Savera Nadeem

interview

There are actors, and then there are institutions. Savera Nadeem comfortably sits in the latter category. With a career spanning nearly two decades, she remains one of the most consistent, nuanced performers in Pakistani television. Her portrayals are memorable - etched into viewers’ minds long after the credits fade. She doesn’t just act; she absorbs, transforms, and quietly challenges the idea of what women can be on screen. Even when she appears briefly on screen, there’s a texture to her presence that lingers. In conversation, Savera is as grounded as she is eloquent - thoughtful about her craft, firm in her convictions, and refreshingly candid.

This week You! caught up with her to talk about her choices, challenges, and the quiet strength that has defined her journey so far…

You’ve played women at different life stages. How do you slip so seamlessly into such diverse skins?

I gravitate towards characters that have a beating heart - something complex, layered. If a role feels flat or one-dimensional, I won’t take it. I owe it to myself and to the audience to engage with roles that challenge me. I’ve never wanted to be stuck in a loop of one kind of character. That’s just not for me.

Do those meaningful roles come often, though? Or do you have to wait it out?

They don’t, and that’s the hard truth. If you’re selective, it absolutely affects your visibility. But I’ve always looked at this as a long game. I want a body of work I can stand by. So yes, there are sacrifices, but I’ve made peace with that.

Do you get typecast easily after one strong performance?

Oh yes, absolutely. That’s the nature of the beast. Once you do something that works, people want to repeat the formula. I’ve often been offered versions of the same character - a certain kind of ‘strong woman. Which I don’t mind - but they should feel like individuals, not photocopies of each other. A strong woman can still be wildly different from another strong woman, depending on her circumstances.

Have you ever turned down roles that didn’t feel right?

Many times. Some because the story didn’t speak to me, and others due to logistical issues. I have a family, and if a shoot takes me away for weeks on end, I need to weigh that carefully. I’ve never believed in doing work for the sake of staying visible. For me, the story and the space around it have to align.

You’ve done some iconic work - any one character that stayed with you more than others?

Qaid-e-Tanhai, without a doubt. That role felt like a personal turning point. The character was intense, and the writing by Umera Ahmed was just so sharp. I was unsure initially - I had to play someone older, which made me pause. But Babar Javed, the director, convinced me. And working with Faysal Quraishi was a joy - we had great chemistry.

Speaking of unforgettable roles - Meray Paas Tum Ho. That was a cameo, but the internet had other plans.

(Laughs) I know! That was such a surprise. It was meant to be a one-day shoot. Nadeem Baig asked me to come in, and the next thing I know - I’m trending on social media. Sometimes, the smallest parts leave the biggest ripples. It’s funny how unpredictable this industry can be.

You’ve also worked behind the camera. You directed a drama once, is that a side of your career you’d like to return to?

I intended to continue. But then I got offered a morning show, and I really enjoyed doing that. Right after that, Babar Javed and Asif Raza Mir launched their own production company and pulled me into their early projects. I just got swept up in acting again. Directing requires time and space, and I haven’t had that window again. But yes, it’s still on my list.

Your recent drama Parwarish really struck a chord. Tell us about that.

The production house brought me in quite late in the game. Initially, I hesitated. But when I heard the story, I was sold. It touches on parenting challenges, the emotional gap between generations, and how difficult it is for expat families to reintegrate here. It resonated deeply with me. Syed Meesam Naqvi, the director - such a fresh voice - handled it with incredible sensitivity. Audiences across generations found something they could relate to.

And how does your role in Kuch Na Kehna compare?

Oh, totally different. Kuch Na Kehna gave me a character who was modern, urban, with this enigmatic energy. I also played around with a new look - different styling, makeup, everything. It was refreshing. Sometimes, you need to shake things up.

You and Nauman Ijaz - three back-to-back projects now. Coincidence or fate?

Pure coincidence. But I’ve really enjoyed working with him. We understand each other’s rhythms. And funnily enough, Shamim Hilaly often ends up playing my mother-in-law. We joke about it. She’s someone I admire deeply.

How do you view the next generation of actors you’ve worked with, especially in Parwarish?

They’re fantastic. Hungry to learn, open to feedback, and serious about their craft. Meesam Naqvi, in particular, is a name to watch. He has a rare sensitivity for storytelling. Makes me feel optimistic about where we’re headed.

So, after all these years, what still excites you about acting?

The potential to surprise myself. To walk into a new set, wear someone else’s skin for a few months, and maybe - just maybe - help someone watching feel seen, or understood, or moved. That’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.