Veteran Pakistani actress Shaista Jabeen has urged television writers and producers to create original stories and more diverse characters, warning that the industry is increasingly relying on familiar themes and repeated character types.
Jabeen is set to appear in the upcoming drama Ikhtiyaar, which stars Shahroz Sabzwari, Srha Asghar, Faiza Hassan and Yasir Nawaz.
Describing the project as a powerful and emotionally engaging drama, Jabeen praised its storyline and the performances of the cast.
“It is a phenomenal drama and a story that touches the heart,” she said, adding that her fellow actors had performed their roles commendably.
Praise for Ikhtiyaar Production
Jabeen also praised the production facilities behind Ikhtiyaar, particularly its set.
She described the set as outstanding and said it reminded her of television productions from earlier in her career.
The actress said production standards and working conditions have changed considerably since she began working in the industry.
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“Earlier, we managed to do more with less. Now, there is more, but we are managing with less,” she remarked.
A Career Spanning Decades
Jabeen began her acting career on stage during the 1980s before moving into television.
She gained wider recognition through Pakistan Television productions during the 1990s, with Dasht serving as a major breakthrough in her career.
Her other notable dramas include Aaghosh, Duniya Dari and Beti. She has since appeared in more than 50 television serials.
Fresh Writing Remains the Biggest Challenge
Despite improvements in production resources, Jabeen believes Pakistani television faces a more fundamental problem: the lack of fresh writing.
She called original storytelling the biggest challenge confronting the industry and urged writers and producers to move beyond repetitive themes.
Her comments come as Pakistani television continues to produce a large number of dramas, with audiences increasingly exposed to similar storylines and character arcs.
For Jabeen, stronger writing and greater creative diversity could help the industry produce stories that feel more relevant, engaging and memorable.
