The Pakistani entertainment industry has always been a stage for our favorite stars. But guess what? It’s time to make some room for new players! The spotlight needs to shine on the fresh faces with killer talent. And make no mistake, we’re talking about those who can act their heart out and it’s high time we celebrate them. So, let’s give a round of applause to the rising star, Alina Abbas Shah…
Alina Abbas Shah entered the industry with two impactful characters showcasing her talent in roles that left a lasting impression. Her initial appearance in Kuch Ankahi as Sehrish drew acclaim for its strong personality, earning her appreciation from the audience. Subsequently, she took the stage by storm in 22 Qadam as Naz Kiryana, a character that stood out on its own merit and further solidified her identity as an actor. Beyond the character itself, what added to the enjoyment was her penchant for being fashionably late and her evident passion for cricket.
She’s now on our screens as Safeena in Noor Jahan. Safeena, the heart of Noor Jahan, is a character caught in a whirlwind of emotions. She’s a complex woman, torn between the desire to fight back and the fear of disrupting her family’s delicate balance. One moment, we’re rooting for her to stand up to her oppressors, to unleash the fire within. The next, we understand her silence, the weight of her sister’s future on her shoulders. Is she a damsel in distress or a warrior in disguise? The answer shifts with every scene.
But there’s one moment that truly broke our hearts: the loss of her unborn child. In that scene, we didn’t just see Safeena’s pain; we felt it. The world shattered with her. Alina Abbas Shah breathed life into Safeena, transforming her into a character we can’t look away from. Her portrayal is so raw, so authentic, that we find ourselves living Safeena’s pain, every tear, every silent scream.
And hence, it is with great pleasure that we had the opportunity to connect with Alina Abbas Shah on her character in Noor Jahan, and more.
What about your growing up years and schooling?
Alina Abbas Shah: “Did most of my growing up in Lahore and Islamabad! Went to boarding school for a bit, but was a beaconite for the most part of my life! Also I’m a Literature Major and graduated with honors from BNU in 2016!”
Of all the characters you’ve portrayed, Sehrish, Naz Kiryana, and Safeena, which one holds a special place in your heart and why? A favorite dialogue from that character?
Alina Abbas Shah: “Safeena!”
Alina instantly replied with a smile, that’s how close Safeena is to her heart and this is why we can feel Safeena’s pain, happiness, fear and more!
Alina continued explaining why Safeena…
“A complex multifaceted character who has her own ambitions and struggles similar to the women you meet in real life! A layered character who’s constantly changing and evolving. My favorite dialogue from that character is: tou bartan kursi daal ker dhon lun? She’s the queen of sass!”
A tip, advice, or what you wish you had when you came in.
Alina had something to say to all the newcomers and seasoned actors reading this…
Alina Abbas Shah: “As a newcomer you’re already extremely bewildered and lost! There is this innate sense of discomfort and loneliness you’re experiencing and that is when a seasoned actor can either elevate that feeling and make it worse or make it easier by being kind and accepting! Remember, before it gets better it gets worse! I came in with this understanding and it helps me recuperate!”
How did you initially get the opportunity to work in dramas? Was acting always your dream, or did it happen unexpectedly?
Alina went on to passionately credit her first director and said:
“The credit goes to Imran Raza Kazmi! He gave me the opportunity to play the role of Naz Kiryana! Acting is all I know and all I ever want to do!”
It’s clear Alina was born to act!
On a new actor entering the industry?
Alina Abbas Shah: “Three things I’d say to any newcomer entering the industry, Number one, say no when necessary. Number two, do whatever you do with excellence and lastly, practice listening.”
Now, you’ve got the recipe for success in a new industry. Take notes!
Mental health and entertainment industry. How does one stay sane in a place that’s increasingly competitive.
Alina Abbas Shah: “By prioritizing mental health! Why must you be a part of a rat race? It’s an endless, self defeating, pointless pursuit ! Not worth sacrificing your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health ever!”
What is written for you will come to you, no matter what. That’s what we’ve learned from Alina and her statement!
On balancing social media, public persona with your private life. What’s a personal tip that’s worked so your family or friends do not feel their privacy is invaded if you are in a public place with them? Or, acting is all about being in the public eye, so deal with it.
Alina Abbas Shah: “Thank God I haven’t had such intense fan moments!”
Alina elaborated and said…
“They’ve always been sweet and respectful! My family and friends understand that it comes with the territory and are super understanding and supportive of it! Touch wood! Also acting is in fact all about being in the public eye! Accept and move on because that’s all you can really do!”
Did you act before 22 Qadam? Were you involved in any school plays or had any formal acting training?
Alina Abbas Shah: “Surprisingly I had insane stage fright! Couldn’t imagine going on stage without collapsing! I danced, sang, acted within the four walls of my room!”
The bedroom singer waiting to be discovered? Talent speaks for itself, Alina is living proof!
How do you hope to change the industry if at all. Or make your mark, do things differently?
Alina spilt some facts and said…
“I don’t think change can come from just one person.”
She went on explaining her point of view furthermore…
“A true actor lives in the shoes of their character, stands in their characters choices and believes in what they’re doing! Thats what I try to show people in the industry is that a character like Safeena is loved by the audience. We don’t need silent, suffering women to get good ratings. Characters like Safeena bring good ratings too. I hope characters like this are written and celebrated more.”
Safeena’s journey. How does Alina relate to it. Do you feel at times the anger is real as if you represent all women who have experienced something similar? At which point did you feel you didn’t have to act, the emotion was real.
Alina Abbas Shah: “When I read Safeena’s character, I saw it as HER journey. I gave her a backstory and made her a three-dimensional, real person in my head. For me, this was only HER story.”
Alina related how she brought Safeena to life…
“I knew why she made the decisions she did. I knew the internal struggle she went through after her miscarriage. I knew that she did not want to return to Noor Jahan’s house, but I know why she did. I never judged her for doing that. In my head, she was a real person and this was specifically her story. And I think that is why so many women are able to relate to her.”
Alina spoke out for all the women like Safeena out there!
“Even if we, as women, have not gone through the exact same situations as Safeena, we have all been in situations that are complex. We know women who have been forced to do things they didn’t want to do, and as women, we do not judge them.
Because we get it.
So I did not feel the pressure of representing all women — I just knew that I had to understand Safeena and walk a mile in her shoes before I perform as her, and in doing so, she will become relatable.”
Scenes where Alina didn’t have to act to bring Safeena to life, but Alina being just Alina made the character breathe outside the suffocating window…
“Two scenes I’d like to mention are the scene in the hospital when Safeena has a miscarriage, when Safeena screams at Hunaid.
And also, the scene in their bedroom, when Safeena talks to Hunaid after Murad decides to stay at Noor Bano’s house.
In both scenes, I didn’t have to act. I just read the dialogues, thought of where Safeena is coming from and what all led to Safeena feeling that her voice NEEDS to be heard now, aur bas. That was enough for me — knowing that now, Safeena’s voice HAS to be heard.”
The best praise you received on set and from whom?
Alina Abbas Shah: “Best praise I received on set was from Imran Raza Kazmi! Dost you’ve finally found your ten percent! 22 Qadam during the scene where I bring in potential candidates for joining the cricket team.”
Praises are always close to the heart, especially when it’s your first-ever project!
A message from Alina Abbas Shah to her fans?
Alina Abbas Shah: “Message to my fans : THANKYOU ❤️”
And there you have it, folks! That’s Alina Abbas Shah, aka Safeena. We’ve gotten to know so much about her and her insightful perspectives on various topics. Keep watching Noor Jahan to follow Safeena and Noor’s journey!
And with that, we can’t wait to see Alina shine in a completely new role. We wish her all the best, lighting up the screen, one drama at a time.
