Wikipedia

Sanam Saeed

Sanam Saeed (born 2 February 1985) is a Pakistani actress and former model. She is best known for playing Kashaf Murtaza in the Hum TV romance Zindagi Gulzar Hai (2013), a role which garnered her major recognition in South Asia, and for playing Ruhina Behroze Khan in the dysfunctional family drama Diyar-e-Dil (2015), and Zara in the comedy-drama film Cake (2018), all of which earned her several accolades, including a Lux Style Award for Best Actress.

Sanam Saeed
Saeed at an event in 2015
Born (1985-02-02) 2 February 1985 (age 39)
London, England, UK[1]
NationalityPakistani
OccupationActress
Years active2007–present
Spouse
​
(m. 2021)​

A graduate of film and theatre studies, Saeed made her acting debut with a supporting role in the 2010 romance Daam and went on to play the female lead in several acclaimed television series, including Mera Naseeb (2011), Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu (2013), Talkhiyaan (2013), Firaaq (2014), and Aakhri Station (2018). She expanded to films with the biography Mah e Mir (2016), the thriller Rhm (2017) and the melodrama Azad (2018), and had her biggest commercial success in the 2016 romantic comedy Bachaana and the drama Dobara Phir Se. The last of these earned her a Lux Style Award for Best Supporting Actress. Saeed gained further success in 2024 with the fantasy television series Barzakh. In 2019, Saeed was named "Pride of Pakistan" by Daily Times.

Early life

Sanam Saeed was born on 2 February 1985 in London, England. Her father is a retired interior designer, while her mother was an art teacher, who passed away in 2017. She has one brother, Adnan Saeed, and one sister, Amira Saeed.[2] The multi-ethnic family (her father is a Punjabi while her mother is a Memon) moved back to Karachi in 1990.[3] She did her O-levels at Bay View High School Karachi and her A-levels at L'Ecole College. Saeed started modeling at the age of 16.[4] In Paper Magazine, she confessed that she quit modeling as she was becoming increasingly conscious about her looks for the first time in her life.[5]

Acting career

Saeed's acting debut was marked by 2010 serial Daam, directed by Mehreen Jabbar. Co-starred Aamina Sheikh and Sanam Baloch, Saeed played the role of Fiza, an arrogant and a rude medical college student in the series.[6]

The following year, she appeared in Adnan Ahmed's directed Mera Naseeb, along with Syra Yousuf and Imran Abbas Naqvi as a lead. She portrayed Shazia, an outspoken and rebellious girl.[7]

In 2012, Saeed played Yamina, a British Pakistani who is married to a materialistic snob and abuser,[8] played by Junaid Khan in her second collaboration with Jabbar,[9] Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu, an adaptation of Farhat Ishtiaq's novel novel of the same name. While reviewing her performance in the series, Bilal Mughal of The Express Tribune found that her character lacks vibrancy and she "seems to be reading from a script".[10] She got wider recognition with the romantic drama Zindagi Gulzar Hai, an adaption of Umera Ahmad's novel of the same name. Co-starring Fawad Khan, she portrayed Kashaf Murtaza, a bitter yet mature girl, coming from a middle-class family background. It marked her departure from the glamorous characters that she had a reputation for portraying.[1] Her pairing with Khan resulted in the hype over the series and it proved a major commercial success.[11] The Express Tribune and the ABP News listed the part among her best performances,[12][13] while a reviewer from the DAWN Images attributes the success of Pakistani television serials of that time to compelling storytelling and characters like Kashaf.[14] For her portrayal, she received accolades such as Best TV Actress - Satellite at the 13th Lux Style Awards and Best Actress - Popular at the 2nd Hum Awards.[15][16] The same year, Saeed played Bibi, a frustrated single mother in Talkhiyaan, based on Arundhati Roy's 1997 novel The God of Small Things and written by Bee Gul.[17] The series, directed by Khalid Ahmed, set in Murree, received positive reviews from the critics and Saeed's portrayal was also praised. Saeed hailed the character as "dream role" for her.[18]

Her first role of 2013 was of jealous and villainous Minah who took revenge from her stepmother and stepsister in mystery drama Kadoorat. It marked Saeed's first role as an anti-heroine and according to her, she choosed it to challenge herself as an actor.[18] The antagonistic role earning her positive critical reception for her performance.[19] She next appeared as a confident and progressive Paras burdened by the societal pressure in Geo TV serial Ek Kasak Reh Gaye opposite Mikaal Zulfiqar.[20] Her last appearance in that year was in Yasir Nawaz's directed drama Shukk opposite Adeel Hussain and Ayesha Khan, where portrayed Sania who renters in the life of his ex-fiance after their marriage.

Saeed next appeared opposite Ahsan Khan and Sarwat Gilani in the romantic telefilm Dil Mera Dhadkan Teri, her third collaboration with Mehreen Jabbar. The telefilm was the remake of 1968 film of the same name starring Waheed Murad. She featured in the role of a rich and spoiled brat.[18] Saeed also starred in two other Eid special telefilms Kahin Chand Na Sharma Jaye opposite Goher Mumtaz and Tamana ki Tamana opposite Bilal Khan and Mathira.

Saeed's only serial of 2014 was the family drama Firaaq, opposite Mohib Mirza, Noor Hassan Rizvi and Junaid Khan. She portrayed the role of Paiman who struggles to live at her own will despite strict boundaries set by her mother.[21] In 2015, Saeed starred in family drama Diyar-e-Dil, portraying the young to old role of Ruhina Behroze Khan, a lower-middle who marriage to her rich class fellow Behroze Khan led to a rivalry between the families of the both. The series was based on Farhat Ishtiaq's novel of the same name, earning her generally positive critical response for her performance.[22][23]

In 2016, she was seen in four Pakistani films. She made her film debut in Nasir Khan's romantic thriller Bachaana[24] with Mohib Mirza[25][26][24] She next appeared in Anjum Shahzad and Sarmad Sehbai's Mah-e-Meer, along with Fahad Mustafa and Iman Ali, describing it as the first "glamorous" role of her career.[27][28] She was also seen in Ahmed Jamal's Rahm. She then appeared in Mehreen Jabbar's Dobara Phir Se, alongside Adeel Hussain, Hareem Farooq, Ali Kazmi and Tooba Siddiqui, which earned her an award for Best supporting actress (film) at the 16th Lux Style Awards. In 2018, she appeared as the younger sister Zara, in the critically acclaimed film Cake.[29] Reviewing the film for The Express Tribune, critic Rahul Aijaz appreciates Saeed's extraordinary performance in the film and wrote ''Saeed portrays Zara with suppressed emotions, running away from her past. Hers is the journey we try to keep digging into, slowly. The actor's naturally calm exterior and controlled style of speaking aid her project Zara's insecurities.''[30]

Saeed briefly appeared in the third season of Coke Studio Pakistan, where she sang background vocals on "Alif Allah (Jugni)" by Arif Lohar and Meesha Shafi, "Aisha" by Amanat Ali and "Chori Chori" by Meesha Shafi as a backing vocalist.[31] She has worked for Made for Stage Productions in the following stage plays: Chicago (2007), Mamma Mia! (2009), Carnage (2009), Dhaani (2013) and Grease (2013).[32][33][34]

Personal life

Saeed married her childhood friend, Farhan Hassan, a banker from Karachi, on 2 January 2015, and shifted to Dubai.[35][36] In 2018, Saeed stated that she and her husband are divorced.[37]

In 2021, Saeed married actor, Mohib Mirza, in a private ceremony. They announced their wedding in 2023.[38]

Filmography

Films

Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2013 Dil Mera Dharkan Teri Beenish Television film [18]
Kahin Chand Na Sharma Jaye Mishal/Sameer [21]
Tamanna ki Tamanna Zainab [39]
2016 Bachaana Aalia [27][40]
Mah-e-Meer Naina Kanwal [27]
Dobara Phir Se Samar [27][41]
Rahm Samina [27]
2017 Azad Sabreen Hisbani [42][27]
2018 Cake Zara [43][44]
2022 Ishrat Made in China Akhtar [45]
2025 Umro Ayyar - A New Beginning † Mehar Post-production [46][47]
2025 Aan † Zarina Filming [48]

Television

Year Title Role Network Notes Ref.
2010 Daam Fizza ARY Digital [21]
2011 Mera Naseeb Shazia Hum TV [21]
2012 Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu Yamina [8]
2012–2013 Talkhiyan Bibi Express Entertainment [17]
Zindagi Gulzar Hai Kashaf Murtaza Hum TV [21]
2013 Kadoorat Minah [21]
Ek Kasak Reh Gayi Paras Geo TV [21]
Shukk Sania ARY Digital [21]
2014 Firaaq Paimaan Hum TV [21]
2015 Mr. Shamim Maya Special appearance [21]
2015–2016 Diyar-e-Dil Ruhina Behroze Khan [49]
2016–2017 Dil Banjaara Nida Nafees [50]
2018 Aakhri Station Tehmina Ary Digital [51]
2018–2019 Deedan Resham A-Plus TV [52]
2021 Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam Zuvi Zee5 Web-series [53]
2024 Barzakh Kinza Malik [54]

Discography

Year Song Notes
2010 "Alif Allah (Jugni)" on Coke Studio Pakistan (Season 3) as a backing vocalist[31]
"Aisha"
"Chori Chori"

Awards and nominations

Year Work Award Result Ref
Hum Awards
2013 Zindagi Gulzar Hai Best Actor Female (Jury) Nominated [55]
Best Actor Female (Popular) Won [55]
Best On-screen Couple (Jury) Won [55]
Best On-screen Couple (Popular) Won [55]
2015 Diyar-e-Dil Best Actor in a negative role Nominated [56]
Lux Style Awards
2013 Zindagi Gulzar Hai Best Television Actress - Satellite Won [57]
2017 Dobara Phir Se Best Supporting Actress in a Film Won [58]
Bachaana Best Lead Actress in a Film Nominated
2019 Cake Best Film Actress Nominated [59][60]
Hum Style Awards
2016 Dobara Phir Se Most Stylish Actress - Film Nominated [61]
2017 Cake Most Stylish Actress - Film Won [62]

Other recognitions

  • 2012: Loreal Paris Award (Model of the year)
  • 2013: Tarang House Full Awards (Best Female In Supporting Role for Dil Mera Dharkan Teri)[63]
  • 2017: Eastern Eye Awards 2016 (Best Film Actress award for Rahm)[64]
  • 2019: "Pride of Pakistan" by Daily Times[65]

References

  1. ^ a b Sanam Saeed talks to Fashion Central fashioncentral.pk Retrieved 22 July 2012
  2. ^ Salima Feerasta (9 March 2014), "Sanam Saeed & Sanam Jung: Double act", The Express Tribune. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  3. ^ Interview with Samina Peerzada. "Sanam Saeed Like Never Before | Speak Your Heart With Samina Peerzada | Part I", uploaded on YouTube on 8 November 2018.
  4. ^ "Sanam Saeed: Biography, Interview, and Pics". Showbizpak.com. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  5. ^ "Oh Sanam!". styleonpaper. 10 June 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  6. ^ Ahmed Sarym (4 February 2018). "The uncensored Sanam Saeed". The News International. Archived from the original on 6 December 2024.
  7. ^ "Sanam Saeed back as Shazia in Zindagi's 'Mera Naseeb'". Zeenews.india.com. 19 September 2014. Archived from the original on 28 September 2018.
  8. ^ a b "India uses cinema to tell its stories, we use TV: Sanam Saeed". Times Of India. 14 July 2014.
  9. ^ "Letters to Mehreen Jabbar". The News International. 7 February 2016.
  10. ^ "Mata e Jaan Hai Tu: A new age drama". The Express Tribune. 13 March 2012. Archived from the original on 30 November 2024.
  11. ^ Nandini Sharma (29 September 2014). "Indian Author Accuses Pakistani Serial Of Plagiarism | Business Insider India". Businessinsider.in. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  12. ^ "Happy Birthday Sanam Saeed: From Firaaq To Zindagi Gulzar Hai: A Look To Her Best Performances". ABP News. 2 February 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  13. ^ Urooba Rasool (26 July 2024). "4 performances to revisit as Sanam season strikes again". The Express Tribune.
  14. ^ "What do Pakistani TV audiences want to see? Favourite characters Kashaf and Wali give us a hint". Dawn Images. 6 November 2015. Archived from the original on 12 May 2021.
  15. ^ "13th Lux Style awards: And the winners are..." Dawn. 4 December 2014. Archived from the original on 28 July 2015.
  16. ^ "Hum Awards: Not at all Ho-Hum". Dawn. 6 April 2014.
  17. ^ a b Saadia Qamar (6 December 2012). "A story of bitterness: Meet the women of 'Talkhiyan'". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  18. ^ a b c d "Sanam Saeed & Sanam Jung: Double act". The Express Tribune. 9 March 2014.
  19. ^ Cite error: The named reference strike was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  20. ^ "Gear up to watch Sanam Saeed and Mikaal Zulfiqar in Ek Kasak Reh Gaee on Zindagi TV". Telly Chakkar. 15 April 2016. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Rehman Chagani, Anum (14 November 2014). "I like taking on characters that empower women: Sanam Saeed". DAWN. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  22. ^ "Dayar e Dil New Drama Coming Soon on Hum Tv". dramas-online. 3 November 2015. Archived from the original on 6 November 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  23. ^ Sadaf Haider (25 June 2015). "Diyar-e-Dil hits home by stressing family values". Dawn. Archived from the original on 30 November 2024.
  24. ^ a b "New film on the horizon: Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza to star in Bachaana". dawn.com. 15 May 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  25. ^ "Bachaana' makes Rs20m in three days". Express Tribune. 29 February 2016. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  26. ^ "Sanam Saeed to play an Indian in upcoming Pakistani film". tribune.com.pk. 15 May 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  27. ^ a b c d e f Saeed, Mahek (9 December 2015). "Our women don't have much exposure of the outside world: Sanam Saeed". The Express Tribune.
  28. ^ "'Mah-e-Meer' to hit theatres on May 6". Express Tribune. 27 March 2016.
  29. ^ McCahill, Mike (29 March 2018). "Cake review – Karachi sister act ditches melodrama for real life". the Guardian. Retrieved 1 June 2018.
  30. ^ "'Cake' review: One slice just won't be enough - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2018.
  31. ^ a b "Sanam Saeed Coke Studio Bio".
  32. ^ Kulsoom (6 January 2015). "Attending Chicago the Musical…in Karachi". Wordpress. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
  33. ^ "Chicago in Karachi opens new avenues to art, theatre and a 'wicked' world of possibilities". Saba Sartaj K.
  34. ^ Muniba Kamal. "Mamma Mia! Here they go again!". JANG News. Archived from the original on 24 January 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  35. ^ Entertainment Desk (3 January 2015). "Sanam Saeed ties the knot with childhood friend". Dawn.com. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  36. ^ Afzal, Asfia (3 January 2015). "Sanam Saeed marries childhood friend". Business Recorder. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  37. ^ “I couldn't balance marriage and my mother's declining health: Sanam Saeed”. The Express Tribune. 9 November 2018.
  38. ^ "Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza officially announce their marriage". The Express Tribune. 5 March 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  39. ^ Khan, Sher (22 August 2012). "Bilal Khan: Acting pushed me out of my comfort zone". Express Tribune.
  40. ^ Hassan, Malik (28 February 2015). "Review: Bachaana is a big slice of highly palatable cheese". Daily Times Pakistan.
  41. ^ Lodhi, Rita (3 September 2016). "'Dobara Phir Se' release date finally revealed". Aaj TV.
  42. ^ "Rehan Sheikh's Azad to release on 9th Feb 2018!". 11 January 2018.
  43. ^ "4 reasons why we are waiting for the film 'Cake'". 9 February 2017.
  44. ^ NewsBytes. "Cake wins big at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal". Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  45. ^ "Ishrat Made in China's first teaser is finally here". Images by Dawn. 18 December 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  46. ^ Lodhi, Rida (8 April 2024). "'Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning' trailer unveils intriguing blend of adventure and fantasy". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  47. ^ Style, BR Life & (29 May 2023). "Actor Sanam Saeed reveals upcoming film 'Umro Ayyar'". Brecorder. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  48. ^ "Aan is not a love triangle, says Haseeb Hasan". The News International (newspaper). 5 March 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  49. ^ "Diyar-e-Dil: Of love, pride and family values". The News On Sunday. 15 November 2015.
  50. ^ "Gypsy is not just another drama about wailing women, says Mira Sethi". DAWN. 2 June 2016.
  51. ^ "Aakhri Station Drama Sarmad Khoosat Sanam Saeed". OxGadgets. 4 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  52. ^ Shabbir, Buraq. "Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza starrer Deedan is a unique tale". Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  53. ^ Web Desk (2 December 2021). "Sanam Saeed lauds artists for strengthening Indo-Pak cultural ties". The News. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  54. ^ "'Barzakh' is downright experimental and I love it: Fawad Khan". Deccan Herald. 1 July 2024. Archived from the original on 3 July 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  55. ^ a b c d "2nd Hum Awards Winners". Review it. Rashid Nazir Ali. 30 March 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  56. ^ "The awards will be held in Karachi on April 23rd and the voting lines are open till April 6, 2016". HIP. 6 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  57. ^ "13 Lux Style Awards: and the winners are ..." Dawn: Entertainment Desk. 5 December 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
  58. ^ Images Staff (19 April 2017). "Here's what's going down at the Lux Style Awards 2017 right now [LIVE]". Images. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  59. ^ "Did your favorites get nominated for Lux Style Awards 2019?". www.thenews.com.pk. 30 March 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  60. ^ "https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/495568-who-won-at-the-mega-lux-style-awrds-2019" (18)
  61. ^ "Here are the winners from the first ever Hum Style Awards". Dawn. 29 October 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  62. ^ "A list of who won what at the Hum Style Awards". 22 October 2017.
  63. ^ "Results And Pictures Of Tarang Housfull Awards". Fatima Awan. Review It. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  64. ^ "Sanam Saeed Wins Best Actress At Eastern Eye Awards". Images. Dawn. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  65. ^ "Pride of Pakistan Sanam Saeed". Daily Times. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
 
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