Saba Qamar: A trailblazer in drama and film

Saba Qamar is one of Pakistan’s most celebrated stars. She is known for her stellar performances in iconic dramas like Dastaan and Cheekh and groundbreaking films like Hindi Medium, and Kamli. With a powerful screen presence and an unmatched ability to connect with audiences, Saba consistently delivers performances that entertain and resonate deeply.

Her remarkable talent hasn't just redefined Pakistani entertainment; her influence transcends borders—Indian actress Himanshi Khurana recently named Saba her favorite performer, a testament to her widespread appeal.

Saba Qamar’s rise to stardom is no mystery—her success results from unwavering dedication and sheer talent. Her extraordinary journey—from her supporting role in Dastaan to her lead in Serial Killer, her latest offering—showcases just how far she has come.

Dastaan (2010)

Dastaan remains one of Saba Qamar’s most iconic and groundbreaking performances. Set against the backdrop of the partition of India in 1947, Saba's portrayal of Suraiya captures the character’s quiet strength and emotional resilience, delivering a performance that resonates deeply with viewers.

Her ability to capture the emotional depth of a character caught in the turmoil of war, loss, and betrayal made her stand out as an actress who could not only hold the screen but also carry the weight of a historical narrative. This drama solidified her position in the Pakistani entertainment industry as a versatile and powerful talent.

Saba Qamar in DastaanIMDb

Maat (2011)

Saba Qamar in MaatGoogle

Bunty I Love You (2013)

In Bunty I Love You, Saba Qamar played Dania, a woman who navigates the complexities of love and life in her unique style. The drama, which mixes romance and fantasy, allowed Saba to showcase her range as a performer. Her ability to switch from the good person to the heartbroken one proved her versatility, as she easily transitioned from serious roles to villainous characters.

Lahore Se Aagey (2016)

In Lahore Se Aagey, Saba Qamar’s charm and energy bring to life the character of a free-spirited, headstrong rockstar named Tara, who navigates the complexities of love and independence. This romantic comedy allowed her to showcase her natural comedic flair, impeccable timing, and ability to carry a film easily. Her lively and charismatic performance cemented her position as a leading actress in the Pakistani film industry.

Saba Qamar and Yasir Hussain - Lahore Se Aagey IMDb

Hindi Medium (2017)

Saba Qamar's performance in Hindi Medium, her Bollywood debut, was spectacular. Playing the role of Mita Batra, Irrfan Khan’s wife, trying to navigate her family’s aspirations amidst the cutthroat educational system in India, she showcased her impeccable acting range.

Her chemistry with Irrfan Khan and her ability to embody a character with emotional depth and humor elevated the film, earning her widespread critical acclaim. This performance earned her nomination for Best Actress in the Filmfare Awards, which helped her cement her status as a versatile actress who could shine in cross-cultural roles.

Baaghi (2017)

In Baaghi, Saba Qamar portrayed the controversial and real-life figure of Qandeel Baloch, bringing to the screen an unapologetic portrayal of a woman who defied societal norms. Her performance as Fauzia Batool made a courageous statement about women's struggles in patriarchal societies.

Her commitment to the role—both physically and emotionally—was extraordinary, and her portrayal of Baloch earned her widespread recognition and awards. She was the 2018 winner of the Lux Style Award for Best Television Actress. This role remains a career-defining moment for Saba, showing her fearless approach to complex, socially relevant characters.

Cheekh (2019)

In Cheekh, Saba Qamar delivered one of her most intense and gripping performances as Mannat, a woman seeking justice for the tragic assault of her best friend, Nayyab. The drama, dealing with justice, gender inequality, and perseverance, showcased Saba’s unmatched ability to channel raw emotion and relentless determination. Her relentless fight for justice in Cheekh showcased her ability to portray strength and vulnerability, making it one of her most beloved projects.

Ghabrana Nahi Hai (2022)

In Ghabrana Nahi Hai, Saba Qamar plays a talented but headstrong individual who wants to shine in the big city, where she doesn't know many individuals. She perfectly balances humor and heartfelt moments in this character, showcasing her charm and versatility. She reminded us of her remarkable range, and the film, which combined elements of romance and drama, allowed her to shine as a leading lady.

Kamli (2022)

Saba Qamar took on one of her most complex and emotionally challenging roles in Kamli. Her portrayal of Hina vividly captured the character’s quiet anguish and unwavering resilience. Saba’s ability to convey pain and longing through subtle expressions and her moving portrayal of the character’s emotional journey stood out, making Kamli a significant cinematic achievement in her career.

Mrs. & Mr. Shameem (2022)

In Mrs. & Mr. Shameem, Saba Qamar brought to life a modern woman struggling to find a balance between her personal life and the evolving dynamics of her marriage. The drama was a compelling exploration of relationships, societal pressures, and individual desires, and Saba's performance as Umaina was both relatable and moving. Her portrayal was marked by sensitivity and depth, making her character’s journey one viewer could easily connect with.

Fraud (2022-2023)

In Fraud, Saba Qamar delivers an exceptional performance as Maya Nisar, a woman caught in a web of deceit and betrayal. Her portrayal was a testament to her acting prowess, as she brings depth, vulnerability, and strength to the character. Her emotional range, strong screen presence, and how she handles the complex layers of Maya's character make her one of the standout performers in Fraud. Saba Qamar’s performance is one of the defining factors in the drama’s success, solidifying her reputation as one of Pakistan’s finest actresses.

Gunah (2023)

Saba Qamar's performance in Gunah is compelling and emotionally intense. She portrays Gul Meher, a woman caught in a web of mystery and personal turmoil, with great depth and nuance. Her chemistry with Sarmad Khoosat adds to the tension, while her ability to convey vulnerability, resilience, and inner conflict keeps viewers engaged. Qamar's portrayal is one of the standout aspects of the series, adding emotional weight to the story despite the mixed reception of the finale.

Sar-e-Rah (2023)

Saba Qamar delivers a powerful performance as Rania, a woman navigating complex social issues. Her portrayal of Rania, a character struggling with societal expectations and family pressures, is heartfelt and impactful. Qamar masterfully brings out the emotional depth of her role, capturing Rania's vulnerabilities and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. Her nuanced performance adds significant weight to the series, making her one of the standout actors, as she effectively brings attention to the show’s themes of gender inequality and societal challenges.

Tumharey Husn Kay Naam (2023)

Saba Qamar’s role in Tumharey Husn Kay Naam was refreshingly complex. Her talent for expressing layered emotions while maintaining a strong sense of individuality made her performance memorable and relatable to audiences. The emotional depth she infused into her character made her performance stand out.

She highlighted the subtleties of her character’s inner conflicts—struggling with love, identity, and personal growth—while still effortlessly portraying the romantic aspects. Her ability to shift between different emotional states, from tender and vulnerable to strong and assertive, contributed to the richness of her portrayal.

Serial Killer (2023 – 2024)

Serial Killer is one of Saba Qamar’s boldest projects. In it, she plays a woman who uncovers a dark mystery while navigating intense personal and psychological challenges. Her performance in this suspenseful thriller is electrifying; she masterfully portrays a character caught in the tension between fear, curiosity, and resilience.

The show, blending elements of mystery and drama, allows Saba to explore her darker, more intense side, further showcasing her impressive range and ability to captivate the audience.

Saba Qamar is a true icon of versatility and resilience, redefining stardom with every role she plays. Which of her performances has left the deepest mark on you?