8 onscreen couples we'd like to see in Pakistani dramas right now

Variety is the spice of life. While our entertainment industry boasts of a long list of young and promising actors and actresses, it seems our drama producers tend to stick to ‘safe’ pairings, rather than try some new or ‘hatkay’ (the Bollywood term for different) couples.

I decided to use my pen like a magic wand and create some interesting images in your minds by proposing some interesting cast options. I sincerely hope our producers realise that some of these couples would really look great together and quite possibly, create unforgettable TV!

So here's a list of pairings I'm looking forward to, accompanied by the Bollywood movie that might suit them best. After reading this, if you're at all excited by the prospect of any (or all) of these couples together, then my work here is done!

Sanam Jung and Ali Rehman Khan

Sanam Jung can play the sweet, innocent damsel to a T (or a D in this instance). I was particularly impressed by her acting in Mere Humdum Mere Dost, a vast improvement from her performance in Mohobbat Subh Ka Sitara.

Ali Rehman Khan as Suhaib in Diyar e Dil has proved that winning hearts comes easily to him when he gets the right character. Together, they would make a great on-screen couple.

I can totally see them playing the roles of Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla in Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. Ali Rehman as the responsible ‘Mama’ looking after his wards and Sanam Jung as the totally lovable Juhi Chawla taking the lead in all the mischief!

Ayeza Khan and Mikaal Zulfiqar

I don’t know what Ayeza Khan’s long-term plans are, but here’s hoping that a beautiful and talented actress like her doesn't stay away from our TV screens for too long.

She radiates beauty and grace in all her performances. In Pyare Afzal, she made us dislike her by mistreating of Afzal, and yet we were strangely rooting for them to be together at the same time!

After Shehrezaat, Mikaal Zulfiqar gave another impressive performance as Behroze in Diyaredil. In this role, he was able to demonstrate so many aspects to one character – a stubborn son, a doting husband and father, as well as a loving brother.

I can visualize these two playing the roles of Aishwariya and Hrithik in Jodha Akbar – two regal and beautiful people in a timeless love story.

Sajal Ali and Imran Abbas Naqvi

Sajal Ali is a solid actress. I was impressed by her effortless performance in Behadd – a role that was difficult to portray convincingly. She held her own with the likes of Fawad Khan and Nadia Jamil – a definite accomplishment for the young actress.

Imran Abbas has no problems slipping into any role – be it an impressionable man in Akbari Asghari or the intense hero in Mera Naam Yusuf Hai.

Has anyone seen Sajal’s dubmash video as Kareena Kapoor? It is a must watch! She certainly has me convinced that she can play Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met and Imran Abbas can play the quiet and sullen Shahid Kapoor.

Sanam Saeed and Adnan Malik

Sanam Saeed has proved herself to be one of the finest actresses in this generation. Her performance as Kashaf in Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Ruhina in Diyar e dil show that she can play a variety of roles with great ease.

Adnan Malik, the angry young man in Sadqay Tumhare, proved that while he could do with more experience as an actor, he is certainly headed in the right direction.

These two have done modelling and been VJs before they ventured into acting. Can you imagine how great they would look together? Picture them in the roles of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bahaduri in Abhimaan or Sholay. I think they would totally fit the bill!

Mansha Pasha and Osman Khalid Butt

Mansha Pasha has been on a steady journey of demonstrating her acting prowess. From catching our attention as Sidra in Zindagi Gulzar Hai to acting as the manipulative Aliya in Mohobbat Subh Ka Sitara or the sincere Madeeha in Mere Naam Yusuf Hai, she has demonstrated that she is up for any acting challenge.

After Aunn Zara and Diyar e dil, Osman Khalid Butt might just be headed to becoming the next Fawad Khan of Pakistani television. The only thing required to cement that status is to see if he can create great partnerships with his leading ladies, time and again, like Fawad did – with Sanam Baloch, Sanam Saeed and Mahira Khan. For that to happen, he needs to be cast with different actresses, as he certainly has talent in abundance.

I can see these two in a college romance like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or even more perfect (in my eyes) as Raj and Simran in Dilwale Dulhania Lay Jayenge! (Aisa lagta hai kay meinay aap ko kahin dekha hai? Robbie ki party mein?). Trust me, sparks would fly!

Maya Ali and Danish Taimoor

I liked Maya Ali’s look and overall acting in Ek Naye Cinderella and Aunn Zara best. I feel that traditional clothes and roles really suit her. Despite her successful partnership with OKB, she has been given a lot of roles with different actors and accordingly, has had many opportunities to experiment in that respect. Good for her!

Danish Taimoor has made a successful transition from the small to the big screen with movies like Wrong Number and Jalaibee. However, I sincerely hope that he continues his longstanding relationship with television, as we would like to keep seeing more of him!

Picture these two, taking on the roles of Aishwariya and Salman in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. drum roll or more appropriately, dhol bajay!

Hareem Farooq and Faizan Khawaja

Hareem Farooq has given some very powerful performances; examples include her role as Sajeela in Mere Humdum Mere Dost or more recently as Arjumand in Diyar e dil. In such performances, she comes across as a force to be reckoned with.

The chocolate-faced hero in Aik Naye Cinderella, Faizan Khawaja was particularly convincing as the romantic lead. He had the looks and acting potential of an old style Bollywood hero, but unfortunately we don’t seem to have seen a lot of him in recent times.

If the rumour mills are to be believed, we may see him in a Bollywood movie soon, directed by Zeenat Aman’s son. Wishing him the very best of luck but if given the right project, would he not act for our television productions? Lets hope we find out soon!

Think of Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin and picture Faizan Khawaja as the journalist with an epic story and Hareem Farooq as the spoilt rich dame running away from home. Picture Perfect!

Sohai Ali Abro and Junaid Khan

Sohai Ali Abro played the role of Yasmeen in Pyare Afzal so well, that it was hard not to be moved by her performance. In her recent hit Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, she convincingly played the role of the rich spoilt OTT selfie addict Zoya -- Sohai appears to be on a roll!

Junaid Khan still needs a role that actually plays to his strengths, which are plenty in my opinion. He is good looking and capable of giving muted yet powerful performances, judging from Madiha Maliha or Mere Humdum Mere Dost. Even his brief appearance in Bin Roye was one of the highlights of the movie and demonstrated that he could transition to the big screen as a main lead anytime!

Think of a classic like Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar and picture Sohai Ali Abro as Ayesha Jhulka and Junaid Khan as Aamir Khan. Would they not get all the hearts racing, in a bid to win that inter-college race? I certainly think so!

Well, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. But nothing wrong in hoping is there?

I, for one, will keep my fingers tightly crossed, in the hopes that we get to see some of these duos for real (rather than in our imagination)!