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It’s always refreshing to see emerging talent make its mark in the television industry, especially when they introduce a fresh perspective and bring dynamic energy on-screen. The year 2024 has been a remarkable one, with a surge of young and relatively new Pakistani drama actors who truly distinguished themselves with their outstanding performances.

These actors not only won over audiences but also earned widespread recognition for their passion, commitment, and exceptional skill. Their breakthrough roles have become a source of exhilaration for viewers, demonstrating that the future of Pakistani drama is in incredibly capable hands.

Sehar Khan

Sehar Khan continued to leave a lasting impression, following her hit drama Fairy Tale, carrying the same elegance and enthusiasm into 2024. This year, she first captured the hearts of millions with Jafaa, where her chemistry with Usman Mukhtar was appreciated and loved. The way their bond transitioned from strangers to friends, and eventually to lovers, felt incredibly organic and real on-screen. While not everyone may have agreed with the storyline, Sehar did a remarkable job of bringing these emotions to life with sincerity and depth.

Further showcasing her range, she took on a powerful role in the mini-series Tan Man Neel o Neel, which explores the dark effects of mob mentality and the harsh realities of social extremism. In this role, she truly impressed with her ability to step away from the bubbly characters she’s often known for. From her accent to her makeover and the subtlety in her expressions, Sehar proved that she has much more to offer than just light-hearted roles.

Khushhal Khan

Khushhal Khan has come a long way since his acting debut in the web series Midsummer Chaos, steadily rising to become one of the most lauded actors in the country. With his striking looks, impressive acting skills, and selection of diverse roles and concrete and versatile scripts, he has quickly cemented his place in the industry. His versatility is clearly paying off, as he continues to leave a positive and lasting impact on audiences.

In Duniyapur, allegedly Pakistan’s most expensive drama to date, Khushhal truly shines in his portrayal of a fierce character caught in a tussle for power within a feuding family. His nuanced performance, especially in the “enemies to lovers” romance arc, shows just how well he can navigate different emotional depths, playing each shade with precision. Following this, his lead role in the mini-series Yahya further solidified his growing reputation, with his acting once again earning praise. His debut in cinema with Poppay Ki Wedding only added to his rising star.

Durefishan Saleem

She came, she conquered and is growing to become the country’s beloved and popular stars. As the lead in two of the most popular and well-appreciated dramas of the year, Khaie and Ishq Murshid, Saleem stood out in both, each a mega-hit with completely different genres. She portrayed her roles as Zamda in Khaie and Shibra in Ishq Murshid to perfection and proved her versatility.

In one extreme, she played a fierce role in the revenge-thriller Khaie about tribal wars and action opposite Faysal Quraishi. On the other side, she shone in the light-hearted romance of Ishq Murshid, where her undeniable chemistry with her co-star star Bilal Abbas was beloved by viewers.

Hamza Sohail

Hamza Sohail’s intelligence and acting ability shone through in 2024. While his acting was impressive, what truly set him apart was how contained and measured his performance was, never going over the top despite being a relatively new actor. It also worked in his favour that both of his dramas this year paired him with some of Pakistani television’s leading actors. He starred opposite Iqra Aziz in Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet, playing the role of Farhaad in a romantic drama.

However, his real star moment came in Zard Patton Ka Bunn, where he truly shone as Dr Nofil. His portrayal garnered widespread praise, especially for his performance opposite one of the country’s most celebrated actors, Sajal Aly. Sohail was brilliant as the doctor settling into a village, capturing the range of emotions from initial dismissal to eventual care, and standing up for what’s right.

Shuja Asad

A new man on the scene, Shuja Asad has certainly made his presence felt in the industry with his acting skills. He turned heads as the tormented yet unpredictable Barlas Khan in Khaie, capturing attention with his intense stares and body language.

In Tan Man Neel o Neel, Asad plays the role of a dancer striving to make a breakthrough. Whether it’s his emotional crying scenes or his powerful moments opposite Sehar Khan, he’s truly shining in every scene.

Anmol Baloch

Anmol Baloch’s hard work and talent shines through the screen as she makes waves with two successful projects in 2024 — Iqtidar and Shiddat. While both dramas stay true to the most ever popular genre of romance, Baloch still managed to show off her acting prowess.

She gained widespread recognition for her role as Asra in Shiddat, who went from being a carefree university student to getting married to a narcissist. She effortlessly played her character, embodying the wide array of emotions the character experiences; rising from being a damsel in distress to finding her true voice. Fans of Iqtidar are raving about her sizzling chemistry with co-star Ali Raza.

Ali Raza

An actor who arrived on screen as the wild card entry, Ali Raza quickly became a favorite among audiences. First starring alongside Kubra Khan and an ensemble cast in Noor Jahan, he managed to stand out even amongst a star-studded lineup.

His shining moment came with his performance in Iqtidar, where he’s receiving praise for playing the hot-and-cold character, Shahnawaz Shah. He is truly making his presence felt, with his on point acting and his chemistry with Anmol Baloch.