Saba Qamar Zaman, known professionally as Saba Qamar, is a highly acclaimed Pakistani actress with a significant presence in both television and film. Here’s a detailed look at her career and achievements:
Early Life:
- Saba Qamar Zaman was born on April 5, 1984, in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan.
- She has five siblings and spent most of her childhood in Gujranwala with her grandmother after losing her father at a young age.
- Qamar pursued her early education in Gujranwala and later moved to Lahore for further studies. Her family is settled in Karachi.
Career Beginnings (2004–2011):
- Qamar began her acting career in 2004 with the PTV television series “Mein Aurat Hoon”.
- She gained early attention for her role in the telefilm “Ishq” opposite Bilal Qureshi for Geo Entertainment.
- Qamar appeared as a model in Abrar-ul-Haq’s music video “Boliyan” in 2004.
- Her work in dramas like “Chaap” (2005) and “Kahin Tum Kahin Hum” (2006) marked her presence in Pakistani television.
- Qamar’s breakthrough came with her role as Ruqsana Inayat in the biographical drama “Jinnah Ke Naam” (2009).
Rising Fame and Success (2012–2015):
- Qamar gained critical acclaim for her role in the historical drama “Dastaan” (2010) and the melodrama “Uraan” (2010).
- She continued to impress with roles in “Maat” (2011), “Pani Jaisa Piyar” (2011), and “Thakan” (2012).
- Her performance in “Maat” earned her the Pakistan Media Award for Best Actress.
Critical Acclaim and Film Debut (2015–2016):
- Qamar made her film debut in the biographical drama “Manto” (2015) as singer Noor Jehan.
- Despite being a commercial underperformer, “Manto” received critical praise, especially for Qamar’s portrayal.
- She continued with successful dramas like “Mein Sitara” (2016) and “Besharam” (2016), the latter being a commercial hit.
- Qamar also appeared in the romantic comedy “Lahore Se Aagey” (2016).
International Recognition (2017–2018):
- Qamar ventured into Indian cinema with the Hindi film “Hindi Medium” (2017) opposite Irrfan Khan.
- Her performance as Mita Batra was widely praised, earning her a nomination for Best Actress at Filmfare.
- The film was a commercial success, particularly in China.
- She continued her successful streak with the biographical drama series “Baaghi” (2017) as Qandeel Baloch, earning her several awards.
Diverse Roles and Continued Success (2019–present):
- Qamar received critical acclaim for her role in the courtroom drama “Cheekh” (2019), where she played a woman fighting for justice.
- She appeared in several short films and music videos, showcasing her versatility.
- In 2022, Qamar made her film comeback with “Kamli” and “Ghabrana Nahi Hai,” earning accolades for her performances.
- She starred in the hit crime thriller “Fraud” (2022) and made her OTT debut with web series like “Mrs and Mr Shameem” and “Naina Ki Sharafat.”
- Qamar continues to be one of Pakistan’s most popular and highest-paid actresses, known for her impactful performances and versatility.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Qamar has won numerous awards, including Lux Style Awards, Hum Awards, Pakistan Media Awards, and PTV Awards.
- She was honored with the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan in 2012 and the Pride of Performance in 2016 for her contributions to the arts.
- Her roles in “Maat,” “Baaghi,” and “Hindi Medium” have particularly earned her widespread acclaim and accolades.
Other Ventures and Social Work:
- Qamar has been an ambassador for several brands, including Lux Pakistan, Sunsilk, Ufone, and Tapal.
- She has been actively involved in charitable causes, raising awareness against child abuse and supporting education.
- In 2020, Qamar started her YouTube channel, where she shares vlogs, short films, and discussions on various topics.
- Qamar’s off-screen persona is often admired for her candidness and willingness to speak on important social issues.
Saba Qamar’s career is a testament to her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. From her early days in television to becoming a sought-after actress in films and web series, she continues to captivate audiences with her performances. Her impact on Pakistani entertainment is profound, and she remains a celebrated figure in the industry.