When a character becomes the soul of a show, replacing them feels nearly impossible. For over 16 years, the beloved Bulbulay’s Khoobsurat, played by the ever-charming Ayesha Omar, has ruled the hearts of Pakistani sitcom lovers. From her witty one-liners to her vibrant expressions and undeniable beauty, Khoobsurat became a household name, and Ayesha Omar made sure the character left an unforgettable imprint on Pakistan’s pop culture.

But what if the time comes to pass the torch? Who could possibly step into the shoes of Khoobsurat? Ayesha Omar herself may have just answered that million-rupee question—and fans are buzzing.

Before diving into the possible replacement, let’s appreciate how Ayesha Omar built her versatile career leading up to Bulbulay. She started in the late ’90s with College Jeans, smoothly transitioned into comedy with Jutt & Bond, and captivated fans in dramas like Dolly Ki Aayegi Baraat and Roza Ke Roze.

Her talent didn’t stop at acting—she’s also a singer, with hits like Lage Re Nain from Coke Studio and the ultra-famous Tooti Frooti from Karachi Se Lahore. She even hosted cooking shows, blending charm with culinary finesse.

But it’s Khoobsurat—with her designer outfits, sharp wit, and hilarious chemistry with Nabeel and Mehmood Sahib—that sealed Ayesha’s place as sitcom royalty.

In a recent entertainment talk show, Ayesha was asked a fun yet intriguing question: If she had to hand over the role of Khoobsurat to someone else—Sajal Aly, Yumna Zaidi, or Soniya Hussain—who would she choose?

Without hesitation, Ayesha lit up and answered: Sajal Aly.

And honestly? It makes perfect sense.

Sajal brings a unique blend of innocence, sass, and effortless acting chops that could breathe fresh energy into the role. She has already proven her mettle across genres—drama, tragedy, romance, and even subtle comedy. Her ability to command screen presence while delivering nuanced expressions could be exactly what Khoobsurat 2.0 needs.

Sajal Aly fans were quick to take to social media, rallying behind Ayesha Omar’s suggestion. Memes, edits, and tweets began surfacing, all cheering for Sajal’s casting in Bulbulay—whether as a new character or a reimagined Khoobsurat. The idea may have started as hypothetical fun, but now it has sparked real curiosity.

Can Sajal Aly slip into the colorful world of Bulbulay? Could she carry forward the legacy Ayesha Omar built with such grace and charisma?

Only time—and perhaps the producers—will tell.

Read more: Ayesha Omar Finds Peace in Istanbul’s Forests

Two of Pakistan’s most celebrated films — Nayab and Deemak — have earned top honors at the prestigious Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Film Festival held in Chongqing, China. The event brought together creative minds from SCO member states, but it was Pakistan’s cinematic storytelling that stole the spotlight.

 

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Directed by Umair Nasir Ali, Nayab tells the inspiring story of a middle-class girl determined to make a name for herself in the competitive world of cricket. With a powerful performance by Yumna Zaidi and Usama Khan, the film resonated deeply across cultures and borders. Out of 19 competing films representing nations like China, Russia, India, Iran, and others, Nayab clinched the coveted Jury Special Award, a recognition of its emotional depth, bold narrative, and directorial finesse.

Celebrating the win on social media, director Umair Nasir Ali posted a heartwarming message along with a snapshot of him proudly holding the accolade. “Alhumdulilah, Nayab wins Jury Special Award at SCO Film Festival in Chongqing, China,” he wrote. He further emphasized that the jury—composed of experts from every SCO country—praised the film for its artistic brilliance and original storytelling.

Meanwhile, Deemak, a film tackling societal issues, took home the Best Editing Award, showcasing the technical prowess behind its storytelling. With powerhouse performances by Faisal Qureshi, Samina Peerzada, and Sonya Hussayn, the film had already been hailed as a standout in the Pakistani film landscape.

Director Rafay Rashdi expressed his pride in an emotional Instagram post, calling it a “historic win for Pakistani cinema on an international stage.” The recognition of Deemak not only underlines its narrative strength but also its high production values and cinematic craftsmanship.

The twin victories of Nayab and Deemak at the SCO Film Festival mark a broader recognition of Pakistan’s growing influence in global cinema. At a time when stories rooted in authenticity and cultural relevance are gaining traction worldwide, these wins reinforce the power of Pakistani filmmakers to connect with audiences beyond borders.

Read more: Geo Films ‘Deemak’ Becomes Pakistan’s Biggest Horror Blockbuster

Veteran Pakistani TV host and actress Nadia Khan has spoken up, once again stirring conversation across both media and public circles. This time, however, the focus isn’t solely on her past criticism of Pakistani celebrities working in Bollywood but rather on her firm support for Punjabi icon Diljit Dosanjh, whom she believes deserves a warm welcome in Pakistan.

In a new video shared on her Instagram, Nadia candidly addressed the backlash she received for what many considered a contradictory stance. Previously, she had criticized actress Hania Aamir for working in Sardaar Ji 3, an Indian film project, especially amid tense political relations between India and Pakistan. Critics accused Nadia of backtracking when she later praised the very film that featured Hania. But Nadia cleared the air with sharp clarity.

“I haven’t changed my stance,” she said. “I still believe that Pakistani artists shouldn’t work in an industry where they’re insulted or humiliated. Our actors have immense fame and credibility here; they don’t need to chase validation from across the border.”

She further cited past incidents, from Mahira Khan’s removal from Indian film posters to Mawra Hocane being ousted from her project, to emphasise that Bollywood has often reacted negatively during periods of political friction, leaving Pakistani talent in the lurch.

But her support for Sardaar Ji 3 stems from an exception—Diljit Dosanjh. According to Nadia, Diljit’s decision to retain Hania in the film, despite all political pressure, showed integrity and courage. The film wasn’t released in India, but it premiered worldwide with Hania’s role intact.

“That moved me,” Nadia confessed. “He didn’t bow down to external pressure. While others might have dropped a Pakistani actress, Diljit stood by her. For that reason alone, I truly feel we should respect him and even welcome him in Pakistan.”

While many applaud her for distinguishing between principled support and blind cross-border collaborations, others are still questioning the delicate balance between art and nationalism.

Read more: Nadia Khan Warns: Next Attack Will Go to Court