Sutapa Sikdar, the acclaimed screenwriter and widow of legendary actor Irrfan Khan, recently expressed her admiration for Pakistani actress Hajra Yamin’s work while commenting on a social media post discussing the actress’s performance in the Pakistani drama Doctor Bahu. Her words quickly caught the attention of drama lovers on both sides of the border.
Sharing her thoughts, Sikdar described Hajra as an “underrated gem,” praising her ability to elevate scenes regardless of the actors around her. She noted that she had watched the actress in several projects and was consistently impressed by the depth and commitment she brought to her performances.
According to Sikdar, Yamin’s command over her craft is so strong that she often shines even when paired with less experienced co-stars. At the same time, she observed that whenever Hajra worked alongside equally talented performers, the chemistry and impact of the scenes reached an entirely different level.
The veteran writer also reserved special praise for Doctor Bahu, calling it a thoughtfully written and skillfully directed drama. Her remarks highlighted not only her appreciation for Yamin’s talent but also her admiration for the quality of storytelling being produced in Pakistan.
Journalist Sadiq Saleem, whose Instagram post sparked the conversation, responded by saying that Hajra would be delighted to read such praise coming from someone associated with one of South Asia’s most respected artistic families. As it turned out, he was right.
Hajra Yamin later replied with a heartfelt message of gratitude, revealing how meaningful the recognition was for her. The actress shared that she had long admired the work of the late Irrfan Khan and considered herself both a fan and a student of his performances.
She thanked Sikdar for her support, describing the compliment as incredibly special given the immense respect she holds for Irrfan’s artistic legacy.
The exchange has also rekindled memories of a time when artists from Pakistan and India frequently celebrated each other’s work and collaborated across borders. Irrfan Khan himself was a symbol of that cultural connection. Throughout his career, he worked alongside several Pakistani stars, including Adnan Siddiqui in the film A Mighty Heart and Saba Qamar in the critically acclaimed Hindi Medium; his passing in 2020 was mourned deeply by audiences in both countries, reflecting the immense admiration he commanded across South Asia.
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