Umera Ahmed has crafted empowering female roles that encompass Pakistan’s women, spanning spiritual journeys to valiant service as soldiers.

With her exceptional prowess in both novel and script writing, Umera Ahmed has gifted us stories that have indelibly marked our hearts and minds. The characters she creates within her literary and dramatic endeavours not only emphasize the nuances of societal transformation but also illuminate the yet unspoken narratives. Through her compelling and suspenseful dramatizations, she sheds light on aspects often left in the shadows. Now, as she presents “Jannat Se Aagay,” it’s the perfect time to explore five of her most formidable and empowering female roles that she has brought to life.
1. Mahira Khan as Falak Sher In Shehr-e-Zaat
Zindagi mein perfection nahi hoti, ho hi nahi sakti. Zindagi, taluq, wajood, mohabat, sab imperfect hain. Aur in ko imperfect rehna chahiye, perfect toh sirf Allah ki zaat hai, aur us ko rehna chahiye.
Falak, Shehr-e-Zaat
(In life, there is no perfection, nor can there be. Life, relationships, existence, love, everything is imperfect. And they should remain imperfect, because only the essence of Allah is perfect, and that perfection should be His alone.)
In the drama “Shehr-e-Zaat,” Mahira Khan portrayed the character of Falak Sher Afgan, a young woman initially preoccupied with superficial desires and worldly matters. However, as the story unfolds, she undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery and spirituality. Falak’s character evolves from a materialistic mindset to a profound understanding of the importance of inner beauty and spiritual growth.
2. Sanam Saeed as Kashf Murtaza In Zindagi Gulzar Hai
Kaii saal pehle, mai apni zindagi mein ane wali har takleef par, Allah Tallah ko ilzaam dia krti, shikaiton ka ek dher tha jo mai har waqt us k samne laga dia krti thi. Mujhe hamesha is cheez ka afsoos rahega k mai Allah ko ghlat samjhti thi. Us ki taqaat aur hikmaat k bare mein ghalat andazay lagati thi. Mujhe lagta tha k Allah mujh se pyar nahi krta, halaankay Allah toh hum sab se mohabbat krta hai. Woh nimatain bhi deita hai aur azmaata bhi hai lekin yeh baat pata nahi jaldi kyun samjh nahi atti.
(A few years ago, I used to blame Allah Almighty for every difficulty that was to come into my life. There was a pile of complaints that I would lay before Him all the time. I will always regret that I misunderstood Allah. I had misconceptions about His strength and wisdom. I used to think that Allah doesn’t love me, even though Allah loves all of us. He bestows blessings and tests us as well, but I don’t know why this realization doesn’t come quickly.)
Sanam Saeed portrayed the character Kashf Murtaza in the drama “Zindagi Gulzar Hai,” written by Umera Ahmed. Kashf is a complex and layered character who goes through various challenges and transformations throughout the story. She belongs to a lower-middle-class family and faces financial difficulties, but she is also gifted with the ability to see into the future through her dreams. The drama showcases her deep spiritual beliefs but also highlights her inner strength to overcome life’s challenges through her faith and determination.
3. Sajal Ali as Momina Sultan In Alif
Jo rizk kama rahi hoon woh kamana nahi chahti, jo kama rahi hoon us se koi masla hal nahi horaha. Jo chahti hoon woh milta nahi hai aur jo milta hai woh chah nahi banta. Allah se mayus nahi hoon duniya se hoon, logon se hoon. Sab Allah k hain bas Momina Allah ki nahi.
Momina Sultan, Alif
(I don’t want to earn what I’m earning, and the issue I’m facing isn’t being resolved by what I’m earning. What I desire, I don’t seem to receive, and what I receive, I don’t desire. I’m not disappointed with Allah, but with the world and people. Everything belongs to Allah, except for Momina; she doesn’t belong to Allah.)
Sajal Aly portrayed the character Momina Sultan in the drama “Alif,” written by Umera Ahmed. Momina is a young and aspiring actress who gradually undergoes a transformative spiritual journey from being a famous actress. Through her portrayal, Sajal Aly beautifully captured Momina’s evolution from a self-centered and fame-driven individual to a person seeking deeper meaning and spirituality in life.
4. Kubra Khan as Mashal Tahir In Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay
Mohabbatt aur nafrat buhat paki saheliyaan hoti hain. Hath churda leiti hain magr nazrein nahi chura pati. Durr bhi chali jayen toh chup chup kr takti rehti hain.
Mashal Tahir, Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay
(Love and hate are very close friends. They may not hold hands, but they cannot take away each other’s gaze. Even if they are far apart, they will continue to look at each other silently.)
Mashal is a complex and multi-faceted character in the Pakistani drama serial Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay. She is played by Kubra Khan, who has received critical acclaim for her performance. Mashal is a beautiful and intelligent young woman, but she is also deeply insecure and jealous. She was raised in a household where her grandmother constantly compared her to her cousin, Mehreen, who was considered to be the more “perfect” daughter. This constant comparison led Mashal to develop a deep inferiority complex, which manifested itself in her destructive behavior.
5. Ramsha Khan as Pariwesh Jamal In Sinf e Aahan
Baba tum fikr na karo, mai hoon na. Mere hote hoye koch nahi hoga tum ko.
Pariwesh Jamal, Sinf e Aahan
(Don’t worry, Baba. I’m here. Nothing will happen to you as long as I’m around.)
Pariwesh played by Ramsha Khan is a young woman from a conservative background who dreams of becoming a soldier. She is intelligent, brave, and determined, but she also has a lot of insecurities. She is afraid of failure and of disappointing her family. Pariwesh faces a lot of challenges in her journey to become a soldier. She is discriminated against because of her gender, and she is often belittled by her male peers. However, she never gives up. She perseveres through all the challenges and proves to everyone that she is just as capable as any man.
Umera Ahmed Is Back With Jannat Se Agay
Jannat Se Agay, a production of 7th Sky Entertainment, is a collaborative effort led by acclaimed director duo Haseeb Hasan and Umera Ahmed, known for their remarkable work on the TV series ‘Dhoop ki Deewar.’ The stellar cast features Ramsha Khan, Kubra Khan, Saboor Ali, Gohar Rasheed, Talha Chahour, Hina Bayat, Aina Asi, Shahryar Zaidi, and other talented actors.
As the first episode drops tonight, we look forward to how Umera Ahmed’s heroines will lead us on a transformational journey, intense, spiritual and yes, very, absorbing. Let us know which character of Umer Ahmed’s you love the best so far!
Tune in every Friday at 8 pm on Geo Entertainment to experience the captivating journey of ‘Jannat Se Agay.’
