From breakout performances in dramas to viral social media moments, these young actors are shaping the future of our screens. Whether they’re actors, singers, or influencers, they’re bringing something new to the table and catching the eyes of fans everywhere.
In this list, we’re introducing you to the Gen Z talents who are set to take over and become the next big names in Pakistani entertainment. Keep an eye on them—because they’re going places!
The New Wave Of Young Actors You Need to Know Right Now!
Aina Asif
Aina Asif, the youngest star on our list, began her acting career at just 11 years old and has quickly become a familiar face on TV. She first caught attention as the younger version of Maya Ali’s character in Pehli Si Muhabbat and has since won hearts with her performances in Baby Baji, Hum Tum, and Pinjra.
This light eyed, innocent looking girl is perfect for the screen but this scribe feels she needs to be cast in more age appropriate roles. I am not sure who is at fault pushy parents or the casting directors, but somebody needs to stop this – before her youth is exploited ( thinkHansika Motwani)!
You can see her right now in: HUM TV’s Judwaa
Ali Raza
He is confident, focused, intelligent and comes with a no-nonsense attitude.
Ali might come across as too big for his britches but he is not. This rising star started modelling at Bridal Couture Week a couple of years ago and then drifted into acting with Bhool Ja Ay Dil in 2020. He has played lead roles in nearly every serial he has been cast in. With three back to back hit dramas and another drama on the way, there is no looking back for this young star!
You can see him right now: Green TV’s Iqtidaar and Duniyapur.
Also Read: The Ultimate 2024 Watchlist: Green TV
Anmol Baloch
Anmol Baloch has been in the industry for a while, but now is truly her moment. She saw a meteoric rise in 2020 with Qurbatein, Ek Sitam Aur, and Shiddat, proving her versatility and star power.
She is graceful, , effortless, and self-aware. Her style quotient is high, so I have never met her but I have seen her traveling around the world in style on Instagram. Here comes an actress gives hundred percent to her craft. She is definitely going to be great addition among the rising stars.
You can see her right now in: Green TV’s Iqtidaar.
Hamza Sohail
Hamza Sohail is making big moves! Son of legendary actor Sohail Ahmad, he kicked off his career with Raqeeb Se and stole the show in Fairy Tale, even winning a Hum Award for it. With Zard Patton Ka Bunn adding to his growing list of hits, Hamza is definitely one to watch!
He is eloquent, smart, cute, almost like prince charming and confident, face camera like pro, it does not feel like he is fairly new to the craft. He adapts the character like a chameleon, his comic timing and his expressions are on point. He is my personal favorite and I like him for his acting skills and his voice.
You can see him soon in: Dil Wali Gali Mein
Khushhal Khan
Kaushal Khan became the face of a generation with his breakout debut in Midsummer Chaos. Since then, he’s kept things interesting—balancing artsy, boundary-pushing projects like Barzakh with mainstream hits like Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri, which earned him a well-deserved Hum Award for Best Actor Popular.
He also has one more profession – boxing! He is full of energy, charm, humility! How he adapts into his characters is impeccable. He was last seen rubbing shoulders with acting powerhouse Sajal Aly in HUM TV’s ‘Zard Patton Ka Bun’.
You can see him right now in: Duniyapur
Komail Anam
It’s never easy being compared to your parents. But when it comes to boyish looking, talented actors who sing the similarity is uncanny. Just like his father Khaled Anam, Komail is a multi-hyphenate in the making.
He first garnered widespread attention with his breakout role in the popular drama Sinf-e-Aahan, and has since captivated audiences in a variety of roles, including in Wehshi (2022), Badnaseeb, Jaisay Aapki Marzi (2023), We have seen him play various characters and he has managed to deliver supreme performance in those characters, so I feel he is extremely underrated. You must watch him in HUM TVs ‘Badnaseeb’, (Tip: He appears in the second half).
You can see him in: Nafrat
Mamya Shajaffar
Another breakout star from College Gate, Mamya Shajaffar launched her career just a year ago and is already making waves. She appears alongside Zahid Ahmed in Jaan Se Pyara Juni and starred in Pakistan’s first vertically shot drama, CrossRoads, with Khushhal Khan. Now, she’s set for her biggest role yet—handpicked by Sarmad Khoosat to lead his upcoming Punjabi film, Shikra, cementing her as a rising force in the industry.
She is young, brave, multifaceted, non-diplomatic and unapologetic. Maham aka Mamya stands out amongst the existing young actors because of her fearless personality. She is currently part of all the mega projects. This one is surely going places.
You can see her right now in: Faraar on Green TV.
Sehar Khan
Stunner Sehar Khan made her debut with the soap opera Sanwari in 2018, but it wasn’t until she charmed audiences as Umeed in the cult favorite Fairytale (2023) that she became a household name. Riding that success, she transitioned to more dramatic roles, with the hit series Jafaa showcasing her range and depth as an actor.
She is a raw, full of energy, and so fresh that she lights up the telly screen every time she appears on screen. She is a powerhouse of talent and also very intelligent with the roles she picks. All her choice of roles differ from each other yet she shines in each of them.
You can see her right now in: HUM TVs Tan Man Neel o Neel.
Shaheera Jalil
A Youth Parliamentarian, vocal feminist, and Fulbright scholar, she has taken an unusual path to acting—first appearing as a cricketer in Nayaab before truly coming into her own with Razia’s emotional journey. Now, she co-stars with Adnan Siddiqui in Akhri Baar, proving her versatility and rising influence.
She is fascinating, so animated with her emotions and all this makes her a wonderful actor, I would say one of the finest young actors in the country. Her confidence in her craft is infectious, it’s so overwhelming to see her act. She is definitely a breath of fresh air amongst the actors.
You can see her soon in: Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Fatima Jinnah – a series’.
Shuja Asad
In just a few years, Shuja Asad has skyrocketed from TV commercials to A-list status, with his breakout role in Khaie (2024) cementing him as one of Pakistan’s most compelling new talents. Now, he’s set to share the screen with Iqra Aziz in Paradise on Express.
Asad acts with his mind, body and soul. Everything is aligned to the character he’s playing. His dedication is obvious in his performances and it will take him places. He is so pure and transparent with his emotions that it instantly makes you fall in love (or hate) with the character he’s playing.
You can see him right now in: Tan Man Neel o Neel and ARYs Aye-Ishq-e-Junoon.
The writer is a veteran journalist and can be reached on Twitter @moizkazmi