Pakistani dramas are known for their realistic storylines, and audiences love them for the simplicity and emotional depth portrayed on screen. One major factor behind a drama’s success is the on-screen chemistry between the lead actors. The hero and heroine carry the entire narrative, and strong chemistry can sometimes turn an otherwise average show into a mega hit.
However, there are also times when viewers question why certain actors were paired together. When the leads fail to gel or the characters do not suit them, the impact is clearly felt. Such mismatched casting can weaken even a promising story, leading to disappointment, heavy criticism, and, in some cases, a complete flop. Here are some of the worst on-screen pairings in Pakistani dramas of 2025.
Have a look:
Wahaj Ali & Maya Ali (Sunn Mere Dil)
Wahaj Ali and Maya Ali are two of the biggest superstars of Pakistani dramas. They previously set the screen on fire with their powerful pairing in Jo Bichar Gaye. Being close friends in real life, they have the comfort and understanding that often translates well on screen.
However, their casting together in Sunn Mere Dil proved to be a major disappointment. The much-expected chemistry was noticeably missing, and viewers were not keen on seeing the duo together in this project. The pairing failed to create a romantic spark, with the only hint of romance appearing in the final five minutes of the last episode.
Faysal Quraishi & Hina Afridi (Raaja Rani)
Faysal Quraishi and Hina Afridi formed another on-screen pairing this year that sparked widespread debate. Hina is relatively new to the Pakistani drama industry, while Faysal is a well-established superstar. The noticeable age gap between the two became the main reason for criticism from viewers.
Although Faysal later clarified that the age difference was a requirement of the script—and that explanation was valid—audiences still found it difficult to accept such a large gap between the ages of the two lead actors.
Azaan Sami Khan & Kubra Khan (Meri Tanhai)
Another pairing in Pakistani dramas of 2025 that failed to connect with the audience was Azaan Sami Khan and Kubra Khan in Meri Tanhai. The drama was quite experimental, as it was shot abroad, but the casting did not work in its favor.
The two actors did not appear comfortable together on screen and seemed out of sync throughout the show. Their performances felt forced and overdone, making the pairing look awkward rather than natural. Pairing them together proved to be a misstep, and the weak storyline further failed to support or build any believable chemistry between them.
Sheheryar Munawar & Ushna Shah (Aye Ishq e Junoon)
Aye Ishq-e-Junoon was one of the more successful Pakistani dramas of 2025 and featured some of the year’s strongest performances. Despite its popularity, the chemistry between the lead couple failed to make an impact.
Sheheryar Munawar delivered a solid performance and managed to bring intensity and charm to his character. However, Ushna Shah’s acting did not resonate with viewers, and many felt she could not match her co-star’s screen presence. This imbalance weakened the on-screen chemistry and left audiences dissatisfied, with her performance becoming a point of criticism rather than praise.
Feroze Khan & Durefishan Saleem (Sanwal Yaar Piya)
Feroze Khan and Durefishan Saleem were paired together in the much-anticipated drama Sanwal Yaar Piya. While they do not look bad on screen as a couple, their chemistry failed to leave a strong impression. The main reason behind this disconnect is Mr. Sanwal himself, played by Ahmed Ali Akbar.
Ahmed Ali Akbar brought a distinct charm, style, and depth of romance to the screen that clearly overshadowed the pairing of Feroze and Durefishan. His presence resonated more with the audience, leading fans to root for Piya to end up with Sanwal instead. This shift in audience interest ultimately weakened the chemistry between Piya and Aliyar, making their pairing less convincing.
Mikaal Zulfiqar & Amar Khan (Dil e Nadan)
Mikaal Zulfiqar and Amar Khan starred together in Dil-e-Nadan, a Pakistani drama in which almost nothing seemed to work. From the storyline to the direction and overall performances, the show faced heavy criticism. The on-screen chemistry between the lead pair also suffered as a result.
Amar Khan’s character came across as overly childish and naïve, while Mikaal Zulfiqar’s character remained toxic throughout the drama. This imbalance made their pairing difficult to root for, and by the end of the show, viewers had little interest in seeing them together.
Humayun Saeed & Sajal Aly (Main Manto Nahi Hoon)
Main Manto Nahi Hoon is a classic example of a promising drama that ended on a deeply disappointing note. Humayun Saeed and Sajal Aly are two of the biggest names in the Pakistani drama industry, and both delivered strong performances within the scope of their characters. However, the decision to portray a romantic relationship between a teacher and a student, with nearly a 20-year age gap, was widely viewed as unacceptable and disturbing.
The pairing failed to generate any believable chemistry and instead made viewers uncomfortable. Rather than adding depth or emotional impact, the relationship felt unsettling, and watching the two together left audiences disturbed, ultimately overshadowing the strengths the drama initially had.
Mawra Hocane & Zaviyar Nauman Ijaz (Agar Tum Saath Ho)
Mawra Hocane played a central role in a love triangle alongside Zaviyar Nauman Ijaz and her now-husband, Ameer Gilani, in the Pakistani drama Agar Tum Saath Ho. Despite the high expectations, the show ended up being a major flop.
The on-screen chemistry between Mawra and Zaviyar failed to click. Zaviyar’s character was meant to be an intense, obsessive lover, but that intensity never translated convincingly on screen. As a result, their pairing felt flat, and the dramatic tension that the storyline required was never fully realized.
Farhan Saeed & Kinza Hashmi (Shirin Farhad)
Farhan Saeed, widely regarded as the romance king of Pakistani dramas, has always been praised for his on-screen pairings. However, his pairing with Kinza Hashmi did not resonate with audiences.
The duo starred in a love story set in old Lollywood, which initially seemed promising. Unfortunately, the lackluster storyline failed to support their chemistry, and as a result, fans were not captivated by their pairing. Despite their individual talents, the show struggled to create the romantic impact viewers had hoped for.
Imran Ashraf & Sonya Hussyn (Masoom)
Farhan Saeed, widely regarded as the romance king of Pakistani dramas, has always been praised for his on-screen pairings. However, his pairing with Kinza Hashmi did not resonate with audiences.
The duo starred in a love story set in old Lollywood, which initially seemed promising. Unfortunately, the lackluster storyline failed to support their chemistry, and as a result, fans were not captivated by their pairing. Despite their individual talents, the show struggled to create the romantic impact viewers had hoped for.
