Sanam Saeed just wrapped up another major project — the last episode of her drama Kafeel aired on Tuesday — and she has nothing but love for everyone who worked with her to make the show happen.
In a lengthy Instagram post, the actor expressed her heartfelt gratitude to many of her team members and praised her co-stars and crew for their performances.
The first message was for fans who had sent their love, support, prayers and stories to the team. “None of this is worth it or possible without you! These stories are from you, for you [and] I hope this story and these characters help you see the light,” Saeed said.
Then she moved on to the show’s writer, Umera Ahmed. The actor said she was grateful to be able to play one of Ahmed’s characters and spread a positive message with the portrayal. “There truly is no writer like you that understands complexed, layered human emotions and relationships. You leave us spellbound and speechless every time,” the actor said.
She thanked director Meesam Naqvi for bringing out the vulnerability in her and making her character so endearing to the audience. “Zeba wouldn’t exist without your immaculate direction,” she said.
Saeed’s co-lead Emmad Irfani got a nod for making acting choices that let her character shine and Hasan Khan — who plays her unrequited love and eventual second husband — was told that his “honesty, freshness and kindness won hearts instantly”.
Coming to the cast of young actors who played her kids, she called Aashir Wajahat a “hero” she would like to work with again and said the girls who star opposite him in future projects will be “lucky”. “It was such a treat to share space with you and to watch you play out Subuk. May you always remain this grounded, genuine and passionate.”
She said Hania Ahmed was “a natural” with her acting and Haya Khan left her “impressed” with her ability to pull off difficult scenes. She also wished Nooray Zeeshan the best after her second big show, hoping the young star continues working on important projects like Kafeel.
Areeka Haq was told she should cast her doubts aside and act more because, “You were so so fun to watch. I loved your character because of how you played her.” Saeed went on to say, “I think everyone wants to see more of you now!”
She also thanked Mariam Ansari for agreeing to do this project and said she was “phenomenal” in her role. “You brought so much warmth and grace to Sumaira… You made her so memorable.”
Saeed also shared words of appreciation for the actors who played her family on the show, Munazzah Arif, Kashif Mahmood, Momina Bajwa and Abdullah Khan Niazi. “You all made our family feel so genuine and close knit. I can’t imagine anyone else playing your parts.”
The star had messaged for the production team, whom she thanked for their hard work and efficiency in the project. She also said it was “a pleasure doing business with” producers Fahad Mustafa and Dr Ali Kazmi.
The actor thanked her makeup artist Sajid Wahab for being “my tailor on set, my babysitter, my biggest cheerleader and my magician” and also makeup assistant Saif.
Costume designer Tabeer Abid also got a shoutout for her positive energy on set, “creating an authentic style board for all of us and making every character more believable”.
Kafeel received critical praise for its portrayal of a dysfunctional family and how parents’ mental health troubles impact their children. Saeed was especially lauded for her role as Zeba, the initially burdened mother who reclaims her life towards the end of the show.