Instep picks five new actors who caught our attention on television with their brilliant performances in 2019.

Pakistani television remains a mass medium not just as a source of entertainment for audiences but it is also a key platform for actors to showcase their talent and make it big in the industry. Multiple theatre actors found stability and money in television while the medium paved way for a lot of actors to become a household name before stepping into the world of films. This is the power of television in Pakistan.

Every year, a range of young and dynamic actors make their small screen debuts but all of them don’t always catch the public eye. Also, there are some who have the potential but aren’t noticed because of a negligible role or not-so-popular projects. In 2018, two actors who impressed with their work on TV included Osama Nasir in Dar Si Jati Hai Sila and Amar Khan in Ghughi and Belapur Ki Dayan.

This year, however, the list is longer and mostly comprises actresses who are winning hearts with some powerful performances. Let’s take a look…

Natalia Awais

Presently starring as Rohina, the protagonist Sameera’s (Sana Javed) younger sister in Ruswai, Natalia Awais has certainly got the spark. Given that Ruswai centers around the theme of sexual assault and Sameera is a rape survivor, Natalia’s character requires her to be sensitive and strong at the same time and she is handling both really well. Earlier this year, she was seen in drama serial Mere Humdam alongside Sarah Khan as her younger sister; she was outspoken, confident and clear in the head – the modern-day young woman as we like to see it.

One wishes to see Natalia in more substantial roles, something other than just a protagonist’s younger sibling.

Zoya Nasir

Having made her TV debut with Hania opposite Junaid Khan earlier this year, beautician turned actress Zoya Nasir is presently starring in Geo Entertainment’s new drama serial, Deewangi. In Hania, Zoya essayed the role of an introvert and compromising young woman Hania while in Deewangi, she is the complete opposite – overly expressive and demanding. One must mention, she fits both well. She is also gearing up for her third drama, serial called Zebaish, in which she will share the screen with Asad Siddique while she is set to appear in Haseeb Hasan’s upcoming cross-border web series Dhoop Ki Deewar.

Usman Mukhtar

Theatre and film enthusiast Usman Mukhtar caught the limelight when he made his film debut with Janaan, followed by a lead role in Parchi alongside Hareem Farooq and Ali Rehman Khan. Earlier this year, Usman, who is based in Islamabad, made his acting debut on television with Anaa. His fan following, particularly among females, went up and he became very popular; his onscreen couple with Naimal Khawar, who also debuted with the drama, clicked with viewers too.

Usman will be seen in an upcoming drama serial, titled Sabaat, opposite Sarah Khan while he might be doing theatre play Phadda with Osman Khalid Butt in the coming months.

Sehar Khan

Sehar Khan did appear in a drama called Sanwari last year but she came to prominence with her role in ongoing drama serial Naqab Zan that also follows the life of a rape survivor. She essays the younger sister who learns about the assaulter before anyone else. Her intense performance as she struggles to hide the truth with others and also deals with threats from the culprit is commendable. Her voice is loud and clear. In Sanwari, Sehar essayed the role of a bold and selfish young woman while in Naqab Zan she is very family oriented and determined. She stars as the protagonist in new drama serial Wafa Kar Chalay that recently went on-air.

Mashal Khan

Having appeared as Kinza in Suno Chanda 1 and 2, Mashal Khan is currently playing a prominent role in Thora Sa Haq opposite Imran Abbas while she essayed an important part in Ali Rehman Khan and Sanam Baloch starrer Khaas earlier this year. Though all of these roles were quite similar, one sees potential in her. She starred in a different role in Mere Humdam alongside Goher Mumtaz and pulled it off with ease. One wishes to see more of her on screen that too in diverse roles.