For over two decades, Maria Wasti was a familiar face in every Pakistani household. From her unforgettable role in Ashiyana to her powerful performances in Rehai, Buri Aurat, and Malka Aliya, she carved a space for herself as one of the finest actresses of her generation. Yet lately, fans have noticed a startling shift — Maria Wasti has quietly vanished from mainstream television. So, where did she go?

Maria Wasti Took A Quiet Exit from the Spotlight

Maria Wasti didn’t just disappear overnight. Her on-screen presence began to fade gradually, leaving fans wondering if she had retired, relocated, or simply moved on. But the truth isn’t rooted in scandal or mystery — it’s far more artistic.

In a candid appearance on Mazaqraat with Imran Ashraf, Maria finally addressed the question everyone’s been asking: Why is she no longer doing dramas?

Her answer was refreshingly honest and steeped in artistic integrity. “It’s good to take a break,” she shared. “We often find work in abundance, but the quality is usually compromised.”

Tired of Repetitive Scripts and Shallow Characters

For Maria, the issue isn’t about opportunity — it’s about content. Despite her fame and credibility, the roles she’s being offered simply don’t excite her anymore. According to her, today’s TV scripts often lack depth and originality. They ignore the complexity of real human beings — the layered personalities, the nuanced conflicts, the rich inner lives.

“A person is a son, a father, a husband. Each role brings out a different side,” she said. “But nobody seems willing to write stories on such characters anymore.”

It’s a damning critique of today’s drama industry, where quantity often trumps quality, and formulaic stories dominate the prime-time slot.

A Hope for Creative Revival

Maria Wasti hasn’t bid farewell to acting — not at all. Instead, she’s waiting for the right story, the kind that challenges her as an artist. Until then, she’s choosing silence over mediocrity — a brave, bold choice in an industry addicted to visibility.

Her absence, in fact, says a lot more than any role she could currently take on.

Maria’s fans may miss her on screen, but perhaps this break is exactly what she — and the drama industry — needs. A reset. A return to storytelling that’s honest, layered, and worthy of actors like her.

Read more: Maria Wasti Sheds Light on Phrase: My Body, My Choice

Rubina Ashraf is a seasoned Pakistani television actor who got fame through hit PTV classic dramas. Her notable dramas are Kasak, Pas e Aaina, Dil Zar Zar, Angna, Aik Sitam Aur, Zakham and others. Rubina Ashraf also directed popular TV show Ruswai. She was recently praised in Green Entertainment’s hit drama serial Iqtidar. Rubina Ashraf is married and has two children. She often shares her pictures with daughter and husband.

Lately, Rubina Ashraf was a guest at Good Morning Pakistan where she opened up about coping with financial struggles as a newly wed bride.

Talking about it, she said, “The most challenging period in a girl’s life is the first two years of marriage. Everything may seem wonderful—love, building a home, affectionate feelings—but both spouses often get stuck on one issue: budgeting. For the one earning the income, managing finances can be hard. We often used up the entire paycheck within the first 15 days. If we had extra expenses—like a birthday or gifts—it became difficult. Tariq would give me a fixed amount and say, “This is all I gave you—manage with it.”

She further added, “My advice to couples is to discuss the budget openly. I know , the girls would not like my advice but they should manage in husband’s budget. The husband (or primary earner) should clearly state his income status, and together, they should agree to spend and save within that amount”.

Singer Meesha Shafi won a defamation case in the UK against ARY’s broadcaster New Vision TV (NVTV), which settled the matter out of court and issued a public apology. NVTV admitted its broadcast had caused a “misunderstanding” and apologized for any distress caused to Meesha.

The case stemmed from a December 5, 2020, report aired on ARY UK. In 2023, the UK High Court ruled the broadcast was defamatory, stating the channel falsely claimed Meesha had deliberately ignored Pakistani court orders over two years. The court emphasized that portraying her as someone who repeatedly defies legal authority could significantly damage her reputation.

The broadcast clip presented in court alleged Meesha returned to Pakistan to work but avoided court appearances. The High Court found this depiction harmful, noting that such statements could lower her standing among the public.

The court also recognized Meesha as a prominent Pakistani celebrity and a vocal advocate for women’s rights. In 2018, she accused fellow singer Ali Zafar of sexual harassment, sparking one of Pakistan’s most prominent #MeToo cases. Zafar later filed a Rs1 billion defamation suit against her, which she countered with her own.

Though her initial harassment claim was dismissed in 2019 on technical grounds, the Supreme Court of Pakistan agreed in 2021 to hear her appeal regarding the case’s relevance under workplace harassment laws.

Also Read: Ali Zafar’s Mother Unveils the Untold Struggles Amid Meesha Shafi Controversy