Pakistani dramas are celebrated worldwide for their relatable storylines. A key factor in a drama’s appeal lies in how its characters are crafted. When viewers can either identify with a character or admire them, they form a stronger connection to the story. The way a character is designed significantly influences how audiences perceive not only the individual but the entire show.
Styling plays a crucial role in defining a character’s identity. Adeel from Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum serves as a prime example of how even a darker-skinned character, when styled thoughtfully, can capture the audience’s admiration.
Unfortunately, many characters in Pakistani dramas are often not styled to their full potential. Poor styling can detract from the narrative and hinder the audience’s ability to engage with the show. The year 2025 saw the introduction of several characters whose styling felt mismatched or out of place.
Here is a list of actors whose styling in Pakistani dramas left much to be desired:
Zara Noor Abbas (Ek Jhooti Kahani)
Zara Noor Abbas appeared in Hum TV’s Ek Jhooti Kahani, a drama that leaned toward romantic comedy, pairing her with Mohib Mirza for the first time. Unfortunately, the show failed to resonate with audiences, and Zara’s styling in the drama drew criticism. Her makeup appeared heavy, and her outfits often seemed gaudy. While the story was colorful and centered around family themes, her wardrobe choices did not complement her overall look. Even her wedding ensemble felt over-the-top and mismatched. Although her styling has improved in the later episodes, the initial presentation could have been handled more thoughtfully.
Hiba Bukhari (Main Zameen Tu Aasman)
Hiba Bukhari is one of the leading actresses in Pakistani dramas. She made her acting comeback in Main Zameen Tu Aasman after giving birth to her daughter, portraying a young, spirited girl still in her studies but bold enough to stand up for her father. However, her styling in the show raised concerns. Her outfits were excessively baggy, which seemed unnecessary given that she looked perfectly fit. Additionally, the use of bandanas and unusual accessories intended to make her appear younger only detracted from her look. Hiba’s natural beauty was further overshadowed by makeup choices that appeared dull, with the overuse of bronzer particularly noticeable on screen.
Durefishan Saleem (Sanwal Yaar Piya)
Durefishan Saleem stepped in to replace Iqra Aziz in the Pakistani drama Sanwal Yaar Piya, portraying Piya, a young woman in her early twenties who has just graduated from college and started university. However, her styling in the opening scenes raised eyebrows. The school uniform she wore felt out of place for her age and character, and the addition of hair bands made the look even less believable. While Durefishan is undeniably beautiful, these styling choices did not suit a modern Gen Z character.
Feroze Khan (Sanwal Yaar Piya)
Feroze Khan, a superstar of Pakistani dramas, is currently portraying Aliyar in the mega drama Sanwal Yaar Piya. While his character is a young student, his styling felt overly polished and out of touch with contemporary youth fashion. The gelled-back hair and tight-fitted pants did not reflect the casual style of today’s young men. As a result, Feroze appeared more like himself than the character Aliyar, in contrast to Ahmed Ali Akbar’s portrayal of Sanwal, where the styling fully embodied the character.
Hareem Farooq (Sharpasand)
Hareem Farooq is currently starring in Sharpsand, a Pakistani drama that explores the hidden complexities of seemingly positive individuals. She portrays a young woman married to the love of her life, a character with her own thoughts and opinions. However, her styling in the show—from outfits to accessories—often appears haphazard. While Hareem has a distinct personal style, it is not reflected in her character, making the look feel improvised rather than intentional. Compared to the perfectly styled Nouman Ijaz and Hira Mani, Hareem’s appearance at times feels jarring and inconsistent with the overall aesthetic of the drama.
Sajal Aly (Main Manto Nahi Hoon)
Sajal Aly, one of the biggest stars in Pakistani dramas, took on the role of Mehmal in Main Manto Nahi Hoon. Her character, however, proved to be so problematic that many viewers wished she would end up with the villain instead. Styling-wise, Mehmal’s wardrobe did not align with that of a 21–22-year-old university student. She was often dressed like a newlywed bride, wearing bangles and jhumkis to class with her hair always left open—choices that were entirely impractical for a student in Lahore. Additionally, given that the women in both families observed purdah and frequently visited dargahs, it was difficult to reconcile how Mehmal could wear a see-through lehenga shirt for her wedding. The styling choices felt inconsistent and detracted from the character’s believability.
Sahar Hashmi (Man Mast Malang)
Sahar Hashmi is a young actress and a recent entrant into the Pakistani drama industry. She starred in one of the most-watched shows of the year, Man Mast Malang, which faced criticism for its problematic storyline. However, Sahar’s styling in the drama also left much to be desired. Audiences found it difficult to understand how her character could inspire romance at first sight, especially with a conspicuous plastic red rose in her hair. Additionally, the repeated use of a school uniform for her character felt unnecessary and out of place, further detracting from the overall look.
Amar Khan (Dil E Nadan)
Dil e Nadan was far from a typical Pakistani drama—it seemed more like a misstep against Amar Khan. The talented actress was given one of the least convincing roles of her career, compounded by questionable styling choices. She was once again placed in a white college uniform with overly styled hair, which felt unrealistic for a student. Later, her traditional outfits post-marriage did not align with the cultural context of the family she was part of, further detracting from the character’s authenticity.
