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Tag: Usman Mukhtar

  • Saba Qamar turns Muamma into a slow-burn obsession

    Saba Qamar turns Muamma into a slow-burn obsession

    Eight episodes in, Muamma is a suspenseful thriller that revolves around the versatility that is Saba Qamar’s acting. It’s a series that will keep you guessing, and you can almost feel the drag coming on and then it speeds back up.

     

    Muamma is the story of Jahan Ara (Saba Qamar) who rents out a portion of her house to married couples. She gets close to the husbands, coyishly flirting with them, getting close to the wives and the best part: she has a secret window into their lounge where she can watch them and they can’t see her. She becomes part of their lives and they don’t even know it. 

     

    The drama opens with Jahan Ara’s first hit, Zeeshan (Nabeel Zuberi) who is her tenant and in a stupor, declares his love for Jahan Ara in front of his pregnant wife and neighbours. The marriage ends in divorce and a new couple moves in and Jahan Ara’s next target.

     

    The drama highlights how every betrayal starts with a lie. Jahan Ara lies to her tenants to get close to the men, they lie to their wives to stay in Jahan Ara’s presence and the lies wrap up happy marriages and then ultimately tear them apart. And it’s reflective of Jahan Ara’s (also known as Gigi in the show) marriage. She loves another (we know that the love of her life will be played by Usman Mukhtar) and marries a brutal man instead. The void in her life is filled by creating trouble for others, almost like she wants everyone to suffer just as she did. She lands in the lives of the wives as their saviour, listening to them, helping them, taking care of them, all the while she’s tearing them apart and watching them as it all breaks down.

     

    It will be interesting to see how the drama develops and the twists it is bound to take as we meet Jahan Ara’s husband who is in jail and find out how he got there. It’s all going to be unveiled and it’s a treat to watch as it gets there.

  • Pamaal’s big twist undercuts its own message and women deserve better

    Pamaal’s big twist undercuts its own message and women deserve better

    The major twist in Pamaal is here and it’s really not the one we wanted. The bad guy turns good because surprise, surprise the only way  an emotionally abused woman can leave a man is if the man dies, that too an early death with stage 4 cancer. Gone in 40 days, quite conveniently. 

    It’s just not the trajectory we hoped for, especially for Malika (Saba Qamar) who was supposed to find strength on her own, not because the pain was ‘tragically’ taken from her. We now have to feel bad for this guy who turned her into a beychari, albeit a rich beychari and she should be happy with that (right), and now he’ll have to die for her to find herself.

    Exactly the lesson we do not want women to learn. It is very, very clear in episodes 18-19 that Malika would’ve never left Raza (Usman Mukhtar), if fate had not given him cancer (that is also so advanced, he’s only got a few days to live).

    Would we want a Malika who will now make it on her own because of a dead husband or did we want the one who found herself even if he was alive?

    Obviously, the latter but it’s clear that we won’t get that because it is now emotional abuser Raza who is telling Malika that she needs to be stronger, more independent to take care of her child since he won’t be around anymore.

    Malika’s mother is no less obstinate, talking about how life ends when the husband dies and its almost like the first 15 episodes were a joke compared to what we are seeing now.

    It makes little sense that Saba Qamar would pick a drama that was going on a very different trajectory and is now turning into an entirely new one. Initially when we saw this drama it prompted women to relate to Malika, telling their own stories or stories of other women they knew who were feeling trapped in their marriages to controlling men.

    And all of a sudden the drama flips, Raza is a great guy with troubles not of his own making, Malika is the loving wife, and it’s such a contrast that we actually feel let down. 

    What remains to be seen is how Pamaal will recover from making Raza, the clear villain, the tragic hero and if women will now be able to relate because what we refuse to relate to is that to get out of an emotionally abusive marriage, it has to be fate that will help you – not yourself.

  • Pamaal: after losing everything, will Malika finally find herself?

    Pamaal: after losing everything, will Malika finally find herself?

    Episode 15 and 16 of Pamaal are the beginning of the revival of Malika (Saba Qamar), however slow it might seem. In these two episodes, we see how completely she has lost herself in the roles of wife and mother. Emotionally controlled and abused, she no longer recognises her own power that she held in the beginning of the show, before she met Raza (Usman Mukhtar). Although, she is going through a tough time, you cannot help but mourn how lost she now is, how sad you feel when she tells Raza that she wished she knew how to drive so her daughter didn’t have to take the school van, how happy and relieved she is when Raza comes home from jail on bail. You can’t help but hate the fact that he has been released because he is the impediment, the reason why she cannot own herself in the way we know she will and well, it feels like its taking too long. 

     

    Malika realises how she is helpless. No money, no job, no ability to rely on herself, she turns to others for help. Raza’s brother and wife do not help, despite Raza’s conviction that his brother would not leave him and the only ones that support the couple and their daughter are Malika’s mamoo and mother. As a fellow inmate in jail tells Raza, it’s the bad times that determine who is with you and who isn’t and in Malika’s case, it’s her own family that has always been there for her marriage – not necessarily for her in particular (remember when her mother was shattered that Malika might get divorced). 

     

    Maybe that was the turning point for the heroine of this show: when her mother made her realise that she might be nothing without her husband – and in episode 16 that’s exactly what she says to the man who has brought her to the time in her life where she literally has nothing.

     

    In terms of society, it also makes you realise that a woman, who is controlled by a man or her and his family, will only discover herself and her own worth when she is pushed in a corner – when nothing can be worse, when she’s at the bottom of the pit. Only then can she pull herself up and become who she was born to be – a woman for herself and herself first and then others.

    When she can rely only on herself.

     

    Thankfully, we know Malika makes it through and she rises to the top all on her own accord. Otherwise, the drama would be the sad life that many women lead until they are old. The concept of community above all and not individual, a classic in this case that the woman must sacrifice herself and when times get tough, she has to ask others to help her. 

     

    The beauty of Pamaal is that it doesn’t care what you think. It is enraptured and entrenched in Malika’s story, it doesn’t push itself just because the viewer wants it to, and it will show you really, really, how hard it is for a woman to find herself after she’s been lost. Saba Qamar’s stellar performance will always keep you guessing to the point that you want to yell at the scream that hello, it’s time to learn to drive, time to get a job, time to take care of yourself, make something of yourself, and really, leave this guy. 

     

    We wait for that moment and until it comes, we suffer with her because every woman knows how hard it is to put herself first. 

  • ‘My mother has dementia, needs constant supervision’; heartbreaking reason why Usman Mukhtar chooses projects in Islamabad

    ‘My mother has dementia, needs constant supervision’; heartbreaking reason why Usman Mukhtar chooses projects in Islamabad

    Actor Usman Mukhtar recently held a candid a question and answer (Q&A) session with his fans on social media, starting it with an open invitation: “Ask away!” — prompting a wave of questions about his personal life, ongoing shoots, and upcoming projects.

    Among the many queries, was a deeply personal question posed by a fan: “Why do you only take on projects in Islamabad? Any specific reason?”

    Mukhtar’s heartbreaking response touched many: “Because my mother lives here, and she has dementia. She’s bedridden and needs constant supervision. Since dramas often take several months to shoot, I don’t think it’s wise for me to be away from her for that long.”

    The actor has often spoken publicly about his deep bond with his mother, veteran Pakistani film actress Nasira, best known for her villainous roles in over 150 films during the golden era of Lollywood.

    In an earlier interview with FUCHSIA Magazine, Usman spoke about the sacrifices she made as a single parent.

    “Your parents give so many sacrifices for you, and my mother has given so many for me and I can’t thank her enough,” he shared.

    He recalled her strength and independence, saying: “She is everything for me. She’s the only family member I’m really close to and love. It’s heartbreaking to see her like this now. I remember her being so independent. She used to drive all the way to Murree to visit me at boarding school, then drive back at night. She was a superwoman. Now, I just want to be with her no matter what. If anything happens, she has me.”

    Mukhtar’s response resonated deeply with fans, many of whom praised him for prioritizing family over career.

    In the Q&A, he also addressed questions about his personal life. When asked if his wife Zunaira Inam was a Pashtoon hailing from Bannu, he confirmed: “She is.”

    He also gushed about his daughter, calling her: “The best thing that’s happened to us!!!”

    On a lighter note, the actor revealed that his favorite food is biryani.

    On the work front, Usman Mukhtar is currently appearing opposite actress Saba Qamar in the drama Pamaal. The project has generated buzz, with fans excited to see the two talented actors share the screen.

  • Usman Mukhtar turns his childhood room into dreamy nursery for baby Siera

    Usman Mukhtar turns his childhood room into dreamy nursery for baby Siera

    Pakistani actor and director Usman Mukhtar has shared a sneak peek into one of the most special projects of his life: designing his newborn daughter’s nursery.

    In an Instagram post on Friday, August 8, he shared a before-and-after video of the room, accompanied by a heartfelt caption.

    He wrote: “When we found out we were having a baby girl, it was one of the happiest and most emotional moments of our lives. It really hit us, we’re going to be parents to a little girl.”

    He added, “I knew I wanted to do something personal, so I decided to design Siera’s nursery myself. Honestly, it turned out to be one of the most calming and meaningful things I’ve ever done. It gave me time to slow down and connect with what was coming, all the love, all the chaos, all the memories we’re about to make.”

    Mukhtar also revealed: “The room that’s now Sisi’s nursery is actually the room I grew up in. So turning it into her little world felt really special, like life coming full circle in the most beautiful way.”

    He added, “Every little corner, every detail in this room was put together with so much love. Zunaira sketched the wall art herself, and I don’t think she realises just how special that is. One day Siera will grow up and know her mama literally drew love on the walls for her.”

    Mukhtar credited The Restorative Niche for the wall murals, saying they added charm to the space.

    Fans flooded the comments section with love. One fan wrote, “So beautiful mashAllah Allah naseeb ache kre Ameen ❤️❤️❤️ so emotional tooo .” 

    Another wrote, “So So So Adorable .” 

    Others commented, “Best thing on the internet today,” and “This is sooooooo magical!!! @zunaira.inam the drawings are unreal mashallah .”

    Siera was born on February 25, 2025. Introducing her to the world, he shared the news on social media with an adorable photo of the newborn’s tiny hand holding his finger. He also revealed the meaning behind her name, explaining that “Siera” is a Pashto word meaning “shade of a tree,” symbolizing comfort and protection.

  • Usman Mukhtar talks to CNN about bringing Pakistani superheroes to life

    Usman Mukhtar talks to CNN about bringing Pakistani superheroes to life

    Who needs fireworks when Usman Mukhtar lights up New Year’s Eve with exciting revelations? Mukhtar’s career seems as versatile as his comic book collection, with diverse subjects, from superheroes to statesmen.


    Usman Mukhtar had an exciting New Year’s Eve. He spoke to CNN about his movie Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning and his plans for the future. 


    Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning is Pakistan’s first superhero fantasy film. It came out in June with Mukhtar, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sanam Saeed, Faran Tahir, and Adnan Siddiqui included in the cast. Unlike many typical movies in Pakistan, the film was unique in that it talked about myths, legends and superheroes.

     
    “I love superheroes, and playing Umro Ayyar was a big honor for me,” he told CNN. The movie took four years to make and was finally released last year. When he and the other actors saw it for the first time in the cinema, they were amazed by it.


    He was especially happy that kids loved the film. “Kids in Pakistan don’t have a lot of movies to watch, and they enjoyed this one. We hope to make more superhero and sci-fi movies for the global audience,” Mukhtar said.


    When asked if he saw a global market for films like Umro Ayyar, he believed there was a lot of untapped potential in Pakistan. “People want to see something different from Pakistan,” he explained.


    Mukhtar is also a big fan of DC Comics and Superman. He collected comic books and action figures as a child. “I want to create content my children can watch and be proud of,” he added.


    For 2025, Mukhtar is not working on a sci-fi or fantasy project. Instead, he will play Allama Iqbal in an upcoming series about Fatima Jinnah, the famous Pakistani stateswoman and sister of Quaid-i-Azam. He hopes people will enjoy it when it is released in 2025.

  • Dr. Numair ya Dr. Strange? Usman Mukhtar defends his character in Jafaa

    Dr. Numair ya Dr. Strange? Usman Mukhtar defends his character in Jafaa

    Usman Mukhtar’s performance in Hum TV’s hit drama Jafaa has won over fans with his character, Dr. Numair, stirring up heated debates online. One of the most talked-about scenes is when Dr. Numair takes his newborn baby to the hospital for a DNA test.

    The scene sparked controversy on social media, with fans sharing their thoughts. Usman Mukhtar, who read all the feedback, shared his perspective on the matter.


    He defended Dr. Numair’s actions, saying, “Numair’s journey may not be perfect, and he’s certainly not handling things well, but imagine how this news might affect someone who believed he was infertile for most of his life.”


    Usman also addressed Andaleeb’s character and her reaction to Numair’s actions. He explained that her response was completely justified, adding, “She feels unsettled by Numair’s unpredictable behavior, which leaves her confused and frustrated. When she heard about the DNA test, my wife, Zunaira, said, ‘If I were in her place, I would’ve broken your face!’”


    Usman also shared that he chose the Jafaa script because it tackles important social issues like domestic violence and infertility, which are often stigmatized or ignored in society.


    He also posted on Instagram: “I know, I know, everyone’s frustrated with Numair right now! But here’s the thing, sometimes we underestimate the impact of personal struggles, especially with respect to men who feel societal pressure to always appear strong and in control.


    Trauma isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and everyone handles it differently. Numair’s journey may not be perfect, and he’s certainly not handling things well, but imagine how this news might hit someone who believed he was infertile for most of his adult life.


    Jafaa last night wasn’t just about mistakes, it was a look into the silent battles that can shape how we respond to the unexpected.”

  • Usman Mukhtar celebrates third anniversary with a heartfelt message for his wife

    Usman Mukhtar celebrates third anniversary with a heartfelt message for his wife

    Actor Usman Mukhtar shared a sweet note for his wife Zunaira Inam as they celebrated three years of marriage.

    On Tuesday, Usman posted pictures with his wife on Instagram and a heartfelt message for their third wedding anniversary.

    “Three years ago, I married my best friend, who also happens to be my full-time reality check and part-time stand-up comedian, though I’m usually the punchline. Somehow, you manage to make love feel like both a rom-com and a roast session, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. You keep me laughing, humble & grounded.

    Thank you for making life better and funnier. Here’s to more years of love, laughter & Happiness. I love you so so so much Zunaira Inam!!!! Happy Third Anniversary!!!”

    Many of his fans and friends liked the post and shared their wishes in the comments.

    Usman Mukhtar and Zunaira Inam Khan married in April 2021.

    Usman Mukhtar gained praise for his role as Captain Daniyal Safeer in the hit drama Sinf-e-Aahan. He has also impressed audiences in films like Janaan, Parchi, and most recently ‘Umro Ayyar- A New Beginning’.

  • Usman Mukhtar chose Jaffaa to shed light on domestic violence

    Usman Mukhtar chose Jaffaa to shed light on domestic violence

    Friday’s episode of Jaffaa took a different approach from other dramas. It featured a domestic abuse scene like many dramas do, but what stood out was how the abuse was handled afterwards.

    Usman Mukhtar, one of the stars of the show, explained on instgram that one reason he joined the show was to highlight the serious issue of domestic violence, something he had witnessed with someone close to him.

    He wrote, “You know, every week after Jaffaa’s episode airs, I post a picture of myself and ask for your thoughts on the recent episode. But today is a bit different. One of the two main reasons I took on Jaffaa was to highlight the devastating issue of domestic violence, something I’ve witnessed firsthand through someone very close to me. While I’m not directly part of this storyline, @mohibmirza and @mawrellous amazing performances beautifully capture the emotional weight of abuse. Their portrayal speaks to the suffering so many women endure in silence, and I hope it resonates with viewers in a way that encourages change.

    Thank you to our incredible director, @danishnawazofficial , and our producer, @momina.duraid , for their remarkable work on Jaffaa. Tackling the sensitive issue of domestic violence is no small feat, and both Danish bhai and Momina Bhabi approached it with immense care and responsibility.”

    In episode 21, Mirza’s character Hassan attacks Hocane’s Zara during an argument about his anger and her use of birth control. What made the episode unique was the reaction to the abuse — Hassan’s grandmother tries to hide it, but Mukhtar’s character immediately understands what happened when he sees Zara. He confronts Hassan, telling him there’s no excuse for hitting a woman.

    By the end of the episode, Zara’s father arrives and slaps Hassan, ordering the police to arrest him.

    While violence is often shown in Pakistani dramas, it’s rare to see consequences for abusers. Jaffaa took a different path by showing people around the abuser speaking out and ensuring there are real consequences for his actions.

  • Usman Mukhtar thinks one role suits wife Zunaira best

    Usman Mukhtar thinks one role suits wife Zunaira best

    Usman Mukhtar is a talented actor and director, known for his selective project choices that his fans adore. The relationship with his wife Zunaira begun when they were friends, and it’s reflected in their attitude towards each other.

    A fan asked Usman Mukhtar, “Will your wife ever act alongside you in a role,” to which he responded playfully that she would consider it only if the role required her to play a character who teases or trolls him. This showcased the actor’s sense of humor and added a playful element to discussions about potential on-screen collaborations with his spouse.

    The couple continues to charm fans with their adorable social media banter. In another instance, during Usman’s work stint in Karachi, Zunaira playfully trolled him on Instagram after he posted a photo captioned, “When you’re sleeping and suddenly smell Biryani.” Their witty exchange leaves netizens amused.