai that pushed the duo to superstardom in Pakistan.

    Their yet-to-be-titled web-series has just wrapped up filming. Their project is being helmed by Asim Abbasi, who also directed Churails and feature film Cake.

    Fawad Khan Sanam Saeed

    According to Variety, the show is a blend of magical realism and supernatural fantasy with a family reunion. Humsafar actor Khan is seen in a role of a single parent who tries to be the father that his own father wasn’t. Saeed, who recently starred in Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam, bears otherworldly secrets in the show and takes it upon herself to heal and bring everyone together.

    The pair posted some behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot a few months ago. Khan had described the story as a “genre-bending saga of familial traumas and reconciliations, a tale of love and loss set in a world of magic and mystique.”

    The series, which blends magical realism and supernatural fantasy with a family reunion, is helmed by critically acclaimed director Asim Abbasi who also directed Zindagi’s first Pakistani original “Churails” and the feature film “Cake.”

    Khan plays a single parent who, with his son, tries to be every bit the father his own father wasn’t. Saeed plays the central female character in the series. Harbouring otherworldly secrets, she takes it upon herself to heal, and make whole, everyone who surrounds her.

    The series was shot on location in Karachi and the picturesque Hunza valley.

    “This is a very personal project for me. The shoot which spanned over five months has been the most challenging experience of my life but also the most rewarding,” Abbasi said. “The ensemble have done a beautiful job, and given some career best performances. While we have had many eventful days shooting for the series, the last day of the shoot was particularly action-packed. I remember the car we were supposed to shoot with didn’t work, so we used my personal car instead. During the shot, Fawad really had to burn the rubber, as he had to do a u-turn on a single lane road. It was a perfect shot but now I need new tyres.”

  • Haseeb Hasan shares first teaser of Ahad, Sajal’s ‘Dhoop Ki Deewar’

    Haseeb Hasan shares first teaser of Ahad, Sajal’s ‘Dhoop Ki Deewar’

    Haseeb Hasan has shared the first teaser of the most anticipated upcoming web series Dhoop Ki Deewar.

    Wishing Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly a happy first wedding anniversary, the award-winning director shared the first teaser of the web series and wrote: “Always make each other smile! Happy Anniversary Ahad and Sajal.”

    “Cherishing my favourite moment of Vishal – Sara from Dhoop Ki Deewar on this day,” he added.

    In the video, Ahad (Vishal) can be seen singing a song for Sajal, who is playing Sara in the series.

    Sara don’t be mad warna India and Pakistan will very sad… Sara Sara Sara….”

    Earlier, Shailja Kejriwal, who is producing the web series shared pictures of the actors from the sets of the series.

    As per details, the series follows the story of two teenagers whose lives change forever overnight.

    Besides Sajal and Ahad, other actors who play key roles in the series include Adnan Jaffer, Zara Tareen, Paras Masroor, Hammad Siddiqui, Ainy Zaidi, Salma Hasan, Lubna Aslam, Raza Talish, Samiya Mumtaz and Zaib Rehman.

    Written by Umera Ahmad, Dhoop Ki Deewar is directed and co-produced by Hassan under the banner of Hamdan Films along with Shailja. Haseeb is one of the leading directors in the industry with popular drama serials including Nanhi, Mann Mayal as well as feature film Parwaaz Hai Junoon to his credit.

    Earlier, while speaking to The Current, Haseeb had shared his experience of shooting the series, saying that he had total creative liberty with the project.

    “It had creative input but I enjoyed total liberty which was becoming a challenge in the [local] industry each passing day,” said Hassan. “Indeed there were better budgets which justified enabling to achieve the required product and standards,” adding that the budget was “not crazy enough to buy an aeroplane”.

    Read more – Pakistanis can no longer subscribe to Zee5

    The series is expected to stream on Indian media platform Zee5. A release date has not been announced yet.