Geo Entertainment’s drama serial Tere Bin starring Yumna Zaidi and Wahaj Ali is currently leading the rating charts.
Some transnational viewers of this drama have now discovered that many moments in Tere Bin are an exact replica of those in the popular Indian drama Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon starring the hit pair of Barun Sobti and Sanaya Irani.
What the netizens has to say about the two shows’ striking resemblance is as follows:
Yumna Zaidi is amongst the most talented actresses in Pakistan. The Pyar Ke Sadqay star recently engaged in a chat with a digital portal and discussed about her career choices.
Her choice in selecting roles has always stemmed away from the traditional stories in mainstream dramas.
HUM TV’s special Bakhtawar is a similar tale that touches upon the struggles of women in a male dominant world: a narrative that is quite controversial for the masses to digest. Yumna stars as the leading character, an independent young woman who is compelled to find work and build herself a better life. The highlight of this show is how the girl named Bakhtawar transforms herself into a man to achieve this goal.
In an interview conducted by Maliha Rehman, the ‘Sinf-e-Aahan’ heroine talked about the struggles of taking up this demanding role, barefaced and in the costume of a man. Taking the mike, Yumna said, “It was a challenge to prepare for my role. Without makeup and baggy clothes, and having that tiny wig to look boyish, a girl like me or any actress in Pakistan would feel the same.”
She further emphasized the process of becoming a man in the series, “My body was packed with different layers to hide my body, hair packed to look more like a man.”
Yumna lamented about not being able to look pretty in this role but also spoke about the physical transformation the actor was required to complete for the two contrasting characters. She said, “It was a physical challenge, but it also required more. I had to learn to change my voice, as there was less time between the shoots to change my character from Bakhtawar to Bakhtu.”
She also talked about her selection of scripts, as she’s known to choose narratives that are deviant from the norm. On being asked about her decisions, she answered, “When I got the script, I was super excited, so I picked it as a challenge.”
Yumna then reflected on Bahktawar and why it turned out to be such a vital role. “In this world, regardless of its advances, women are still facing such injustice. No matter how powerful she is, or the time, women continue to face incidents that make you see the grim reality,” she added.
She concluded her statement by praising her choice. “I have taken a story of a woman and her stand and struggle in life, which is something I am proud of and satisfied with.”
She further added: “I walked on the roads and felt the difference”
In the interview, Yumna recalled the biggest learning curve of her life while filming for the drama. During her shoots, the starlet was required to walk on roads freely with a hidden camera to capture her surroundings, giving it a more realistic picture.
Yumna explained, “We had to shoot raw in markets with a hidden camera, so I had to walk on the roads and I felt the difference. I had a team, with bouncers and still felt uncomfortable. In the same market, when I was in a male’s get-up, I walked so comfortably, and I kept thinking about the women who walk on these roads. It was just a shoot, and I was fully protected, but not these women who go here every day.”
She expressed that this realization of “privilege” and having “slightly more protected lives” has changed her whole outlook on life, making her more grateful for everything she has been blessed with, including security. Dressing up from Bakhtawar to Bakhtu was not only a physical journey for the actor but also a mental one that has taught the actor numerous life-long lessons.
In another interview Yumna mentioned that her role in Ishq Zahe Naseeb starring Zahid Ahmed and Sami Khan was initially offered to Ayeza Khan and Neelam Muneer who turned down the role as its screen time was less than the other female part played by Sonya Hussyn.
The actress is currently impressing critics and audiences alike with her phenomenal performance in Dil Na Umeed To Nahi.
Star-actor Neelam Muneer in an exclusive conversation with The Current, revealed why she rejected to play Shakra in Zahid Ahmed starrer Ishq Zah e Naseeb. The role later fell in stellar performer Yumna Zaidi’s lap.
“It was a very good project, the director (Farooq Rind) is amazing, it aired on HUM TV and was a proper package.”
She then spilled that the reason of turning it down was because there was a problem with her dates. She wasn’t available to shoot the project in the given time span. “There was a clash of dates and I felt I won’t be able to manage.”
Muneer concluded on this topic by saying, “Yumna did a very fine job in the drama, I did watch the show though.”
Last year, Yumna mentioned that her role in Ishq Zahe Naseeb was initially offered to Ayeza Khan and Neelam Munir who turned down the role as its screen time was less than the other female part played by Sonya Hussyn.
In the fun interview, Neelam also opened up about her traveling preferences with A-list actors Ahad Raza Mir, Bilal Abbas Khan and Sheheryar Munawar.
On being asked with which hero would she want to travel on a private jet, an auto-rickshaw or a car. The Wrong Number actress was given an option of these three actors.
She said, “Bilal ke saath auto pe, Ahad Raza Mir ke saath private jet pe chali jaungi and Sheheryar ke saath car pe.”
Seems like Neelam is fond of the Hum Tum star the most.
The Mere Meherbaan star also opened up on her alleged engagement. When asked if she is engaged, the Chakkar diva stated that although she wouldn’t mind getting married at this stage of her career, however there is no truth to this speculation.
“Maine koi hint nahi dia aisa, people are curious to know what is happening in my life so I responded to the fan on Instagram.”
However, the stunning actress mentioned that she wouldn’t mind marrying at the peak of her career as she thinks that it works.
The rumour mills went buzzing when the Qaid-e-Tanhai heroine responded with a shy-face emoticon to a netizen’s query on the same.
Actor Usman Mukhtar is currently riding high on the success of his latest hit Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay, however an interview of the Sabaat star has resurfaced on the web.
While discussing the problematic beauty standards and prototypes for mainstream screen heros, the Parchi actor revealed that actually before his successful debut in Anaa, he was meant to debut with another project for which he even shot for a few days. However when the date of the second schedule came, he received a message from the production house asking him that has he lost weight? (Wazan kam kiya?)
He opened up on the pressures that they have to battle with. He wasn’t even informed earlier that he will lose the project if he doesn’t get into a certain shape.
It was embarrassing for him and also heartbreaking as he thought he is playing the second lead in the drama. Although Usman didn’t mention the name, his fans posted behind the scenes picture from the sets of Mehreen Jabbar’s Dil Kya Karay, for which he shot for a few days and then was replaced.
Later Usman was replaced with actor Mirza Zain Baig in the second schedule.
Pakistani entertainment industry has flourished over the last two decades, one such reason has been an influx of promising new comers who went onto become leading ladies with scene-stealing performances and crackling screen-presence.
The audiences might remember an actor’s breakthrough project but, not many people are aware of the projects with which they started their careers. Often underrated and even undocumented, the very first or the debut projects of many of the popular actors are not known by the audiences.
Despite there being many actors that dominate our television screens, only a handful of actors have proved their mettle over the years in a way that makes them worthy of the title of being a “leading star”.
These divas have been working in the industry for quite some time now and have cemented their positions as being part of the top-of-the-list category of stars. The journey of these stars is truly inspirational.
Take a look at and see which projects actually launched these actresses’ careers and how much they have grown in the industry since then:
Mahira Khan was a popular video jockey prior to becoming an actress. She was approached by several filmmakers during her stint as a VJ, however, she ended up saying yes to the celebrated director Shoaib Mansoor. Mahira first made her acting debut in the 2011 film Bol where she was cast in a supporting role opposite Atif Aslam. The song picturized on the pair, Hona Tha Pyaar, became a national anthem and contributed to Mahira’s first brush with mainstream popularity. Later that year, The Hum Kahan Kay Sachay thay star made her television debut with Mehreen Jabbar’s directorial Neeyat on ARY Digital. She also made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan with Raees in 2017. Mahira’s last film project was the blockbuster film Superstar (2019) and her next film, Quaid e Azam Zindabad will be released on Eid this year.
In 2004, Saba had gone to see a shooting of a play but when the heroine for the play opted out at the last minute, Saba was asked by the director to perform in her place. Saba acted out the lines given to her and received praise from the director and the crew. It led to Saba initially making brief appearances is some PTV plays that are undocumented. However, in 2005 Saba debuted with a prominent role in the drama Main Aurat Hoon for which she won PTV Award for Best Actress. Later in 2007 with Khuda Gawah on PTV, Saba got more mainstream popularity and was approached by several private channels. Saba was last seen on TV in the drama Cheekh (2019). Her next projects include two feature films, Kamli and Ghabrana Nahin Hai, and a web-series titled Mann Jogi.
Mehwish got her first experience of being in front of the camera at the age of eight in a commercial as a child artist. She forayed into the world of acting with a short film, InshaAllah with Mohib Mirza which was premiered at international film festivals in 2009. However, Mehwish’s first prominent performance was in 2010 with the multi-starrer soap Larkiyan Mohallay Ki, produced by Momina Duraid for Hum TV. She did her first drama in the lead role in the following year titled Mere Qatil Mere Dildar. Mehwish’s last project was the film Chhalawa (2019). She will be next seen opposite Humayun Saeed in the Nadeem Baig directorial film London Nahin Jaunga.
Sajal’s first acting stint was in Nida Yasir – Yasir Nawaz starrer sitcom Nadaaniyaan in 2009, where she appeared briefly in one episode. She auditioned along with her sister Saboor Ali for ARY’s soap, Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain produced by Humayun Saeed’s banner. Both sisters passed the audition and got cast in the ensemble soap serial. Sajal impressed the critics with her natural yet impactful performance and she immediately signed on more projects. She later made her Bollywood debut with Sridevi starrer Mom. She was last seen in the critically acclaimed film, Khel Khel Mein opposite Bilal Abbas Khan. The Mom star will be seen next in Jemima Goldsmith’s Hollywood production, What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Ayeza was discovered through an event held at her college. She had auditioned for a commercial campaign during her teenage which ultimately led her to make her acting debut in a supporting role in Fahad Mustafa – Sunita Marshal starrer Tum Jo Miley (2009). Despite limited screen time, Ayeza managed to make an impressive acting debut and the project got her more work as an actor followed by a breakthrough performance in Pyaray Afzal which made her the most searched actress in 2014. She peaked her career with a smashing hit in Meray Paas Tum Ho.
After a brief stint in the field of television hosting, Maya landed a small supporting role in the Sanam Baloch – Mikaal Zulfiqar starrer Durr-e-Shehwar. She played the role of Sanam’s younger sister in the drama. The project was produced by Momina Duraid, directed by Haissam Hussain, and written by Umera Ahmed. Maya managed to impress the team with her dedication and the director signed her as the leading lady in his following project Aik Nayi Cinderella (2012). Maya was last seen in the 2019 blockbuster film, Parey Hut Love and is currently starring in drama, Jo Bichar Gaye.
Mawra’s first stint on television was a VJ on ARY Musik before she got noticed by television producers. Her debut as an actress happened through a sitcom titled Kichari Salsa in 2011 which aired on A-plus where Mawra displayed her acting chops. She was immediately noticed by bigger channels such as HUM TV. Her Bollywood debut is Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), followed by Pakistani film debut was blockbuster Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2. She is currently seen in the Hum TV drama serial Qissa Meherbano Ka.
After a brief stint with hosting, Yumna was encouraged by fellow-actor Affan Waheed, who was friends with Yumna’s older sister, to pursue acting in a serious capacity. She bagged her debut role in ARY’s Thakan (2012) which was produced by Asif Raza Mir. Yumna acted as the antagonist in the drama, which starred Saba Qamar as the protagonist. Despite being her first acting project on television, Yumna managed to impress the audience and ended up getting more projects as a lead actor. Her last drama Pyar Kay Sadqay got much critical and commercial success including two awards at the Lux Style Awards. She is currently featuring in Ishq-e-Laa and Sinf-e-Aahan.
Sanam debuted with Mehreen Jabbar’s Daam in 2010 which starred Sanam Baloch, Amina Sheikh, and Adeel Hussain in lead roles. Sanam played the antagonist in the drama and was praised for her refreshingly subliminal performance in the role. Before her television debut, she did theatre plays, modeling and even hosting as a teenager. Sanam got her first drama as a parallel lead in 2011 with Mera Naseeb followed by a leading role in Blockbuster Zindagi Gulzar Hai. Her next project is a film titled Ishrat Made In China and Zee5 web-series with Fawad Khan.
Hira started off as a VJ followed by a stint in hosting. Hira made her acting debut in a sitcom Teri Meri Kahani in 2013 opposite her husband Salman Saqib a.k.a Mani. Hira played a fictionalized version of herself in the sitcom. She displayed her humorous side on the show and was appreciated for her comic timing. The show, which initially aired on ARY Digital, was extended due to its popularity with its target audience and had a second season which aired on Hum TV. The Sun Yaara diva attained A-list stardom with Kashf in 2020. Hira is currently seen in ARY’s Yeh Na Thi Hamari Kismat.
Saboor started her acting career with a brief role in Choti Si Kahani, followed by a supporting role in the family drama Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain on ARY Digital in 2011. In September 2016, she made her film debut with Nabeel Qureshi’s socio-comedy film Actor in Law, starring Fahad Mustafa and Om Puri. Her portrayal of a supportive sister of Mustafa’s character earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at Lux Style Awards. She entered the big league with Geo’s Fitrat in 2020.
Minal’s acting debut was in the Geo TV’s drama Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti in 2011, as a child star. This was followed by a supporting role in the sitcom series Quddusi Sahab Ki Bewah (2012) on ARY Digital. She recently catapulted to stardom with back to back hit projects, Hassad, Nand and Jalan.
Actor Yumna Zaidi appeared on Naumaan Ijaz’s chat show’s latest episode, on which the Pyaar Ke Sadqay star was asked to share the qualities that she finds attractive in the opposite gender.
The Thakan star was quick to reveal the following:
The first quality is the boy’s eyes. The second is his nails, which reflect the man’s hygiene.
The third one is his choice of shoes, whereas the last factor is his voice. It takes these four qualities to charm her.
She was also asked to share the first thought that comes to her mind when she thinks of her four contemporary actresses.
The list included names of A-list stars like Mahira Khan, Sarah Khan, Saba Qamar and Iqra Aziz.
Yumna said that Iqra is “chulbuli/chirpy”. Mahira is the “light of their industry”, Sarah has a “beautiful smile” according to the Ishq-e-Laa diva and r Thakan co-star Saba Qamar, she said that “She’s a very good actor, lethal.”
Actor Yumna Zaidi appeared on Naumaan Ijaz’s chat show’s latest episode, in which the Pyaar Ke Sadqay star was asked to share the first thought that comes to her mind when she thinks of her four contemporary actresses.
The list included names of A-list stars like Mahira Khan, Sarah Khan, Saba Qamar and Iqra Aziz.
Yumna said that Iqra is “chulbuli/chirpy”.
Whereas Yumna considers Mahira the “light of their industry”.
Actress Sarah has a “beautiful smile” according to the Ishq-e-Laa diva.
For her Thakan co-star Saba Qamar, she said that “She’s a very good actor, lethal.”
Yumna also shared that one of the best moments of her life was winning two awards at Lux Style Awards 2021.
Lux Style Awards 2021 took place on Saturday October 9th in Karachi.
The awards were given in 22 categories, which include music, fashion and TV. Actor Yumna Zaidi bagged two awards for her drama serial Pyar Kay Sadqay.
Here is the complete list of winners:
Best TV Play (Viewers Choice)
Momina Duraid and ISPR for Ehd-e-Wafa
Best TV Actor (Viewers Choice)
Danish Taimoor for Deewangi
Best TV Actress (Viewers Choice)
Yumna Zaidi for Pyaar Ke Sadqay
Best Original Soundtrack (Viewers Choice)
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for singing and composing Ehd-e-Wafa Ke Naam
Best Male Actor (Critics)
Bilal Abbas for Pyaar Ke Sadqay
Best Female Actor (Critics)
Yumna Zaidi for Pyaar Ke Sadqay
Best Play Writer (Critics)
Umera Ahmed for Alif
Best Play Director (Critics)
Farooq Rind for Pyaar Ke Sadqay
Best Emerging Talent
Adnan Samad Khan for Ehd-e-Wafa
Model of the Year (Female)
Mushk Kaleem
Model of the Year (Male)
Sachal Afzal
Achievement in Fashion Design
Generation for Pret
Achievement in Fashion Design
Husain Rehar for Luxury Pret
Achievement in Fashion Design
Shehla Chatoor for Bridal Couture
Best Menswear Designer
Ismail Farid
Best Fashion Photographer
Najam Mehmood
Best Hair & Make Up Artist
Sunil Nawab
Best Emerging Talent
Sarah Zulfiqar
Best Singer (Viewers Choice)
Abbas Ali Khan for ‘Mein Yeh Janoun Na’
Best Song (Viewers Choice)
Bayaan for ‘Teri Tasveer’
Best Emerging Talent (Jury Vote)
Aziz Khan
Best Video Director (Jury Vote)
Hamza Bin Tahir for ‘Teri Tasveer’
Actors Yumna Zaidi and Maya Ali indulged in online banter. The Inkaar diva dropped a comment under the Parey Hut Love star’s comment. “Maya Bus kar do, husan ki inteha MahsAllah.”
To which Maya replied, “yeh pyar hai app ka janab. Miss you.”
On the work front, Maya can be seen currently in ARY Digital’s drama Pehli Si Muhabbat opposite Shehryar Munawar whereas Yumna will feature next in Ishq-e-Laa co-starring Azaan Sami Khan.
Azaan Sami Khan has opened up on how he feels working with two A-list female stars of Pakistan. The Parwaaz Hai Junoon composer revealed that he feels absolutely honoured sharing the screen-space with Sajal Aly and Yumna Zaidi in Ishq-e-Laa.
He thanked his co-star Sajal for being a great friend and helping him so much throughout the process and guiding him from her wealth of talent and experience. For Yumna, he thanked her for believing in him and pushing him whenever he fell.
The Tu singer is interactive with fans on social media.
He recently also clapped back at a troll with a dignified reply.
Azaan is making his acting debut in Ishq-E-Laa, directed by Amin Iqbal, the script is penned by the veteran writer, Qaisera Hayat of Alif Allah Aur Insaan fame.
Read More: Azaan Sami Khan hits back at troll for referring to father Adnan Sami as ‘Ghadaar baap’
