Today is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate and honour all of the remarkable women in our lives. While we honour all the inspiring female figures in our lives, let us also honour the powerful women we see onscreen and the actors who have played them.
From Sarwat Gilani’s fearless portrayal of Sara in Churails to Alina Khan’s heartbreaking portrayal of Biba in Joyland, showbiz is brimming with talented female actors who put their heart and soul into their craft and actively seek out roles that are empowering, thoughtful and have substance. So, on this International Women’s Day, it is important to acknowledge the efforts of these Pakistani female actors who inspire us with their strong onscreen roles.
1. Sarwat Gillani
The Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam actress has carved a name for herself in the entertainment industry for the kinds of projects she chooses to work on. The critically acclaimed film Joyland is merely a pebble in the ocean. From Churails to Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan and Mere Dard Ko Zuban Milay, Gilani has a knack for playing characters who either inspire or teach a hard lesson to other women.
Gilani recently appeared in Noor, a Pakistani short film that addresses the stigma associated with poor eyesight and the use of prescription glasses. The Umer Adil-directed film has already won the Best Health Film award at the Cannes World Film Festival’s online edition in January, demonstrating Gilani’s determination to address important social issues onscreen.
2. Yumna Zaidi
While it is common to see only glammed women on television, Yumna Zaidi’s role in Bakhtawar defies beauty standards and expectations. Her character is a young, headstrong girl who camouflages herself to avoid hardships in life and earn money.
Sinf-e-Aahan, Bakhtawar, Dil Na Umeed Tou Nahin, and Parizaad, to name a few, are among her most memorable screen performances, which also include strong-willed female characters.
3. Samina Peerzada
Samina Peerzada must be included on any list of inspirational performers! In her decades-long career, the veteran actor has been known as a powerful matriarch on television and has worked on a variety of empowering projects. From her groundbreaking portrayal of a loving and supportive mother-in-law in Rehaai to her lead role in Durr-e-Shahwar, then, the struggling working woman and single mother whose husband abandoned her just because she could not give birth to a boy the actress has challenged many harmful stereotypes.
4. Saba Qamar
The Kamli actor, like Gilani, has set up herself as someone who chooses significant roles. From co-starring in Hindi Medium with late Indian actor Irrfan Khan to portraying Qandeel Baloch in Baaghi, the versatile actor has always worked in compelling and thought-provoking storylines.
Viewers have also praised Qamar’s most recent offering, Sar-e-Rah, for its novel take on gender roles. Rania, the main character, defies many gender stereotypes by working as a taxi driver. The TV show also depicts caring, open-minded men, which is unusual given all of the angry and abusive men on television.
5. Hadiqa Kiani
Last but not least the female actor who must be appreciated as a real-life strong woman on this International Women’s Day is Hadiqa Kiani. Kiani is a jack of all trades, having accomplished so much in her life as a popular singer, philanthropist, and aspiring actor. Kiani recently announced that her charity drive, Vaseela-e-Raah, has completed the construction of 100 houses in Balochistan, with plans to build a primary school, grocery store, and maternity centre for flood victims.
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Kiani’s efforts to positively influence and empower those around her do not end there. Since making her acting debut, the singer-turned-actor has repeatedly chosen unconventional roles on television. Pinjra, in which Kiani plays the mother, was well received because it centred on problematic parenting techniques and children. Her most recent film, Dobara, tells the story of Mehrunisa, a widow who receives a second chance at life after the death of her controlling husband, Hidayatullah.
